This autumn, the University of Szeged is taking Hungarian–Chinese higher education cooperation to a new level. In collaboration with Shaanxi Normal University (SNNU), SZTE is launching a unique four-year undergraduate program, with students completing three years of their studies in China and one year in Hungary.
As part of the new four-year undergraduate program jointly launched by the University of Szeged and Shaanxi Normal University, 120 students will be admitted each year. Beyond the numbers, what sets the program apart in the Chinese context is its nationwide scope: while most university programs in China are limited to applicants from a single province, this initiative is open to students from across the entire country. Interestingly, international joint degree programs of this kind are still relatively rare in China, which makes the collaboration between SZTE and SNNU particularly significant. In addition, as something of a precursor to the launch, a group of Chinese students is already in Szeged, taking part in a joint summer university program organized by the two institutions.
Shaanxi Normal University, SZTE’s partner in the initiative, is based in Xi’an – the historic former capital of China and home to the world-famous Terracotta Army – and is widely recognized as a university of high international prestige. The cooperation between the two universities began with a formal agreement signed in September 2022, followed by continuous dialogue and planning. The most significant outcome to date is the launch of a joint four-year degree program, officially titled Computer Science Engineering BSc, which will begin this September and award graduates with qualifications from both institutions.
It is highly unusual for a Chinese university to offer an international program that is open to students nationwide – a distinction that highlights the significance of this initiative. With preparations complete, the first group of 120 students will begin their studies in September. They will spend the first three years in China before completing their final year at the University of Szeged. Building on this foundation, the curriculum emphasizes cutting-edge knowledge in computer science and engineering. At SZTE, the program is coordinated by Dr. László Nyúl, Director of the Institute of Informatics at the Faculty of Science and Informatics. The development of the program has also greatly benefited from the contributions of Cao Zheng Yin, an advisor to the University of Szeged.
SZTE and SNNU representatives meet to advance their joint educational initiative. From left to right: Cao Zheng Yin (Advisor to SZTE), Dr. Tamás Bene (Director for International Affairs and Public Relations, SZTE), Prof. Dr. Zoltán Kónya (Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs and Innovation, SZTE), Dr. Jianzhi Gao (Vice-Dean, SNNU), and Dr. Yifei Sun (Academic Researcher, SNNU)
Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney
The ongoing summer university program is another key outcome of the collaboration between SZTE and SNNU. It began with two weeks of activities in Xi’an, coordinated by Dr. Gábor Dániel Nagy, and is now continuing in Szeged, where a group of Chinese students is currently immersing themselves in Hungarian language and culture. The visiting group is led by Dr. Jianzhi Gao, Vice-Dean at SNNU, and Dr. Yifei Sun, an academic researcher at the Chinese university. Upon their arrival, Prof. Dr. Péter Zakar, Vice-Rector for International and Public Relations at SZTE, formally welcomed all students and faculty members from Xi’an.
“It is a great honor to welcome you on behalf of the university’s leadership. As you may know, the relationship between Hungary and China is excellent – and so, too, is the partnership between the University of Szeged and Shaanxi Normal University. That is why we are especially pleased that this autumn will mark the launch of our first joint degree program in computer science. During your time here now, I encourage you to remain open, observant, and curious – and, above all, I wish you a truly inspiring and rewarding two weeks,” said Professor Zakar in his welcome speech.
As part of the summer university program, the Chinese students became acquainted with Szeged’s history and explored its landmarks.
Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney
Dr. Tamás Bene, Director for International Affairs and Public Relations at SZTE, welcomed the visiting delegation with a tour of the exhibition in the university’s Main Building, offering insights into SZTE’s history and Nobel Prize legacy. He highlighted the achievements of Katalin Karikó, the university’s Nobel laureate professor, and Albert Szent-Györgyi, former rector and fellow Nobel Prize recipient.
“More people live in Xi’an than in all of Hungary, which shows just how different the scale is. Even so, I hope your time in Szeged and at our university will bring you many fulfilling and memorable experiences,” noted Dr. Tamás Bene in his address. “Over the next two weeks, you will have the opportunity to get to know Hungary, the Hungarian people, and Hungarian culture – and, most importantly, the University of Szeged, which is ranked as the top university in Hungary according to the international Shanghai Ranking (ARWU). Today, the University of Szeged is home to 25,000 students, one-fifth of whom come from abroad. While we have previously welcomed delegations from Shaanxi Normal University, this is the first time we are hosting students – marking an important milestone in our partnership.”
Coordination of the summer university program is overseen by Dr. Anett Árvay, a linguist and expert in Hungarian Studies at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at SZTE. During their stay, the Chinese students are introduced to the foundations of the Hungarian language and culture. In addition, they explore iconic aspects of Hungarian tradition and cuisine and take part in excursions to the Ópusztaszer National Historical Heritage Park and the ELI ALPS Laser Research Institute. The group is scheduled to return to China on August 9.
Chinese visitors at the ELI-ALPS Laser Research Institute
Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney
SZTE’s partnerships and academic initiatives with Chinese institutions continue to grow. This autumn, the Department of Altaic Studies will launch a new specialization in Chinese language, and additional collaborations in education and research are already in progress.
Original Hungarian article by Ferenc Lévai
Feature photo: Students and staff from Shaanxi Normal University pictured in front of SZTE’s Main Building with the university’s Vice-Rector for International and Public Relations, Director for International Affairs, and instructors from the summer university program
Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney
