Program Overview

Hevesy György PhD School of Chemistry

The Hevesy György PhD School of Chemistry was founded in 1993. The research fields covered by the School include practically the whole spectrum of chemistry, i.e., inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, theoretical chemistry, organic and biochemistry, electrochemistry, structural chemistry, and polymer chemistry. The focus of the program is on research, students start to work on their chosen research topic, in the laboratory of the project leader, from the very beginning.

Program Details

• Title: Hevesy György PhD School of Chemistry
• Degree: PhD in Chemistry
• Type: Degree program
• Level: Doctoral
• Accreditation number: OH-FHF/883-4/2010
• Faculty: Faculty of Science
• Institute: Institute of Chemistry
• Department: PhD School of Chemistry
• Language: English
• Duration: 8 semesters (4 years)
• ECTS credits: 240
• Minimum number of students: 2
• Maximum number of students: 20

Description

Students need to take eight courses during the first two years of the program. The first two years of the program end with what is called a complex exam. By the end of the program, most of the PhD students obtain results which are published (or accepted for publication) in internationally renowned, English-language journals. At least two such papers are necessary to obtain the PhD degree. The students report about their research progress during their study at annual conferences organized by the School.

Strength of Program

The Institute of Chemistry has 25 full professors and many further teachers and researchers working in various fields of chemistry. The Advisory Council of the Hevesy György PhD School of Chemistry consists of internationally renowned experts of their fields. The research advisors of the Hevesy György PhD School of Chemistry at ELTE collaborate with several research institutes and universities both inside and outside of Hungary and regularly have visitors from abroad doing research and giving high-level courses.

Career Opportunities

Many of our graduates obtained postdoctoral positions throughout the world, ranging all the way from the US to Japan, often at leading universities of the world (e.g., University of Cambridge, University of Tokyo, ETH Zürich). A large number of the graduates get tenure or tenure track positions at universities and research institutions inside and outside of Hungary. Some of our graduates have been pursuing their research career in the non-academic environment of large international research institutions and corporations, including major pharmaceutical companies.

Job Examples

• Academic Researcher (carry out research and produce publications, or other research outputs; supervising students; applying for research and development funding)
• Development Scientist (responsible for laboratory trial work to improve existing products and processes, as well as develop new chemical processes)
• Environmental chemist (analytical testing or new product development in the lab, or work with users of chemicals in the field, and safety and regulatory issues in an office)
• Forensic Chemist (analyze non-biological trace evidence found at crime scenes in order to identify unknown materials and match samples to known substances)
• Quality Assurance and Quality Control Manager (develop and implement new safety and quality systems and initiatives)

Tuition Fee

• EU/EEA students: If the research is performed at the Faculty: HUF 1 000 000; if the research is performed outside of the Faculty: HUF 300 000
• Non-EU/EEA students: If the research is performed at the Faculty: 4000 EUR; if the research is performed outside of the Faculty: 1500 EUR
• Application fee: 9000 HUF (non-refundable)

Admission Requirements

• Entry requirements: A master’s degree in chemistry (or in a related field) is a requirement.
• Language requirements: An internationally accredited language examination is required with at least a B2 CEFR level or equivalent result.
  • Examples of minimum level accepted:
    • TOEFL iBT 72 pts
    • IELTS 5.5
  • Alternatively, an official certificate issued by the applicant’s previous higher education institution can be accepted, stating that the applicant’s previous education (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree) was completed entirely in English.

Documents to Submit with Application

• Document | Comment
  • Online application form | -
  • Bachelor-level degree | optional
  • Master-level degree | -
  • Transcript of records | -
  • CV | -
  • Research plan | -
  • Statement of Supervisor |
  • Language certificate | -
  • Proof of application fee transfer | -
  • Letter of recommendation | optional
  • Motivation letter | optional
  • Reference work | optional
  • Copy of the main pages of the passport | optional
  • Passport photo | optional
  • Medical certificate | optional

Application Procedure

The application starts at the online application system. Students need to register in the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents, and follow the instructions during the application process. Applicants need to agree on their exact research topic with the relevant supervisor and are required to make a research plan approved by the relevant supervisor.

Procedure of the Entrance Examination

The application package is reviewed by the admission committee of the School. Then the applicant is expected to take an oral entrance examination. If a personal meeting is impossible, the interview is held through Skype or on the phone. Criteria for ranking at the admission audition include:

• Previous university achievement (exams, comprehensive exams, qualification of the degree)
• Achievements related to previous research work (awards obtained in students’ academic circles, publications in professional scientific journals)
• Feasibility of the research program

Program Leader and Coordinator

• Program leader: Prof. Attila G. CSÁSZÁR, Professor, Head of the PhD School of Chemistry
• Program coordinator: Dr. Andrea BODOR, Associate Professor

Additional Information

• Offered for the next academic year: Yes
• Start program: 01, Sep, 2025
• Deadline for applications - September intake: 31, May, 2025
• Is there a February intake: No