A Statement by BME

Based on the records at its disposal and the information it obtained immediately upon becoming aware of the circumstances, the university issues the following statement.

According to press reports on the matter, the student in question may have had links to a group with extremist views, and may have had family and personal connections that could support this assumption. The university had no information that would have indicated such a connection.

According to BME’s records, the student in question began their studies on BME’s undergraduate programme in September 2023 as part of the Stipendium Hungaricum Hungarian state scholarship programme.

The student did not receive any scholarship awarded by the university. For a significant portion of their studies, the student suspended their student status due to travel difficulties; during their only active semester, they participated in teaching online with permission.

Under the Stipendium Hungaricum programme, applicants are nominated by the competent bodies in their home countries; the Tempus Public Foundation decides on the award of the scholarship, whilst the issue of a residence permit for study purposes falls within the remit of the competent Hungarian authority. 

During the admissions process, the university assesses whether the academic requirements are met.

In connection with this matter, the university is also investigating the background to the commemorative piece published in the BME International Yearbook, which was dedicated to the student concerned. The information gathered during the immediate investigation carried out upon becoming aware of the circumstances suggests that there were procedural shortcomings in the content approval process. It can already be established that the university management was not informed of the publication of the tribute. BME has removed the publication from its website, withdrawn the current version, and is republishing it without the dedication.

Meanwhile, BME’s management has ordered an internal investigation, as part of which it is reviewing the editorial and approval procedures for similar content to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future, particularly given that our students come from a large number of countries.

Building on its previous consultations with the relevant authorities, BME is examining what further lawful and proportionate checks can be incorporated into the admissions process for international students. The aim is to manage potential risks appropriately, whilst strengthening cooperation between the university and the authorities.

Rector’s Office, Communications Directorate
Contact: kommunikacio@bme.hu