Created: 2025.03.13. 15:21
Széchenyi István University and Politécnico de Leiria began their collaboration with short study programmes, which over the years have developed into a diverse partnership. Today, the two institutions support each other’s academic activities through conferences and publications. Additionally, the Portuguese university provides external supervision for a doctoral student at Széchenyi, while the first graduate of the Tourism Management Double Degree Programme recently received their diploma.
The partnership between Széchenyi István University and Leiria University, located on the western coast of Portugal, began within the framework of the Regional University Network – European University (RUN-EU) alliance. Due to the similarities in their educational and research fields, their cooperation has deepened across several disciplines.
“Over the past few years, we have implemented multiple short study programmes, further strengthening our relationship and allowing our students to gain valuable international experience. We have also launched a joint Tourism Management Double Degree Master’s Programme with Politécnico de Leiria and are participating in a co-supervised PhD project, which has resulted in higher-level scientific collaboration,” said Dr Júlia Szőke, Vice-Dean for International and Scientific Affairs at the Apáczai Csere János Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at Széchenyi István University. She added that the partnership has been so successful that researchers from both institutions now collaborate on conferences and publications.
Széchenyi István University and Politécnico de Leiria have strengthened their collaboration through short-term training programmes. The student group in the picture also visited the medieval town of Óbidos, Portugal, during such a programme
Dr Júlia Szőke has played an active role in the success of the projects and serves as a doctoral supervisor for a Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holder from Turkey, whose research is co-supervised by a professor from Leiria. “My collaboration with Dr Júlia Szőke has been smooth and highly productive. Although we come from different academic backgrounds, our shared mindset and approach to supervision make our work particularly effective. Our commitment to supporting the PhD student has allowed us to create a constructive and well-balanced supervision process,” said Dr Ana Lúcia Sargento, a professor at the Leiria university. She also highlighted that Széchenyi University is highly proactive in organising international events, offering excellent opportunities for networking and academic exchange. She values the partnership with the Győr-based institution and emphasised that Politécnico de Leiria’s experts look forward to continuing this collaboration in the future.
Currently halfway through his doctoral studies, Ahmet Ekmekcioglu appreciates the opportunity to draw on the academic expertise of three different cultures. The Turkish PhD student obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Széchenyi University and has become fluent in Hungarian during his nearly seven years in Győr. “Having strong professional support from both of my supervisors significantly enhances my research, as they guide my progress in a strict yet supportive manner. I am also grateful to the University for allowing me to apply my knowledge and experience in supply chain management during my PhD studies,” he shared.
Dr Júlia Szőke, Vice-Dean for International and Scientific Affairs at the Apáczai Faculty, with PhD student Ahmet Ekmekcioglu (Photo: András Adorján)
Széchenyi University and the Portuguese institution launched the Tourism Management Double Degree Programme two years ago. The first graduate of the programme recently passed their final exams and has already received their Hungarian diploma in Győr.
“I found it fascinating to explore the field of tourism from different perspectives. It was an enriching and valuable experience. I loved that the student housing facilities in Győr were located on campus, where life was always vibrant, and I had the chance to attend numerous events and meet students from various nationalities,” said Victoria Apajalahti from Finland, who now holds three degrees—a Finnish bachelor’s degree, as well as Portuguese and Hungarian diplomas. She also participated successfully in Széchenyi University’s Scientific Students’ Conference, earning a special award for one of her research papers.
Dr Éva Happ, Programme Supervisor and Associate Professor at the Kautz Gyula Faculty of Business and Economics, emphasised the growing popularity of double degree programmes due to their numerous benefits. “A key difference from a traditional master’s programme is that students spend one semester in another country—in this case, Portuguese students study in Hungary, while Hungarian students study in Portugal. This allows them to gain significant international experience, immerse themselves in another culture, and broaden their professional horizons,” she explained. “What makes this programme truly unique is that, after completing the two-year programme, students receive two degrees, which can be a major advantage in the job market.”
Dr Éva Happ, Hungarian Programme Supervisor of the Széchenyi-Leiria Double Degree Programme, with the first graduate, Victoria Apajalahti, at the diploma ceremony of Kautz Gyula Faculty of Business and Economics (Photo: András Adorján)
