Understand the Significance of the ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects
The ShanghaiRanking organisation publishes the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS), which evaluates roughly 20,000 subject units from about 2,000 universities worldwide. The ranking focuses on five key categories—research impact, research output, international collaboration, peer assessment, and academic reputation—using nine objective indicators. A high placement in GRAS signals that a university’s research and teaching in a specific discipline meet international standards and are recognized by peers in the field.
Obuda University’s Breakthrough Position in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
In 2025, Obuda University achieved an unprecedented result: it entered the 200–250 band for Electrical & Electronic Engineering. This marks the first time a Hungarian university has appeared in this discipline on the ShanghaiRanking list. The placement highlights the university’s strong research output, high‑quality publications, and growing international collaboration, especially in the areas of power electronics, signal processing and smart grid technologies.
Why a Smaller, Specialist Institution Can Ascend Quickly
Traditional rankings often favour large, historically established universities with broad research portfolios. Obuda University’s success demonstrates the potential of smaller, specialist institutions to achieve top‑tier rankings when they concentrate resources on niche engineering disciplines and foster partnerships with industry and academia. The university’s research community, comprised of experienced professors, post‑docs and PhD students, has produced dozens of highly cited papers in recent years, contributing to its swift rise.
Impact on Students and Prospective Enrolments
Enhanced Academic Reputation
For students, a ranking in the global top 250 signals that the electrical engineering curriculum is aligned with international standards. It also means that the faculty members’ research is visible worldwide, allowing students to engage in cutting‑edge projects and access a broad network of experts.
Career Opportunities in Industry
Industry partners recognise ShanghaiRanking as a credible benchmark. Companies such as Siemens, ABB and local high‑tech startups often recruit from universities that have strong world‑class rankings. This opens doors for internships, co‑op placements and full‑time roles after graduation.
International Mobility and Collaboration
Students and researchers can benefit from increased mobility programmes. EU research projects, such as Horizon Europe, award funding to universities with proven research impact. A strong ShanghaiRanking placement strengthens Obuda University’s bids for multicentre projects and attracts visiting scholars from abroad.
How the Ranking Influences Faculty and Research Funding
Research funding agencies in Hungary and beyond consider international rankings when allocating grants. A top 200 placement boosts the university’s eligibility for high‑value grants from both the Hungarian state (e.g., H2020-JPI) and European bodies. This funding supports further research on topics like renewable energy integration, 5G communications, and digital health technologies.
Strategic Vision: Building on the Momentum
Obuda University’s leadership has outlined a set of initiatives to sustain and improve its ranking position:
- Strengthen International Collaborations. The university is actively seeking joint research agreements with leading institutions in Germany, Sweden and the United States.
- Expand Graduate Programs. New elective courses in artificial intelligence for power systems and advanced robotics will be introduced.
- Enhance Industry Partnerships. Regular industry-sponsored laboratory sessions will provide students with real‑world problem‑solving experience.
- Promote Open Science. The university commits to open‑access publishing to increase visibility and citations.
What Prospective Students Should Know Before Applying
Language of Instruction
Most undergraduate courses in Electrical Engineering are taught in English, making the programme accessible to international applicants. Hungarian language courses are available but optional.
Admission Criteria
Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent with strong mathematics and physics grades. The English proficiency requirement can be met with IELTS ≥ 7.0 or TOEFL ≥ 95.
Campus Life and Support Services
Obuda University offers a vibrant student community, including a student union, mentoring programs, and mental‑health counselling. The university’s location in Budapest provides cultural enrichment and easy access to European business hubs.
Practical Steps to Secure Your Place at Obuda University
- Visit the admissions page to review the latest application deadlines.
- Download the application form and gather supporting documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
- Apply directly through the online portal. Keep track of the application status via your Neptun account.
- Consider applying for early‑decision scholarships that support students in STEM fields.
- Book a virtual or in‑person campus visit to meet faculty and prospective classmates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Does the ranking affect tuition fees?
A: No, the ShanghaiRanking position does not influence tuition. However, a strong ranking may increase scholarship opportunities. - Q: Will I have access to research labs during my studies?
A: Yes, the university’s research centres such as the EKIK Laboratories provide students with hands‑on experience. - Q: Is international research experience required for graduate admission?
A: Not mandatory, but having research experience or publications can strengthen your application.
Conclusion: A Step Forward for Hungarian Engineering Excellence
Obuda University’s placement in the ShanghaiRanking’s Electrical & Electronic Engineering cohort reflects the institution’s dedication to high‑quality research and teaching. For students, it offers a gateway to global academic standards, industry partnerships, and a robust professional network. As the university builds on this momentum, it continues to position itself as a key player in European engineering education.
Take Action: Apply to Obuda University today and join a community of engineers shaping the future of technology.
To discover more about the university’s engineering programs and research centres, explore our faculties page or schedule a campus visit. For questions about admission or financial aid, contact the International Relations Office.
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