All Disciplines (Teaching, Research or Teaching/Research)
Hungary
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
Teaching and Teaching/Research grants: The Scholar will be expected to teach two courses, and will be welcome to conduct their own research or join the university’s research projects. They may also take part in other activities within the scholar community at their university such as advising students, assisting with faculty training and curriculum development, meeting with Fulbright alumni, conducting community outreach, engaging with the local English-speaking community, being available to local media and pursuing their own interests. The Scholar may also have the opportunity to give guest lectures at other Hungarian universities if invited.
In the case of teaching/research grants, there is no preference for how scholars divide their time between teaching and research.
Research grants: The Scholar will conduct research in the area of the applicant's choosing, preferably in collaboration with Hungarian scholars, assist in curriculum development and participate in staff training, as requested. Additional optional activities are the same as for teaching grants.
Any appropriate institution in Hungary.
Teaching grants must begin in either September 2025 or February 2026.
Research grants must be completed between August 2025 and July 2026; Flex (research only) applicants may complete their grants between July 2025 and August 2027.
Flex option is available for research grants only: two trips for two months each over two consecutive years. Flex (research only) applicants may complete their grants between July 2025 and August 2027.
The Flex Award is designed for scholars who require multiple visits to the host country. This option allows grants to be conducted over two or three short segments. Applicants must select Flex in the application form, and clearly describe their plans for Flex in their project statement, including a project timeline. Flex grantees may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host-country academic community.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Teaching and or research will be in English; additional language proficiency is not required.
Scholars with at least three years of university, college, or community college level teaching experience are welcome.
For general information, please contact Annamaria Sas, American Program Officer of the Fulbright Commission in Hungary at sas@fulbright.hu.
$3,400 - $3,600 per month depending on scholars's current academic rank or professional equivalent.
Appr. $550 (HUF 200,000) per month local currency allowance unless host provides housing.
Appr. $140 (HUF 50,000) per month local currency allowance if host provides housing.
The USD amount is subject to small exchange rate fluctuations. Average exchange rate: USD 1 = HUF 360
Reimbursement of actual cost of direct, most economical round-trip airfare for grantees up to $2,000.
Allowance of $100 per month for one dependent and $200 per month for two or more dependents.
Dependent travel allowance of $500 for one dependent and $1,000 for two or more dependents.
Dependents are welcome to participate in the in-country orientation program and in monthly cultural enrichment programs organized by the Fulbright Commission in Hungary.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
- Cost of living in Hungary is on average about 30% lower than in the United States.
- Depending on the size and quality of the apartment, housing in downtown Budapest ranges between $500-$1,000 per month.
- Utilities, internet connection, and building maintenance fees average about $150 per month, but could be included in the rent.
- Housing and living costs in smaller cities could be somewhat lower.
- Groceries for one person could typically cost between $100-150 per month. Eating out per meal costs approximately $15-30.
- In-country travel costs: monthly Budapest travel pass (unlimited travel on all means of public transportation): $25, a round-trip train ticket between Budapest and another major city: $20-25
- A museum admission ticket is between $10-15, concert tickets (good seats) are between $10-25
- Cost of living in Hungary according to: Expatistan Website, Numbeo Website; (prices in Hungarian currency, average exchange rate: USD 1 = HUF 360)
One-time settling-in allowance of $300.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Hungary
Hungary is a welcoming country that boasts rich cultural and educational traditions. Because the country has historically been the crossroads to many different cultures, our Fulbrighters will be able to witness these influences first hand. From Roman, Romanesque, medieval and neoclassical architecture, Turkish mosques and spas, an abundant art and music presence, and the diverse cuisine; there is sure to be something to intrigue everyone.
The Hungarian higher education system is part of the European Higher Education Area. The country has many well-known universities and research institutions with strong international connections, joint programs, and many international students. The Fulbright Program enjoys high prestige. The Fulbright Commission in Budapest offers grantees thorough assistance with their entry visa/residence permit application. The Commission organizes an extensive four-day orientation program for the newly arrived U.S. grantees. The orientation program provides an overview of Hungarian history, culture, and introduces grantees to current academic, political and practical issues. All through the grant period, grantees are regularly invited to participate in cultural enrichment programs. These monthly meetings, trips, cultural events and conferences offer interesting insights into Hungarian culture and different kinds of institutions, and also foster team spirit among our grantees. The Fulbright Commission in Hungary pays special attention to grantees with families, welcoming spouses and children too.
The academic year is from September to June. Semesters are four months in length. The fall semester starts in September, the spring semester in February. English language is sufficient for teaching and research in all fields. Over 400 study programs in English and other foreign languages are offered by Hungarian higher education institutions, see Study in Hungary.
Applications are welcome in all fields. Please see specific awards for areas of interest. Affiliations with Hungarian state-run institutions are preferred. Dual affiliations may be possible.
English language schools (pre-K-12) are located in Budapest only. In major cities, there are dual-language high schools where specific subjects are taught in English.
For more information about working and living in Hungary, please visit the following links:
Choose Hungary: Why was Hungary your destination?
What did you achieve thanks to Fulbright?
Testimonials of former U.S. grantees to Hungary
Prospective applicants may contact the Hungarian-American Fulbright Commission for Educational Exchange for advice or for further information:
Dr. Károly Jókay, Executive Director, email: director@fulbright.hu
Annamária Sas, American Program Officer, email: sas@fulbright.hu
Website: www.fulbright.hu
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.