International recognition: two METU students among the best graduation projects in Central Europe

Budapest Metropolitan University has achieved another outstanding international success: the graduation projects of two of its students have been selected among the best in the prestigious Graduation Projects 2025 international selection. A total of 381 projects were submitted, and only 30 were chosen by the international jury. Five Hungarian graduation projects were included in the selection, three of which were created by METU students, making this an especially significant professional achievement.

Graduation Projects is not a competition in the traditional sense, but a prestigious international design platform showcasing the most outstanding graduation projects of recent graduates from across the Central European region. The aim of the programme is to give visibility to young designers: the best projects are selected by an international jury and then presented through exhibitions, a catalogue, and online platforms, providing genuine professional exposure and networking opportunities for young talents at the beginning of their careers.

The three awarded METU students are Réka Bálint, a former Graphic Design BA student who is currently continuing her studies in the Graphic Design MA programme, Elina Faur, a graduate of the Typography and Type Design specialisation of the Graphic Design MA programme, and Norbert Erdős, a student of the Design MA programme.

Réka Bálint’s graduation project was created within the Packaging Design specialisation under the supervision of part time lecturer Kata Lagzi. Réka is currently still a master’s student at METU, and she had already proved her talent internationally with her BA graduation project. An additional point of interest is that her supervisor is also a METU graduate and today supports students as a lecturer.

“My graduation project, Plant Panic, is a board game promoting gardening, presenting the care of raised beds in a playful and engaging way. The professional and community support I received at METU played a defining role in my development,” said Réka Bálint.

Elina Faur’s graduation project was developed within the Typography and Type Design specialisation under the supervision of Zoltán Csordás. The project stood out from the field because of its strong international context and carefully considered visual concept.

“My graduation project is a Korean language textbook for beginners and an SRS based learning application, designed together to support effective language learning. METU’s inspiring environment and the professional support of my teachers played a key role in bringing the project to life,” said Elina Faur.

Norbert Erdős’s graduation project is a modular, reusable installation system designed for the Udvar Festival in Arló. The project aims to strengthen the involvement of the local Roma community and foster intercultural communication in the settlement. After the festival, the building elements can continue to be reused for creating various structures such as bicycle storage units, raised beds, bus stops, or rainwater collectors. Through its circular approach, the project supports long term social and environmental impact.

“It was a special honour for me that the opening of the exhibition was also attended by the Hungarian Consul General, and that my project could be presented in an international professional context. I would also like to express my gratitude to the university and the faculty for their support, which contributed greatly to this achievement,” said Norbert Erdős.

Norbert Erdős’s graduation project is a modular, reusable installation system designed for the Udvar Festival in Arló. The project aims to strengthen the involvement of the local Roma community and foster intercultural communication in the settlement. After the festival, the building elements can continue to be reused for creating various structures such as bicycle storage units, raised beds, bus stops, or rainwater collectors. Through its circular approach, the project supports long term social and environmental impact.

“It was a special honour for me that the opening of the exhibition was also attended by the Hungarian Consul General, and that my project could be presented in an international professional context. I would also like to express my gratitude to the university and the faculty for their support, which contributed greatly to this achievement,” said Norbert Erdős.

Another important aspect of the programme is that METU lecturer Norbert Szlama DLA was invited to join the international jury, where he evaluated the submitted works alongside other internationally recognised professionals.

“It is a great honour to represent Hungary on an international jury. Evaluating graduation projects from different countries not only provides valuable professional experience, but also offers new perspectives that enrich our teaching. It was especially rewarding to see that the international jury agreed that the works of Réka and Elina belong among the very best,” said Norbert Szlama.

The exhibition connected to the award ceremony opened on 13 March 2025, where the selected graduation projects can also be viewed by an international audience.

Awarded projects:

Réka Bálint’s project: https://www.graduationprojects.eu/en/2025/Reka-Balint

Elina Faur’s project: https://www.graduationprojects.eu/en/2025/Elina-Faur

Norbert Erdős’s project: https://www.graduationprojects.eu/en/2025/Norbert-Erdos

More information:

https://www.graduationprojects.eu/en/projects/2025

METU is proud of its students and lecturers, whose work continues to strengthen the university’s international reputation.