Aquincum Institute of Technology (AIT) provides a unique English language study abroad experience for North American undergraduates majoring in computer science, software engineering, and related disciplines.
Hungary has a proud tradition of creativity in computing: John von Neumann, who developed the principles of stored-program digital computers, Andy Grove, longtime leader of Intel, and Charles Simonyi, father of Microsoft Office, all got their start in the schools of Budapest.
Program Overview
AIT-Budapest welcomes students to its academically rigorous, friendly, and close-knit study abroad programs.
The program offers tracks in:
All courses are taught in English, in small classes of 10–15 students. AIT’s modern campus is located in a state-of-the-art business park shared with leading IT and R&D companies such as Microsoft, SAP, Canon, and Graphisoft.
Students live in lively neighborhoods in Budapest, the capital of Hungary in Central Europe. Budapest is a vibrant, safe, and culturally rich city, known for its stunning architecture, historic thermal baths, and dynamic arts and food scene. Hungary has a rich mathematical heritage and a long-standing tradition in filmmaking, the arts, and literature, which have often served as powerful forms of cultural identity, social critique, and community expression.
Classes are instructed in English for visiting study abroad students. In classroom settings, you can expect to interact mostly with study abroad peers, as well as a few Hungarian students taking AIT classes.
Areas of Study
COMPUTER & DATA SCIENCES
The Computer and Data Science track is a recommended option for Computer and Data Science majors, typically in junior year or senior fall. At AIT, you have the flexibility to design your own academic path using our Course Catalog.
We provide a supportive, intellectually vigorous environment, with specific focus areas:
Including some NEW COURSES:
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Applied AI - From AI fundamentals to cutting-edge applications, this course prepares students for the future of technology.
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Computational Neuroscience – Algorithms in the Brain explores a fascinating synergy: while AI has learned a tremendous amount from the human and animal brain, the reverse is also true—the rapid evolution of AI is now providing neuroscientists with vital new insights and tools to understand biological intelligence. AIT will be offering this course every Spring semester.
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Math Foundations
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Modern Software Engineering
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Entrepreneurship & Economy
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Culture & Humanities courses related to Hungary’s rich cultural heritage.
Beyond the CS curriculum, AIT allows students to take course(s) of up to 4 credit hours from the AFC program’s Elective Liberal Arts Courses.
RESEARCH
Tailored to the needs of computer science, data science and software engineering undergraduates from North American universities and colleges, AIT offers a semester-long Research Abroad track in Computer Science starting from 2024.
AIT launched the Research program with less coursework and more one-on-one consultation, particularly for students considering an academic career.
The track consists of an intensive Computer Science research project (in English) at a leading university in Budapest, augmented with one or two AIT courses from the CS track.
Through close collaboration with their supervisor, students will develop practical skills, deepen their understanding of cutting-edge topics, and gain valuable hands-on experience in an international academic environment that can contribute to conference presentations, journal publications, and future graduate school applications. This immersive experience involves investigating the role of literature exploration in shaping research hypotheses and plans, fostering collaborative teamwork, and refining skills in clearly communicating research results.
Academic Expectations
AIT offers a rigorous academic program. Academic courses will meet twice a week, for two hours per occasion. Class sizes are small, with approximately 10 to 15 students in a typical class, to allow for discussion and group work. Students can expect regular projects and assessments. In general, courses are classroom-based and follow a similar structure to the traditional U.S. education model. Classes are taught by local Hungarian professors and globally-acclaimed scholars and entrepreneurs.