APAIE 2026: Strengthening Partnerships in the Asia-Pacific Region

Eight Hungarian universities took part in the APAIE 2026 conference in Hong Kong this February in the frame of Study in Hungary, coordinated by the Tempus Public Foundation.

The global significance of APAIE

The Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) is a leading organization in the Asia-Pacific region in the field of higher education. Its annual conference was held between 23–27 February in Hong Kong, one of the key hubs of global higher education. With its strong university presence and extensive international network, the city plays a crucial role in fostering academic cooperation between Asia and the Western world.

The conference, organized under the theme “Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good”, attracted more than 3,500 participants from 72 countries, offering valuable opportunities to strengthen international partnerships and develop new collaborations. The programme featured plenary sessions, workshops, and networking events focusing on key trends and best practices in the internationalisation of higher education.

Study in Hungary at APAIE 2026

Coordinated by the Tempus Public Foundation, eight Hungarian higher education institutions were represented at the Study in Hungary booth, where participants showcased Hungary’s academic programmes and scholarship opportunities while actively building new partnerships. Beyond scheduled meetings, informal networking events and professional sessions offered additional opportunities to build new connections and strengthen existing partnerships. 

Representatives of the participating institutions emphasized the importance of closer engagement with the Asia-Pacific region and greater international visibility for Hungarian higher education.

Diána Katsidis, Head of Secretariat at the Directorate for International Affairs and Public Relations of the University of Szeged, emphasized:

The APAIE conference provided an excellent opportunity to further develop international higher education partnerships and to build connections with institutions in the Asian region. It was clearly visible that there is continued strong interest from Asian institutions in European, and particularly Hungarian, higher education.

She added:

“The Stipendium Hungaricum programme plays a key role in enhancing the international attractiveness of Hungarian higher education and serves as an important tool for strengthening cooperation with partner institutions.”

Mustafa-Belal Aseel Diána (balról) és Katsidis Diána, Szegedi Tudományegyetem 

Fatima Weininger-Hollósi, Head of International Mobility Programmes at Budapest Metropolitan University, also underlined the importance of participation:

The event provided an opportunity for the university to present its practice-oriented and creative industry-based educational model, as well as its international mobility and cooperation opportunities.

Weininger-Hollósi Fatima, Budapesti Metropolitan Egyetem 

She underlined that the conference reaffirmed the essential role of international cooperation in the development of higher education, and highlighted the growing demand for flexible, skills-oriented programmes and joint international initiatives.

Outcomes and collaborations

Among the highlights of the conference was that the Tempus Public Foundation’s poster titled “Well-being and Socio-cultural Adaptation of International Students from the Asia-Pacific region” was selected in the APAIE poster session. Based on in-depth research, the presentation highlighted the importance of mental well-being and the integration of international students studying in Hungary — key factors influencing the success of international student mobility.

During the event, numerous professional meetings were held, including discussions with representatives of the University Grants Committee, a key body responsible for the funding and strategic governance of higher education in the region. In addition, consultations took place with Asian and international partner institutions to expand student mobility and cooperation opportunities.

As part of the visit, the Hungarian delegation also conducted a study visit to Hong Kong Metropolitan University, one of the city’s leading institutions, known for its dynamic development, practice-oriented programmes, and strong industry connections. During the visit, participants explored potential areas of cooperation and exchanged international best practices and experiences.

Next steps

Following the conference, maintaining newly established contacts and further developing emerging collaborations are key priorities for the participating institutions. Continued international presence and personal engagement play a vital role in strengthening the global position of Hungarian higher education in the long term.

Next year APAIE conference will take place in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) from 21–25 March 2027 – see you there!

Participating institutions at the Study in Hungary stand in Hong Kong: 

• University of Szeged
• Budapest Metropolitan University
• University of Nyíregyháza
• University of Pécs
• Corvinus University of Budapest
• Eszterházy Károly Catholic University
• University of Debrecen
• University of Miskolc

Photo: Rita FÜLÖP | Tempus Közalapítvány