Aquincum Institute of Technology (AIT Budapest)

Although fall 2021 and AY 21-22 do not appear as application options, we are currently accepting applications for select fall 2021 semester study abroad programs (until April 30, 2021)! To start an application, you must first meet with Jordan Zilla, the adviser for this program, to discuss international travel regulations, health and safety considerations, and program-specific information. Please make an appointment to meet with Jordan via her WASE calendar as soon as possible. The Study Abroad Program looks forward to supporting and assisting you.

Please be reminded that you need to meet different deadlines when applying to this program: 

• AIT application deadline: March 15, 2021

• Princeton application deadline: April 30, 2021

**AIT is rolling admission, so you should submit your application early. 

For students interested in computer science, creative design, or IT entrepreneurship, AIT offers the opportunity to take courses in English in the beautiful city of Budapest, taught by local Hungarian professors and globally-acclaimed scholars and entrepreneurs. Students also have the opportunity to take courses on Hungarian language and culture. 

Aquincum Institute of Technology provides a unique, English-language study abroad experience for North American undergraduates majoring in computer science, software engineering, and related disciplines. Faculty are drawn primarily from Budapest University of Technology and Economics. Hungary has a proud tradition of creativity in computing: John von Neumann, who developed the principles of stored-program digital computers; Andy Grove, longtime leader of Intel; and Charles Simonyi, father of Microsoft Office, all got their start in the schools of Budapest. Following in this tradition of innovative education, AIT brings together globally-acclaimed scholars, designers, and entrepreneurs to provide an inspiring academic program with small classes that emphasize interactivity and creativity.

The University

AIT was established in 2007 by the successful Hungarian software entrepreneur Gábor Bojár to provide an exceptional study abroad experience to undergraduates in IT fields. AIT’s curriculum integrates design, entrepreneurship, and foundational courses in computer science with advanced applications in computational biology and computer vision for digital film post-production, as well as humanities courses related to Hungary’s rich cultural heritage.

AIT’s distinguished faculty includes Erno Rubik (inventor of Rubik’s Cube), András Falus (Professor of Genetics and Immunology and member of the Hungarian Academy of Science), and software entrepreneur Gábor Bojár (founder of Graphisoft, the most successful global software company from Central Europe).

The Setting

AIT Budapest is located on the banks of a picturesque branch of the Danube River in the city of Budapest, next to the remains of the ancient Roman town Aquincum, at the cultural crossroads of Europe. A vibrant city of two million people with many cultural offerings, Budapest is also known as one of Europe’s most affordable cities. Budapest also offers easy access to the rest of Europe by rail and air. The AIT Budapest campus is adjacent to a state-of-the-art industrial park whose tenants include Microsoft, SAP, Servier, Canon, Sybase, and Graphisoft. Sports facilities, a shopping mall, recreational opportunities, and public transportation are nearby.

Academics

Courses:

Classes are taught in English by eminent Hungarian professors, most of whom have had teaching experience in North American universities. The academic program is based on a philosophy of small and intimate classes, close collaboration of students and faculty, and hands-on work through group projects. Considerable time is devoted to problem solving and encouraging student creativity.

AIT courses are organized in the following areas:

• Creative design and entrepreneurship
• Foundational courses in computer science
• Advanced applications including computational biology and computer vision for digital film post-production
• Humanities courses related to Hungary’s rich cultural heritage

Students will take a total of 16 credits, to be the equivalent of four Princeton credits. Prior to the academic program a two-week intensive Hungarian language course (not for credit) is also offered. This intensive language course is organized by a language school, which charges a separate fee. In addition, a diverse range of extracurricular activities are offered for exploring the historic heritage and contemporary cultural life of Budapest and the region.

Eligibility:

For Princeton approval, participants must have at least a 3.0/ B average for the fall and spring semesters prior to the semester of study abroad.

Grading & Credits:

For information regarding credits, grading, and other academic policies, read the Academic Policies on the Study Abroad website.

Academic Calendar

Fall Semester: early September to mid-December
Spring Semester: early February to late May

Please refer to the AIT website for updated calendars. 

Housing

Students live in shared apartments throughout the city of Budapest, and the students are placed based on the Room Match form which will be submitted on the AIT website.Typically, the apartments accommodate two to four students (in two to four bedrooms), and apartments are equipped with internet, linens, sheets, a washing machine, and a full kitchen. The monthly rental fee is approximately $320-$410 per person (plus utilities). Although AIT assists students with housing by placing them in the apartments, students will pay the rent directly to the landlord. 

Money Matters

Students who receive financial aid at Princeton continue to receive Princeton financial aid for the approved costs of study abroad programs during the academic year. For detailed information about financial aid, program fees, and billing for study abroad, please visit the Money Matters section of the Study Abroad website.

For estimated program costs, please click on the Budget Sheet at the top of this brochure.

Passport and Visa

Students are responsible for ensuring that their passports are valid for their entire stay in France. For further information on renewing or obtaining a U.S. passport, please consult the U.S. State Department passport website.

Students will need a visa to study in Hungary for more than 90 days, so you should either apply for a visa from a Hungarian Embassy or Consulate (application may be submitted in person in Washington, DC; New York, NY, Chicago or Los Angeles, CA), or if you cannot travel to one of the locations or have other circumstances that prevent you from applying in person for the visa, you may apply for a residence permit upon arrival to Hungary. Please visit the AIT Budapest website for more information. 

Application Process

Students interested in applying to this program must complete two separate processes:

1. Apply directly to the program by their deadline. Visit the AIT program website directly for application instructions and deadlines. Please note that program application deadlines are often earlier than Princeton approval deadlines.
2. Complete the Princeton approval process. You may download the course approval form and instructions from your GPS application. Click “apply now” on this brochure to access these items. Check GPS for Princeton’s approval deadlines.

Resources

Start planning your study abroad experience!

• Make an appointment with a study abroad adviser
• Contact a Global Ambassador
• Attend an OIP event or info session
• Apply!