Central European University - CEU vs Budapest University of Technology and Economics - BME vs Corvinus University of Budapest - BCE vs Semmelweis University - SE vs Óbuda University - OE

Side-by-side comparison from 75 verified student reviews. Scan one row at a time — winners are highlighted

Quick verdict
Higher overall rating: Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences - MATE (5.00)
Central European University - CEU: wins 1/6 categories
Budapest University of Technology and Economics - BME: wins 1/6 categories
Corvinus University of Budapest - BCE: wins 0/6 categories
Semmelweis University - SE: wins 0/6 categories
Óbuda University - OE: wins 0/6 categories
Budapest Metropolitan University: wins 0/6 categories
Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences - MATE: wins 4/6 categories
Comparing
Best programme: Philosophy
Best programme: Civil Engineering
Best programme: Communication Studies
Best programme: Dentistry
Best programme: Architecture and Urbanism
Best programme: Animation
Best programme: Agricultural Science
Category ratings
Facilities
3.56
4.39
4.50
4.00
3.20
3.33
4.67
Win
Location
3.44
4.90
Win
4.67
4.33
3.80
3.33
4.67
Professors
4.22
3.97
4.25
3.00
3.80
3.67
5.00
Win
Internationality
4.78
Win
4.10
4.56
4.67
3.80
4.00
4.67
Student life
4.00
4.33
4.50
2.67
3.20
3.00
4.67
Win
Value
3.78
4.10
4.38
5.00
3.40
3.33
5.00
Accommodation
3.75
3.84
4.06
3.00
4.20
3.00
4.67
Win
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
  • +Strong economics and business programs
  • +Supportive and expert faculty and staff
  • +International atmosphere and location
  • +Extensive opportunities for student development and engagement.
  • +Supportive and cooperative faculty fostering a positive learning environment.
  • +Strong reputation and international focus in health sciences.
  • +Practical and industry-relevant education
  • +Supportive and helpful professors
  • +Diverse international student body
  • +Unique, broad, and exploratory learning approach
  • +Modern, open-minded environment
  • +Expert, helpful, and approachable faculty.
  • +Strong academic programs and curriculum.
  • +Cooperative university administration and management.
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 are a recurring problem.
  • -Outdated facilities and a lack of resources are frequently cited.
  • -There is a general dissatisfaction with the curriculum and teaching quality.
  • -Administrative and management issues are a significant concern.
  • -Outdated facilities and a lack of resources are frequently mentioned.
  • -The curriculum and teaching quality often fall short of expectations.
  • -Administrative and management issues caused significant problems.
  • -Outdated facilities and poor condition of buildings were a major concern.
  • -Lack of organized support for international students was evident.
  • -Lack of practical skills and real-world application in the curriculum.
  • -Outdated facilities and inadequate resources are a common complaint.
  • -Inconsistent and unclear communication from staff and administration is frustrating.
  • -A lack of practical application and outdated curriculum are frequently mentioned.
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.

The university demonstrates excellent performance in several key areas, with location receiving the highest marks. Facilities and student life are also rated highly. While accommodations are generally positive, they represent the lowest-rated aspect of the university experience. Overall, the institution presents a strong offering with particularly notable strengths in its physical environment and student engagement.

This institution receives outstanding marks for its **Value** and **Internationality**, scoring a perfect 5 and a near-perfect 4.67 respectively. **Facilities** also rank highly at 4. Areas showing potential for improvement include **Student Life**, with a rating of 2.67, and **Professors** and **Accomodation**, both at a moderate 3. The **Location** is well-regarded at 4.33.

Offering a mixed but generally positive assessment, this institution excels in **Accomodation**, receiving a high score of 4.2. Other strengths include **Professors**, **Location**, and **Internationality**, all rated at 3.8. The university's **Facilities** and **Student Life** are its weakest points, both scoring 3.2, while **Value** sits at a moderate 3.4.

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.

Overall, this institution garners excellent feedback. Professors and value for money received perfect scores, representing its strongest areas. Facilities, location, student life, and accommodation are all highly rated, achieving a consistent 4.67. Internationality also scores favorably at 4.67, indicating a strong global presence. There are no notably weak areas identified in these ratings.

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.

With an average rating of 4.28/5 from 18 reviews, approximately 100% of feedback is positive. Students highlight strong Economics and Business programs, international atmosphere, and a strategic campus location. No negative reviews were recorded.

All three reviews are positive, giving an average rating of 4.33/5 stars. Students highlight endless opportunities for improvement, research, exchange programs, and social gatherings. Teachers are described as cooperative and caring, fostering a serene learning environment.

With 3 out of 5 reviews being positive, students generally find the university offers practical training and helpful professors. Around 20% of feedback noted issues with course availability or administrative support.

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.

All 3 reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5/5 stars. Recurring themes highlight well-qualified, helpful professors and a positive university atmosphere.

Rating distribution
5★
30%
39%
39%
33%
20%
0%
100%
4★
40%
36%
50%
67%
40%
33%
0%
3★
10%
21%
11%
0%
20%
33%
0%
2★
10%
3%
0%
0%
0%
33%
0%
1★
10%
0%
0%
0%
20%
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.

Excellent International Opportunity

Previously studying in the USA, moving to Budapest was a complete culture shock. However, this university offers a vigorous program with ample opportunities for students who want a career in diplomacy and foreign affairs. I feel constantly challenged and surrounded by bright-minded thinkers. Throwing myself into a new country, new culture, and new language has allowed me to truly be immersed in this field of study. While the program is in English, there are ample opportunities for additional foreign language classes. The fact that this university offers scholarships and the base price of tuition is already so low, is an added bonus.

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Erasmus in Banky Donat faculty

I was an Erasmus Student at this University(Banky faculty) in spring semester 19/20. It was the worst Erasmus ever. Only 4/9 subjects which I choose in my Learning Agreement existed in the Neptun system( which is compulsory for every student). So I had only 8/30 ECTS in the first week. Firstly, the coordinators answered my e-mails, but it wasn’t so useful, because they only said: “everything is good don’t mind we will fix it”. (If you try to choose another subject from the “subjects list for Erasmus student” (which is on official page) be ready, that 85% of subjects don’t exist in Neptun or don’t have any places for you. ) After 10000 e-mails with asking for help, they stopped responding to me. It was already the end of the second week of studying when I realize that nothing will change and I couldn’t reach the necessary 30ECTS. I had to return to my home Uni not to miss this semester. I don’t know who is responsible for this situation and I don’t wish anyone to be in my place. So... if you want to spoil your Erasmus, waste money, time and Nerves then go to Obuda University.

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