News

Original News got updated on 8 May 2026.

The MEET MATE Alumni online event took place on 27 April 2026. It featured international graduates who shared inspiring stories of resilience and perseverance, encouraging current students to never give up. Alumni - in addition to the key speakers, we could also greet Dr. Amir Vafaei - spoke openly about the challenges of studying and living in Hungary, highlighting the importance of Hungarian language skills, strong personal connections, and supportive communities. Their experiences showed how determination, networking, and openness can turn challenges into long-term academic and professional success within and beyond the MATE community.

Shreya Bhattacharya (India)
Shreya Bhattacharya graduated with a BSc in Wildlife Management in 2020 and now works as an Assistant Researcher at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). Alongside her research work, she is also a Commission Member of the SSC Monitor Lizard Specialist Group, contributing to international wildlife conservation.

Natalie van Wyk (South Africa)
Natalie van Wyk completed her MSc in Agricultural Water Management in 2025 and is currently working as an Assistant Production Manager at Matorka Ehf in Iceland. Her career path shows how MATE studies can open doors to international opportunities in the agricultural and food sector.

Dr. Mehrzad Abdikhalife (Iran)
Mehrzad Abdikhalife earned his PhD in Economics in 2023 and is the CEO of his own enterprise, the Ticker Bell Kft. in Hungary. Alongside his entrepreneurial work, he is also an author of the book „The Science of Scientific Change”, a lecturer, researcher, software developer, and mentor, combining academic insight with business and innovation.

Dr. Rajab Ghabour (Syria)
Rajab Ghabour completed both his MSc and PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 2024 and is currently a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Tri Holding Ltd. in Hungary, where he applies his academic knowledge in real-world engineering projects. He speaks Hungarian and relies heavily on his personal network.

Aykhan Samadov (Azerbaijan)
After earning his MSc in Rural Development in 2019, Aykhan Samadov became actively involved in community and youth initiatives in Hungary. He currently serves as the President of the Fiatalok Egységben Egyesület (Youth Together Association), focusing on bringing young people together through meaningful programs. You can often meet his calls and invitations in the MATE Facebook group.

We look forward to welcoming you and celebrating the global MATE alumni community together!