Having a Faculty of Economics Makes BME A Better Technical University, Says Outgoing Dean

A BME alumnus himself, he steered the faculty through switching from revenue-focused mass education to a quality-oriented operation where education and research carry equal weight. During his leadership, GTK opened previously closed majors to other disciplines, and expanded the teaching faculties in certain programmes. The faculty also began a strong internationalization, launching English-language programmes on all levels of training.

“The proportion of international and self-financed students within the student body in the faculty is constantly increasing, which shows the attractiveness of GTK both at home and abroad,” 

Koltai told bme.hu. 

In the past eight years, the number of successful research projects has also increased, including those supported by Hungarian research grants and Horizon projects. Additionally, the faculty’s participation in several research initiatives coordinated by other institutions highlights GTK’s significant research potential.

GTK is currently placed in the top 501-550 in the Business and Management category in the QS subject rankings. Two of the faculty’s English-language master’s programmes, Management & Leadership and Finance have gained EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development) accreditation. This accreditation confirms that these majors meet the criteria of the most excellent international training programmes.

Engineering graduates with training in economics, humanities, and law are more competitive in the labour market. The economic environment places high value on such graduates, making it a fundamental interest of both the students and the university to support this approach, Koltai says. 

“Having a strong faculty of economics enhances BME as a technical university, as it allows for a more comprehensive education for engineering students,” 

he concludes. 

As of academic year 2025-26, Mária Szalmáné Csete will be the dean of BME’s Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences.

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