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 defence, leads to a PhD in architecture and engineering. Performance of the student is evaluated on a comprehensive exam after the second year. The main focus of the curriculum is independent research in a 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.
Admission to the Doctoral School is announced annually. 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) and proof of initiated scientific activities (publication, conference attendance, undergraduate research project, ...etc.) are prerequisites of the admission exam.
For candidates supported by the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program nomination from the Tempus Public Foundation is also essential. https://apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu/
Before starting the admission process, the candidate should choose a research topic from the pool of announced projects. The Doctoral School offers a wide range of topics, including, but not restricted to, History and Theory of Architecture, Engineering Mechanics, Building Construction, Energy efficiency and Urban Studies. The actual list of available topics and their supervisors is announced in mid-April. To reach the updated list, please, follow our website (see PhD Admission / PhD Topics).
To start admission, contact a supervisor with a valid announcement from the list of PhD topics. The deadline of application is at the end of May, and an admission exam is held in the second half of June. For the actual dates please, consult the Scientific Administration of the Doctoral School.
The language of tuition is in English, no Hungarian is required. 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 fee, please visit the website of the University of BME: https://www.bme.hu/tuition-fee?language=en