Students from all over the world choose Szeged to pursue their university studies. Aleksandar Pilipović, a Serbian student at SZTE and President of the University’s EUGLOH Local Student Board, shares what makes the University of Szeged so appealing to international students.
Aleksandar Pilipović has called Szeged home for the past two years. After earning his master’s degree at the University of Szeged, he chose to continue his academic journey at the University, beginning his PhD studies in September 2025.
When asked what makes Szeged and the University stand out to international students, Aleksandar responds:
“[At SZTE,] I became part of an international community that helps me grow personally and build meaningful connections – not only with fellow students but also with professors. The attention and support given to international students here truly make a difference. The University also enjoys a strong reputation abroad; several of my friends actually chose to come here based on personal recommendations. And once someone studies here, they share their experiences when they return home – that kind of word of mouth contributes to more and more international students coming to Szeged each year.”
Aleksandar Pilipović
While tuition fees at many Western European and North American universities can place a heavy financial burden on students, in Szeged they can obtain an internationally recognized degree with fees that are highly competitive by international standards. Medical and science programs are especially popular – Aleksandar himself earned a master’s degree in Geoinformatics and has since begun his PhD studies at the Doctoral School of Earth Sciences.
“I did my bachelor’s degree in Novi Sad and had planned to pursue my master’s studies there as well,” Aleksandar recalls. “However, things fell through at the last minute. After that, I first heard about Szeged from one of my professors back home and later learned more about the study opportunities here through LinkedIn. While the application process required both time and some financial commitment, it turned out to be more than worth it – the academic standards here are exceptional.”
Scholarship programs at SZTE play a key role in helping students make the most of their time in Szeged, reflecting the University’s strong commitment to supporting both academic excellence and personal growth. Programs such as Stipendium Hungaricum and Erasmus+ not only ease the financial burden of studying abroad but also support students’ integration and help them build lasting international connections.
Aleksandar studies in Szeged on a Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship. He says that scholarships such as Stipendium Hungaricum and Diaspora give students the freedom to focus fully on their studies without financial pressure. “We feel valued,” he says with a smile. “The scholarship amount is generous enough to make it genuinely easier for us to stay and continue our studies here.”
Szeged’s friendly atmosphere, sense of safety, and lively cultural scene make it particularly appealing to young people. Compact, walkable, and well served by public transport, the city quickly feels like home. Events such as the Autumn Cultural Festival also add to its charm, filling the streets with art, music, and conversation. Although Aleksandar notes the absence of an enclosed campus typical of some universities abroad, he describes Szeged as unmistakably student-friendly. Everything is within easy reach, and the city’s festivals and gatherings offer countless chances to connect, celebrate, and belong.
Today, thousands of international students are enrolled at the University of Szeged, representing more than a hundred countries and shaping a truly multicultural environment. The International Office and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) regularly host programs that bring students together, while the European University Alliance for Global Health (EUGLOH) offers opportunities to take part in international courses, research collaborations, and mobility exchanges. Reflecting on his years in Szeged, Aleksandar says:
“I think this is one of the most inspiring qualities of the University. I’ve found an international community where I can grow personally and build meaningful connections. Back in Serbia, I was part of a student organization, and I’m convinced that communities like these offer invaluable opportunities for both professional and personal growth. I’ve been involved with the EUGLOH Local Student Board for two years, and it’s been one of the most rewarding choices of my academic journey. Through it, I’ve taken part in fantastic programs and made lifelong friends – and now, as president, I’m excited to give even more back to the international student community.”
The University of Szeged has experienced steady growth in its international student community over recent years – a sign of its rising global appeal. In 2025, nearly 1,500 students from 132 countries chose SZTE, representing a 25 percent increase from the previous year. This expanding diversity reflects the University’s growing reputation abroad, reinforced by its presence in leading international rankings. In the 2025 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU, known as the Shanghai Ranking), the University of Szeged was recognized as Hungary’s highest-ranked institution. The achievements of its researchers, the expertise of its teaching staff, and the breadth of its academic programs all contribute to making SZTE an increasingly attractive destination for students worldwide.
The University’s international standing is well earned. It combines academic excellence with accessible study opportunities, while Szeged itself – a compact, welcoming, and student-oriented city – provides an ideal environment for academic and personal development. Together, they create a university experience shaped by global perspectives and strengthened by a close-knit community.
Original Hungarian article by Fruzsina Nánai
