Application for the TDK

Applying for the Scientific Students' Associations Conference (TDK) consists of two interconnected parts. First, the topic of the research paper and the supervisor must be selected, and then the application must be registered in the online TDK system. Following the application, the research paper is prepared and submitted.

I. Selecting a Topic and a Supervisor

A TDK research paper can be written on any topic; departmental topic announcements primarily serve to assist in topic selection. The student determines the topic of the research paper in consultation with their chosen supervisor. The supervisor can be a lecturer or researcher at the University who provides professional support during the preparation of the research paper.

2. Applying for the TDK

Applications for the TDK are submitted online by completing the Application Form available at tdk.sze.hu. During the application process, the title of the research paper and a brief description of the topic (abstract) must be provided. The length of the abstract must be between a minimum of 1,300 and a maximum of 2,000 characters, including spaces. In the case of a research paper authored by multiple students, one of the authors completes the application form. Additional authors can join the research paper as co-authors via the link provided in the system-generated email sent after the application. If there are multiple supervisors, co-supervisors must be indicated when filling out the application. Once the application is registered, the system notifies the supervisor via email, who can then approve the application electronically. The deadline for applying to the 2026 TDK is: 9 October 2026.

3. Preparing the Research Paper

The research paper must be prepared in accordance with the current formal and content requirements of the OTDK section corresponding to the chosen field of science. The current section calls are available on the official OTDK platform. The cover page of the research paper submitted to the local TDK round must include the following:

• the name(s) of the author(s);

• the programme, specialisation, and year of study;

• the title of the research paper;

• the name and position of the supervisor.

4. Submitting the Research Paper

The final version of the research paper must be uploaded to the online TDK system. The upload deadline is: 6 November 2026. A research paper previously submitted to a TDK may only be resubmitted after substantial further development. The research paper passes the written evaluation if it achieves at least 33% of the total score, which is a minimum of 15 points.

5. Presenting the Research Paper

The TDK Conference will take place on 25 November 2026. The student must present the research paper in a 15-minute presentation, followed by a 5-minute professional discussion. The presentation slides do not need to be uploaded to the TDK system in advance. The student must bring the presentation required for the pitch to the conference in electronic format, for example, on a pendrive or via email.

II. Using the Online TDK Application Platform

Applications for the TDK can be made by completing the form found under the Application (Jelentkezés) menu on the tdk.sze.hu website. The form becomes accessible after logging into the system.

1. Logging into the System

You can log in by clicking the LOGIN (Belépés) button on the tdk.sze.hu website. Access to the SZE Portal is required to use the system.

• Previously registered users can log in using their SZE Portal credentials.

• Those who do not yet have SZE Portal access can register using their NEPTUN code. 

Should any problems arise regarding SZE Portal registration, the staff at the Alumni, Career and Information Centre (AKIK, Új Tudástér 106. honlap@sze.hu) can provide assistance. It is recommended that all students check their SZE Portal registration and attempt to log into the system at the beginning of the application period. This ensures that issues arising from incorrect registration or forgotten passwords can be resolved prior to the application deadline.

2. Completing the Application Form

Following login, the Application Form can be accessed under the Preparation and Application → Application (Felkészülés és jelentkezés → Jelentkezés) menu. The data required for the TDK application must be entered on the form, including:

• the title of the research paper;

• a brief description of the topic (abstract);

• the details of the supervisor;

• details concerning participation in the Conference.

The length of the abstract must be between a minimum of 1,300 and a maximum of 2,000 characters, including spaces. During the application, it must also be specified whether it is the student's first time participating in the TDK. In the case of subsequent participation, it must be indicated whether the student is entering with a further developed version of a previous research paper or with a new research paper. The system will send an email confirmation upon the successful registration of the application. To ensure the receipt of relevant notifications, checking the primary email address in NEPTUN is recommended.

The formal requirements of the TDK thesis are the same as the requirements in the OTDK section call for the relevant discipline: otdt.hu/hu/szekcio-felhivasok

3. Adding Co-authors

If the research paper has multiple authors, the Application Form is completed by one of the authors. Following the application, the system will send an email containing a link to be used for co-author registration. This link must be forwarded to the additional authors of the research paper. The co-authors can join the already registered topic using this link.

4. Supervisor Approval

After the application is registered, the system sends an automated email to the designated supervisor. Following the review of the research paper, the supervisor can approve the application electronically. Therefore, submitting a printed document for the application is not required.

5. Uploading the Research Paper

To upload the research paper, click on the TDK Papers (TDK dolgozatok) tab under the Application (Jelentkezés) menu after logging in. The title of the registered research paper will appear here. Clicking on the title will open the research paper upload interface, where the final document can be uploaded.

6. Further Information

Further information regarding the application and the TDK Conference is available under the Current Call (Aktuális felhívás) and Frequently Asked Questions (GYIK) menus. Should the FAQ not contain the answer to a specific question, students may contact the Faculty TDK coordinators or the University TDT Secretary at the tdk@sze.hu email address.