Central European University - CEU vs Budapest University of Technology and Economics - BME vs Eötvös Loránd University - ELTE vs ESSCA School of Management vs IBS International Business School - IBS

Side-by-side comparison from 114 verified student reviews. Scan one row at a time — winners are highlighted

Quick verdict
Higher overall rating: IBS International Business School - IBS (4.50)
Central European University - CEU: wins 0/7 categories
Budapest University of Technology and Economics - BME: wins 1/7 categories
Eötvös Loránd University - ELTE: wins 0/7 categories
ESSCA School of Management: wins 0/7 categories
IBS International Business School - IBS: wins 2/7 categories
Corvinus Business School: wins 4/7 categories
Budapest Metropolitan University: wins 0/7 categories
Comparing
Best programme: Philosophy
Best programme: Civil Engineering
Best programme: International Relations
Best programme: International Business
Best programme: International Management
Best programme: Business Management
Best programme: Animation
Category ratings
Facilities
3.56
4.39
Win
3.73
3.50
4.26
3.00
3.33
Location
3.44
4.90
4.63
3.67
4.05
5.00
Win
3.33
Professors
4.22
3.97
4.07
4.50
4.58
Win
4.00
3.67
Internationality
4.78
4.10
4.24
4.50
4.68
5.00
Win
4.00
Student life
4.00
4.33
3.83
4.33
4.37
5.00
Win
3.00
Value
3.78
4.10
4.12
4.33
4.53
5.00
Win
3.33
Accommodation
3.75
3.84
3.29
2.83
4.05
Win
3.00
3.00
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • +Diverse student body and international perspective
  • +High academic rigor and intellectual stimulation
  • +Expert faculty and dedicated mentorship
  • +High academic standards and quality engineering programs
  • +Capable and friendly professors
  • +Supportive study environment and technological innovations
  • +Excellent professors and clear explanations
  • +Rigorous and well-structured programs
  • +Broad and interesting academic opportunities
  • +International focus and diverse programs
  • +Experiential learning and networking opportunities
  • +Supportive professors and student community
  • +Diverse international student body and cultural exchange
  • +Practical, real-world applicable knowledge and career opportunities
  • +Excellent teaching staff and flexible class schedules
  • +Challenging and skill-enriching academic environment
  • +Positive overall experience despite external factors
  • +Supportive scholarship opportunities
  • +Unique, broad, and exploratory learning approach
  • +Modern, open-minded environment
Cons
  • -Rigid academic structure and lack of intellectual engagement.
  • -Insufficient financial aid and rising tuition fees.
  • -Administrative and organizational issues, combined with underpaid and unmotivated staff, create a negative learning environment.
  • -Outdated study programs fail to meet current academic standards.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause frustration and inefficiency.
  • -Outdated facilities and equipment hinder learning and comfort.
  • -Lack of clear communication and student support creates confusion and dissatisfaction.
  • -Administrative and management issues are a significant source of frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and poor maintenance are frequently criticized.
  • -Lack of engaging teaching and curriculum concerns are common complaints.
  • -Administrative and management issues are a significant source of frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and resources hinder the learning experience.
  • -Lack of clear communication and support creates uncertainty for students.
  • -Administrative and management issues are a constant source of frustration.
  • -Facilities are often outdated and poorly maintained.
  • -Course content and teaching methods are frequently seen as unengaging and irrelevant.
  • -Lack of practical skills and real-world application in the curriculum.
Rating summary
What students say

Internationality stands out as the strongest area, achieving an impressive rating. Conversely, facilities present the weakest aspect, with a score of 3.56. Other areas like professors and student life received strong marks, while location, accommodation, and value also scored positively, indicating a generally well-regarded institution with distinct strengths and some room for improvement in its physical infrastructure.

This university garners impressive marks, particularly excelling in its **Location**, which achieved a near-perfect score. **Facilities** and **Student Life** also stand out with robust ratings. While the university performs well in **Internationality** and **Value**, areas like **Professors** and **Accommodations** received comparatively lower, though still respectable, scores.

This university garners high marks in several key areas, with **Location** standing out as its strongest attribute at 4.63. **Internationality** and **Value** also received very favorable scores, reflecting strengths in global appeal and perceived worth. Conversely, **Accommodations** present the weakest area, scoring notably lower than other categories. **Professors** and **Student Life** are rated positively, indicating solid performance in teaching and campus experience.

The university demonstrates considerable strengths, notably in its **Professors** and **Internationality**, both earning a high rating of 4.5. **Student Life** and **Value** also score very well at 4.33. Conversely, **Accomodation** presents the weakest area with a rating of 2.83. **Facilities** are rated at 3.5, and **Location** at 3.67, indicating room for improvement in these aspects.

This university garners impressive scores across multiple aspects. Internationality stands out as its strongest area, followed closely by professors and value. On the other hand, location and accommodation received the lowest ratings, though still within a generally positive range. Overall, student life and facilities also scored well, contributing to a solid academic profile.

This institution garners exceptional marks for its **location, student life, internationality, and overall value**, all receiving perfect scores. The quality of its **professors** is also highly praised. However, areas for improvement are evident in **facilities and accommodation**, which received lower, albeit still adequate, ratings.

This university presents a generally positive but mixed picture. Its strongest areas include Internationality, scoring a solid 4. Professors also received a commendable rating of 3.67. Conversely, Student Life and Accommodation are its weakest points, both averaging a 3. Facilities, Location, and Value are all rated moderately at 3.33.

Reviews summary
Highlights

~70% of reviews are positive, highlighting diversity, teaching methods, and faculty expertise. ~20% of feedback is negative, citing rigid academic structure and a lack of critical engagement.

With an average rating of 4.12/5, approximately 74% of reviews are positive, highlighting strong academic programs, capable professors, and a good study environment. A small portion of feedback (~3%) mentions issues with outdated facilities or organizational challenges.

Most university student feedback (approximately 74%) is positive, highlighting rigorous programs, knowledgeable professors, and a good community. Some students noted minor administrative disorganization and issues with professors' English proficiency.

With an average rating of 4.17/5 from 6 reviews, ~83% are positive, highlighting international focus, experiential learning, and networking. Some note demanding workloads.

With a 4.53/5 average, ~95% of reviews are positive. Students praise practical knowledge, real-world problem-solving, excellent teaching staff, and a curriculum preparing them for today's world. The international environment, diverse student body, and opportunities to understand different cultures are also frequently highlighted.

This university receives very positive feedback, with ~100% of reviews being 4-5 stars. Students highlight the nourishing of skills and a competitive yet positive environment. Accommodation costs are noted as high.

With an average rating of 3/5, student feedback is mixed. Approximately 33% of reviews are negative, citing a lack of technical skills and real-world experience. Positive comments highlight the university's unique, modern, and open-minded approach.

Rating distribution
5★
30%
39%
36%
33%
63%
0%
0%
4★
40%
36%
38%
50%
26%
100%
33%
3★
10%
21%
26%
17%
11%
0%
33%
2★
10%
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
33%
1★
10%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Most useful review
Most liked

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Racist university and agressive professors

When I was admitted to BME, I had high expectations. Coming from a successful high school background with strong foundations in algebra, informatics, and physics, I was confident and motivated to thrive in a top European engineering university. Unfortunately, my experience at BME has not lived up to my expectations—especially as an international student. 1. Administrative and Structural Discrimination One of the biggest disappointments has been the clear separation between Hungarian, Erasmus, and international students. Almost every event is divided by nationality, creating silos instead of an inclusive academic community. Even basic facilities like dormitories are unequally allocated—Hungarian students are placed near the campus, while many international students, including myself, are forced to live in dormitories located in entirely different cities. This makes commuting to university both time-consuming and costly. Administrative support is also extremely lacking for non-Hungarians. The bureaucracy is slow, confusing, and often indifferent toward international students’ concerns. It often feels like we are not valued or even acknowledged unless we are fluent in Hungarian. 2. Unequal Treatment and Favoritism Although BME promotes itself as an international institution, there is clear favoritism in student selection and treatment—particularly towards Arabic students. While the university’s rector is of Arabic origin, it seems that this has led to an overwhelming admission of students from the same background (up to 80% in some departments), and unfortunately, favoritism in how rules are applied. There are PhD students, also from similar backgrounds, who act as teaching assistants and display bias based on religion or ethnicity. I personally faced hostility after expressing differing views in a discussion, and it escalated to verbal and physical aggression from fellow students. Even worse, some instructors allow academic dishonesty to take place openly, turning a blind eye when favored students cheat during exams. 3. Quality of Teaching Academically, the quality of instruction has also been underwhelming. Many professors are very senior, but unfortunately, many are disconnected from modern technological developments. They are often unapproachable, angry, and do not welcome questions. Some professors struggle with basic English, which makes lectures difficult to follow, especially in technical subjects. This severely affects the learning experience for international students. --- Final Thoughts If you're considering studying at BME as an international student, especially if you're seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking academic environment and fair treatment, I urge you to do thorough research and consider your options carefully. My personal experience has been marked by exclusion, inequality, and a lack of academic and personal support. Higher education should be a space for growth, innovation, and inclusion,but sadly, that has not been my experience at BME.

Mixed feelings

There is a big variety of departments to choose from, including ones that are the only available ones within the country. Unfortunately on the other hand, the organization and communication of the institution was not on the level of quality that one would expect from one of the top universities in the country. Regarding the quality of education, I had very mixed experiences as there are big differences within the departments and among the professors.

Engaging

ESSCA School of Management is known for its international approach and diverse programs. In my opinion, many students appreciate its emphasis on experiential learning and the opportunities for international exposure through exchange programs and internships. However, some may find the workload demanding and challenging but that's the way it operates. Whether I recommend it would depend on your specific academic and career goals, as well as your preferences for learning style and environment. Likes/ Dislikes: *Essca provides enormous opportunities to improve and enhance your skill. *Diversified culture *Provides webinars and seminars across all the campuses. *Workload Management could be seen as an disadvantage. As sometimes, you may find it very challenging.

INTERNATIONAL ATMOSPHERE

- Great University. - Great support system from teachers. - You will meet different nationalities. - Recommendable to anyone. I am a Master student in International Management. This course will help you later for working in Multinationals company and also management level.

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