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On July 22, 2026, the Uránia National Film Theatre in Budapest hosted a momentous occasion for higher education. Budapest Metropolitan University (METU) celebrated 162 international graduates who successfully completed their studies and received their degrees. This graduation ceremony marked a significant academic milestone for students from diverse backgrounds who traveled to Hungary to pursue their higher education. Family members, friends, faculty members, and university leaders gathered to recognize the hard work and dedication of these graduates. In total, 593 graduates and guests attended the two separate ceremonies, reflecting the strong community support that characterizes the international student experience at METU.
Highlights from the METU Graduation Ceremony
The event was structured to honor the distinct academic paths of the students, divided into two main ceremonies. The morning session focused on the creative arts, while the afternoon session recognized achievements in business, communication, and tourism.
The graduates were formally welcomed by Dr. habil. Zsuzsanna Tóth Naár, the Acting Rector of Budapest Metropolitan University. Following her opening remarks, faculty leaders addressed their specific cohorts. Dr. Zsuzsanna Pörczi, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Art and Creative Industries, spoke to the morning graduates, while Dr. Viktor Friedmann, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Communication and Tourism, addressed the afternoon group.
One of the most personal moments of the day occurred during the second ceremony when Rajapaksha Mudiyanselage Chamila Prabhodhani Bandara, a graduate of the Management and Leadership programme, delivered heartfelt reflections on behalf of the graduating class. Her speech encapsulated the shared experiences, challenges, and triumphs of the international student community in Hungary. During the degree presentation, graduates crossed the stage individually to receive personal congratulations from both the university leadership and the heads of their respective programmes. A total of 24 graduates received their degrees with honours or other distinctions, recognizing their outstanding academic achievements.
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Pathways in the Faculty of Art and Creative Industries
The morning graduation ceremony at METU highlighted the university’s strong reputation in the creative sector. A total of 58 international graduates from the Faculty of Art and Creative Industries received their diplomas. These students completed rigorous English-language programmes that prepare them for global careers in highly competitive fields.
Preparing for Global Creative Careers
Graduates earned their degrees in several specialized disciplines, including Animation, Design and Art Management, Environmental Design, Film and Media Studies, and Graphic Design. Graphic Design produced the largest number of graduates in this faculty, reflecting the high global demand for visual communication experts.
Students graduating from these programmes benefit from Hungary’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant contemporary arts scene. Budapest serves as an inspiring backdrop for creative studies, offering endless architectural, historical, and artistic references. For prospective students considering these fields, actionable advice includes building a robust portfolio before applying and seeking out programmes that offer hands-on, project-based learning. METU’s focus on practical skills ensures that graduates in Animation and Film and Media Studies leave with a tangible body of work to present to future employers.
Advancing Careers through the Faculty of Business, Communication and Tourism
The second ceremony of the day celebrated 104 graduates from the Faculty of Business, Communication and Tourism. This faculty represents a core component of METU’s academic offerings, directly addressing the needs of the modern global economy. The graduates completed programmes in Business Administration and Management, Commerce and Marketing, Communication and Media Studies, Marketing, Master of Business Administration (MBA), International Business Economics, International Relations, Tourism Management, Tourism and Catering, and Management and Leadership.
Leveraging a Business Degree from Hungary
Earning a business or communication degree in Hungary provides international graduates with a unique perspective on European and global markets. Programmes like International Business Economics and International Relations are designed to foster cross-cultural competencies, which are essential skills in today’s interconnected workforce.
For students currently evaluating their options for a Master of Business Administration or undergraduate business degree, it is highly recommended to research the career services offered by the institution. Utilizing university resources, such as career centers and internship portals, is a critical step in translating academic theory into practical experience. Graduates of the Tourism Management and Tourism and Catering programmes, for example, enter an industry that is rapidly evolving, requiring a blend of traditional hospitality knowledge and modern digital marketing skills.
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Choosing Hungary for Your University Studies
The presence of 162 international graduates at a single ceremony underscores a growing trend: Hungary is becoming a premier destination for higher education in Europe. International students choose to study in Hungary for a variety of strategic reasons.
First, the cost of living and tuition fees in Hungary are often more manageable compared to Western European or North American countries, allowing students to graduate with less financial burden. Second, Hungarian universities like METU offer fully accredited English-language programmes that are recognized across the European Union and globally. Finally, the location of Budapest provides students with access to a major European capital. The city is a hub for international business, a growing center for the tech and startup ecosystem, and a hotspot for the creative industries. Studying here allows international students to build a professional network that spans across Central Europe.
Actionable Steps to Join Future METU International Graduates
Attending a graduation ceremony as a student is the result of careful planning, consistent effort, and utilizing the right resources. If you aim to be among the next group of international graduates celebrated at METU, consider the following actionable steps:
1. Evaluate and Select the Right Programme
Take the time to thoroughly review the curriculum of the programmes you are interested in. Whether you are drawn to the Faculty of Art and Creative Industries or the Faculty of Business, Communication and Tourism, ensure that the courses align with your long-term career objectives. Look at the specific tracks offered within majors like Marketing or Design and Art Management.
2. Prepare a Strong Application
International admissions require careful document preparation. Ensure your transcripts are translated and notarized if necessary. For creative programmes, invest time in curating a portfolio that showcases your best work. For business programmes, a well-written motivation letter that clearly outlines your professional goals can set you apart from other applicants.
3. Engage with University Resources Early
Do not wait until your final semester to utilize university support systems. Engage with the Student Information Center (SIC) early in your academic career to resolve administrative questions. Participate in training programs offered by the Career and Training Center to develop soft skills that complement your degree.
4. Gain Practical Experience
Supplement your academic coursework with internships. Platforms like METUJOBS connect students with corporate partners looking for interns. Practical experience not only enhances your resume but also helps you apply classroom theories to real-world business or creative challenges. For international students, local internships are also an excellent way to integrate into the Hungarian professional community.
Explore our related articles for further reading on student life in Budapest.
Plan Your Academic Future in Budapest
The graduation ceremony at the Uránia National Film Theatre was a testament to the academic rigor and supportive environment at Budapest Metropolitan University. Seeing 162 international graduates cross the stage—24 of them with honors—demonstrates the high caliber of students that METU attracts and cultivates. Whether your ambition lies in shaping the future of Graphic Design, leading global marketing campaigns, or managing international tourism operations, laying the right educational foundation is critical.
Choosing to study in Hungary positions you at the crossroads of European business and culture. As these 162 graduates have proven, with the right programme, dedication, and utilization of university resources, achieving academic success and preparing for a global career is entirely within reach.
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