On September 26, 2025, OBuda University welcomed a high‑level delegation from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT). The event followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the universities earlier that month. Both institutions formalised their goal to deepen collaboration across several strategic sectors, emphasizing shared expertise in digital education, artificial intelligence, and cross‑cultural research.
Strategic Objectives of the New Partnership
The leadership of OBuda University and BUPT outlined four core objectives for the collaboration:
- International research capacity building. Joint projects will target emerging challenges in ICT, AI ethics, and sustainable communication systems.
- Faculty and student mobility. Exchange programs will give scholars and students exposure to different academic environments and cultural contexts.
- Digital learning innovation. Both universities will develop a hybrid Confucius Institute and a Digital Education Demonstration Center to support online and blended teaching.
- Technology transfer and entrepreneurship. Collaborative labs and venture centers aim to translate research into market‑ready solutions.
Key Initiative Highlights
Confucius Institute with Digital Education Features
OBuda University will establish a Confucius Institute incorporating online language courses and cultural modules. The institute will act as a bridge for students of both institutions to learn Mandarin, Chinese culture, and digital competencies in a flexible, technology‑driven format. Digital education features such as adaptive learning platforms and virtual reality tours will be integrated to cater to international students and remote learners.
Joint Artificial Intelligence Laboratory
The new AI lab will focus on responsible AI development, data privacy, and the application of machine learning in critical infrastructure. Faculty from OBuda’s School of Computer Science and BUPT’s AI department will co‑supervise research teams, publish joint papers, and host international workshops.
Digital Education Demonstration Center
The center will showcase best practices in online pedagogy, immersive simulations, and AI‑enhanced assessment tools. Students will have access to high‑definition laboratories, 5G connectivity, and cloud‑based resources that mirror the Huawei‑led smart campus model present at BUPT.
Faculty Exchanges and Research Projects
Both universities committed to launching structured faculty exchange programs. Scholars will spend semesters at the partner campus, presenting research seminars and collaborating on interdisciplinary projects. Research grants will be jointly administered to encourage cross‑border studies in topics such as AI governance, telecom network resilience, and digital health.
Case Study: Huawei Smart Campus Collaboration
During the signing ceremony, Huawei Technologies Hungary highlighted its Smart Education Campus initiatives. By integrating Wi‑Fi 7‑enabled networks, the project offers high‑speed connectivity for smart classrooms, IoT devices, and real‑time data analytics. OBuda University plans to adopt similar infrastructure, providing students with uninterrupted digital learning experiences.
Cultural and Technological Synergies
Beyond academia, the partnership seeks to merge cultural awareness with technological advancement. The Confucius Institute and AI labs will jointly curate exhibitions that showcase China’s digital heritage, such as the development of 5G networks and the impact of AI on public services. These initiatives aim to create a more holistic educational environment that values both cultural understanding and technical mastery.
Implications for Students and Faculty
Student scholars will benefit from access to international courses, research internships, and dual‑degree programs. Faculty members can enhance their teaching portfolios by incorporating new multilingual resources and engaging in cross‑cultural research collaborations. Both groups will gain exposure to cutting‑edge research facilities and a broader academic network.
What Students Need to Know About the Exchange Program
Students interested in participating in the exchange must:
- Submit an application through the Mobility Office, detailing their academic history and language skills.
- Meet the eligibility criteria set by both universities, including a minimum GPA and a basic proficiency test in either Mandarin or English.
- Prepare a research proposal or study plan aligned with the joint programs in AI, digital education, or telecom systems.
- Attend an orientation session organized by the International Relations Office.
Successful applicants will receive scholarship support from the Huawei ICT Academy, reducing tuition fees and covering travel expenses.
How to Get Involved: Opportunities for the Wider Community
OBuda University invites the following groups to participate:
- Prospective International Students: Explore a unique blend of Hungarian and Chinese educational traditions in the new Digital Education Demonstration Center.
- Industry Partners: Collaborate with the AI laboratory to pilot smart‑city solutions and test next‑generation communication protocols.
- Researchers seeking interdisciplinary projects across AI ethics, telecom resilience, and cultural studies.
For more information on study options, apply to the exchange program, or discuss potential research collaborations, contact the Mobility Office or the International Relations Office.
Next Steps and Future Outlook
Following the signing of the Letter of Intent, the first phase will begin by establishing the Confucius Institute’s digital curriculum. Rolling sponsorship agreements with Huawei will fund the deployment of Wi‑Fi 7 networks and AI‑supported classroom software. Faculty and student exchanges are scheduled to start in the following academic term.
Both universities anticipate that the partnership will bring tangible benefits—enhanced academic reputation, increased research output, and stronger industry ties—while also nurturing a generation of professionals skilled in international collaboration and digital innovation.
Take Action: Discover Your Path at OBuda University
— Ready to join a growing global network? Visit our admissions portal and find a program that fits your career goals.
— Interested in the AI lab internship? Explore the internship details and apply today.
— Want to support the Confucius Institute initiative? Become a partner organization and tap into new research opportunities.
— Have questions or want to schedule a call? Contact our office for personalized guidance.
By engaging with OBuda University and BUPT through these avenues, students, researchers, and industry professionals can harness the full potential of this partnership to advance knowledge, technology, and cross‑cultural understanding.
