Global Programs System

Aquincum Institute of Technology (AIT Budapest)

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.

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

• AIT application deadline: October 15, 2018
• Princeton application deadline: October 26, 2018​

Program Overview

Aquincum Institute of Technology (AIT Budapest) provides an English language study abroad experience for 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

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

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.

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.