PÁZMÁNY PÉTER CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY
Pázmány Péter Catholic University (PPKE) is a state approved higher education institution governed by the Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, run by the Catholic Church and approved directly by the Holy See. It is one the oldest universities in continuous operation as PPKE was founded in 1635 and reistablished in 1992. It aims to offer people-oriented, high-quality education, classical knowledge and innovation within its multifaceted education system. PPKE has a long-standing tradition in teaching a range of disciplines such as theology, legal sciences, social sciences, humanities, information technology and bionics.
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
PPKE is a place of research, where scholars scrutinize reality with the methods proper to each academic discipline. Currently, it has 4 faculties – Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Faculty of Law and Political Sciences and Faculty of Theology - which offer 2 Bachelor (BA), 10 Master (MA), 4 Doctoral (PhD) and 5 Postgraduate specialist training programmes in English.
PPKE holds membership in multiple networks, such as the FUCE (Federation of European Catholic Universities) and IFCU (International Federation of Catholic Universities), and a regional cooperation initiated by PPKE among universities from countries of the Visegrád Plus group. PPKE is member of the (EUA) and European Association for International Education (EAIE) and also collaborates with the research centre and technological centres of prestigious European, American, African, Middle-Eastern, Far Eastern, Caucasian and Australian universities and with Hungarian and international research companies. Furthermore, the university buildings include multiple research centres, laboratories and students can opt for a pass for each faculty.
LOCATION AND CAMPUS
The Faculties are located in the bustling city center. The Faculty of Theology – the eldest School of the University – has its base in the 5th district, in an impressive building. The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences has its main location in Sophianum, downtown Budapest while at the Esztergom Campus serves as the centre for teacher education. The Faculty of Law and Political Science is also located in downtown Budapest thus it offers a great opportunity for students to connect with their fellows. The Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics provides access for students to cutting-edge facilities and is in the 8th district of Budapest.
In the future, this multi-campus education will be replaced by a new university campus in the city centre, designed for the 21st century. The project will include laboratories, IT and technical research centres, a modern university library with associated reading rooms, a sport field and a dormitory for hundreds of students.
ACTIVITIES (NOT JUST) FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
PPKE offers a wide range of activities which aims to help students get to know their fellows, the University, its traditions and of course Hungary as well.
Opening Party and Information Day
The Opening Party is the first event organized in each academic year. It helps students to find their way back to university life after the holidays. The Opening Party is usually preceded by the Information Day, at which students receive key information about the University.
Freshman Ball
The Freshman Ball is the most elegant event of each academic year, during which students wear their fanciest dresses and enjoy the party which is accompanied by a game of tombola, ball opening waltz and the selection of the bell of the ball. Usually, some popular performers and entertainers are invited to make the ball memorable.
Intercultural Evenings
PPKE organizes intercultural evenings where students can cook their traditional food, present their culture, and show videos of their country. These events serve as great opportunities to get to know fellow international students and make new friends.