MATE, THE AGRICULTURE HUB OF THE COUNTRY
The Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), the former Szent István University is one of the largest agriculture-focused universities in Europe, located in 5 different towns of Hungary in Budapest, Gödöllő, Gyöngyös, Kaposvár and Keszthely. Although under the present name the university was established on 1st February 2021, its history dates back even to 1797 when the first life science related higher education institution in Europe (Georgikon Campus) was established. The institution went through numerous integration stages throughout the past years and by today, with 5 campuses, 22 university institutes and 12 doctoral schools, it became the centre of agricultural education in Hungary with 13500 students and 2480 staff members. MATE also has a training place in the town of Szarvas, and across the border in Beregszász, Csíkszereda, Révkomárom, Székelyudvarhely and Zenta as well.
With its five campuses and several training places, MATE makes agricultural and life science education available in nearly all parts of the country. The main campus of the University - and at the same time one of the largest campuses of Hungary – is Szent István Campus located in the town of Gödöllő approximately 26 km from Budapest. All university campuses, including Buda Campus in Budapest, Károly Róbert Campus in Gyöngyös, Georgikon Campus in Keszthely and Kaposvár Campus are located in a beautiful, green environment full of parks and greenwoods, giving excellent atmosphere for both studying and relaxing.
The campuses have well-equipped, state-of-the-art laboratories and also various study farms, such as the Tass-Puszta Study Farm in Gyöngyös or the 7.5-hectare (or 18 acres) Buda Arboretum in Budapest, offering excellent opportunities for learning and practical teaching at all levels.
DEGREE PROGRAMMES AT MATE
Thanks to its diverse education background built on long-term traditions, MATE offers a wide variety of degree programmes ranging from agricultural, environmental, horticultural and food sciences, , water and renewable energy management, mechanical engineering to economics and social sciences. Degree programmes are available at all levels, with 45 academic programmes in English such as Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at BSc (Gödöllő), or Tourism and Management (Gyöngyös) and Regional and Environmental Economics (Kaposvár) at MA level. There are also a number of English language PhD programmes at the university’s 12 doctoral schools, including the Animal Husbandry Science PhD School and the Environmental Sciences PhD School in Gödöllő or the Doctoral School of Landscape Architecture and Landscape Ecology in Budapest. Thanks to the highly qualified university professors and cutting-edge learning facilities, students can gain comprehensive, practice-oriented knowledge providing them with excellent opportunities for their career path.
LIFE AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
MATE offers a vibrant student atmosphere, for both Hungarian and international students. The university is getting more and more popular among students coming from all parts of the world, which is also proved by the fact that their ratio reached nearly 14% of the whole student community in the previous years. The university towns provide all that a student needs for a full study life: numerous cultural scenes and a great deal of entertainment programmes. The sport courts of the university as well as the surrounding green environment of the campuses – including Lake Balaton in Keszthely or Mátra Mountains in Gyöngyös - offer an excellent place for various outdoor activities. The university organises different social activities for international students, such as the traditional International Dinner, Poetry Day, International Student Garden or the Geography Night series.
The Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences provides excellent opportunities for academic advancement, professional development as well as for gaining high-level practical skills in all fields of agriculture and life sciences. If you wish to obtain European level, comprehensive knowledge in a vibrant multicultural environment, MATE is the place you are looking for.
For more information about the university and its programmes, visit their official website.
Links and sources: Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences