AIT - Aquincum Institute for Technology
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.
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 (10 to 20 students in a typical class) that emphasize interactivity and creativity. In order to maintain the high quality of instruction and to give each student the attention they deserve, AIT admits no more than 100 students in any semester.
AIT was established in 2007 by the successful Hungarian software entrepreneur, Gábor Bojár, to provide an exceptional study abroad experience to North American undergraduates in IT fields. AIT’s curriculum integrates foundational courses in computer science with advanced applications and courses from the fields of creative design and entrepreneurship as well as humanities courses related to Hungary’s rich cultural heritage.
AIT’s distinguished faculty includes Erno Rubik (inventor of Rubik’s Cube), Péter Csermely (Vice President of the Hungarian Biochemical Society, an Ashoka Fellow, and corresponding member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences), and software entrepreneur Gábor Bojár (founder of Graphisoft, the most successful global software company from Central Europe).
Who Should Apply
The AIT curriculum is based on small courses with a high-level of interaction among all participants. Successful candidates should therefore have the confidence and maturity to participate actively in such an environment. AIT students need not be computer science majors but are expected to have computational and mathematical sophistication including:
- At least one course that involves programming (in any modern language)
- Exposure to concepts in data structures
- Mathematical maturity developed through a college mathematics course beyond calculus (e.g. linear algebra, discrete mathematics, etc.)
While most successful applicants will have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale, every applicant is evaluated individually and there are no automatic GPA cut-offs. A successful applicant should have a generally strong academic record and demonstrated evidence of intellectual curiosity.
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AIT is located in the vibrant city of Budapest, next to the remains of the ancient Roman town Aquincum, at the cultural crossroads of Europe. The campus is situated on the picturesque bank of the Danube River.
AIT Campus is embedded in Graphisoft Park a state-of-the-art science park. The park hosts 70+ R&D and pharmaceutical companies (such as Microsoft, SAP, Servier, Canon, Graphisoft) with 3000+ employees and the International Business School with 1500+ students.
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Course Availability
Courses are available in the following subjects:
- Foundational Courses in Computer Science
- Advanced Applications
- Creative Design
- Humanities courses related to Hungary’s rich cultural heritage
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Accommodations
Generally, two or three students will share a two-three bedroom apartment. Housing options will be specified on the Room Match Form. Apartments are equipped with internet connection, linens, sheets, washing machine (clothes dryers are rarely used in Hungary), and a fully equiped kitchen. A cleaning service is brought in once a month.
Location
Students often like to take advantage of Budapest’s spectacular cultural offering and vibrant nightlife, so AIT offers accommodation in the city center. Living downtown is more convenient for evening programs and on weekends, but this will entail a 40-50-minute commute every day to the AIT Campus. Students will purchase a transportation card, which costs about $20 per month for unlimited use. In most cases, they will have access to transportation 24/7.
Rental fee
The monthly rental fee is approximately $320 - $410 per person (plus utilities). Most landlords ask for a security deposit for incidental damages which should be provided together with the initial rental fee and will be returned upon moving out.
There are three price ranges for AIT apartments, depending on how much privacy you would like:
- Living alone in a studio apartment $480-560
- Shared apartment, own bedroom $320-410
- Shared apartment, shared bedroom $280-315
Please note that for students only participating in the month-long Summer Term, landlords may charge a slightly increased rent.
Currency exchange note: estimations below were calculated at the most usual 270 rate (1 USD / HUF) this figures may change as the HUF/USD exchange rate is subject to great volatility.
Deadline
If you would like to stay in an apartment arranged by AIT, please fill out the Room Match Form no later than 2 weeks after acceptance. (If you have a room mate request, please indicate this in the appropriate box.) If you decide to make housing arrangements on your own, please notify the Budapest office as soon as possible, and be aware that there are often hidden details and complications when arranging your own accommodations. As such, we strongly suggest staying in one of our arranged apartments.
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