General Information
The main focus of research in the Csonka Pál Doctoral School at the Faculty of Architecture, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, covers scientific problems related to architecture, construction, structural mechanics, geometry, and applied mechanics. The 4-year-long curriculum, upon successful defense, leads to a PhD in architecture and engineering. The performance of the student is evaluated on a comprehensive exam after the second year. The main focus of the curriculum is independent research in close collaboration with the supervisor of the student. The main goal is a high-quality doctoral thesis supported by publications in international, peer-reviewed journals.
Requirements
- Acceptance letter from one of the supervisors of the announced PhD topics.
- A completed MSc in a relevant field (e.g., Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Applied Mathematics, History of Art).
- Competence in English language certified by complex (oral and written) state-accredited language examination at min. level B2 (or a certificate equivalent thereto).
- Proof of initiated scientific activities (publication, conference attendance, undergraduate research project, ...etc.).
- The language of tuition is English; no Hungarian is required.
Admission
Admission to the Doctoral School is announced annually. Before starting the admission process, the candidate should choose a research topic from the pool of announced projects and contact the corresponding supervisor. The Doctoral School offers a wide range of topics, including, but not restricted to, the History and Theory of Architecture, Engineering Mechanics, Building Construction, Energy efficiency, and Urban Studies. The list of available topics and their supervisors are updated in mid-April. Please follow our website to reach the updated list (PhD Admission / PhD Topics). The date of the admission exam depends on the funding type.
Funding
Stipendium Hungaricum Program
For candidates supported by the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program, nomination from the Tempus Public Foundation is also essential. Details: https://apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu/
If you are interested in applying to the doctoral school, please fill out the following form: BME / PHD-DLA doctoral school application for the Academic year 2024/25
Note: the SH program asks you to formulate and submit a research plan. However, in our Doctoral School, the research topics are initiated by the supervisors, therefore, you must choose a research topic from the list of actual PhD topics. Contact a supervisor of the announced PhD topics to acquire an acceptance letter. The admission exam is held after the SH application deadline during the spring semester.
Fee paying students
The tuition fee for international students not supported by the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program is approx. 1.400.000 HUF/term (approx. 4500 Euros). Upon good performance, some reduction of the fee may take place. For the actual amount of the fee, please visit the website of the University of BME: https://www.bme.hu/tuition-fee?language=en
The deadline for application is at the end of May, and an admission exam is held in the second half of June. Please consult the Scientific Administration of the Doctoral School for the actual dates.
Erasmus students
It is possible to visit our Doctoral School in the form of a short-term doctoral mobility. During the mobility period, the student must work on a research project under the guidance of a supervisor. If you wish to apply for the scholarship, you must have an acceptance letter from one of the supervisors of the Doctoral School. Steps to acquire the acceptance letter:
1. send your introductory documents to the Scientific Administration,
2. choose a topic from the list of announced PhD topics and contact the supervisor for an acceptance letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I would like to work on topic XY, but I can't find any related topic in the list. Is it possible to accredit my suggestion?
No, only supervisors can suggest a topic.
2. I contacted many supervisors, and nobody is willing to give me an acceptance letter. What can I do?
Unfortunately, you cannot start the admission procedure without an acceptance letter.
3. How can I ensure my success in finding a supervisor?
Contact the supervisor in advance, preferably as soon as possible. Gain some experience related to the chosen topic. Choosing the topic and the supervisor a few days before the application deadline is usually too late.
4. Why is XY not giving me an acceptance letter despite my excellent background in the chosen topic?
The number of students a supervisor can accept is limited. It might happen that the topic is accredited, but the corresponding supervisor reached the maximum number of students and cannot accept more.
5. Can I change the topic's title to suit my plans better?
No, the topic went through an accreditation process and cannot be changed.
6. I already have publications on the topic xy. Can I work on that?
No, only supervisors can suggest a topic.