Fulbright U.S. Scholar applications for 2025-26 continue to be reviewed as stated on our timeline pages (US Scholar and IEA). Any updates about applications will be communicated to applicants over email. The competition for the 2026-27 U.S. Scholar Program is open.
Fulbright Scholar Award
Fulbright-Eszterházy Scholar Award
Hungary
Application Deadline
Monday, September 15, 2025
Award Code
261012-HU
Activity Type
Teaching
Teaching includes classroom teaching, as well as giving guest lectures, workshops, and seminars, and engaging in other related activities. Classroom teaching is typically at the undergraduate and graduate level, and courses may be designed by the scholar or prescribed by the host institution and may be taught or co-taught by the scholar. The teaching load varies by award, as well as the host institution. Scholars may also consult on building research capacity, advise graduate students, and assist with thesis advising.
Teaching/Research
A combination of teaching and research as described above. Refer to the award description for any specifications on percentages of time that should be devoted to teaching vs research.
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for no more than seven years.
Mid-Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than seven, and less than 13, years.
Senior Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than 13 years.
Community College Faculty
Community College Faculty
Number of recipients
Up To
2
Award Start Period
September 2026 or February 2027
Award Length
4 months
Flex Option
No
Multi-Country/Area Award
No
Disciplines
American Studies
Arts
Biology
Business
Computer Science
Economics
Education
Environmental Sciences
Geography
History (American)
Information Sciences/Systems
TEFL
Political Science
Scholars selected for this award can choose to
Advise and/or mentor students
Assist in faculty, curriculum, and/or program development
Conduct a research project of the applicant’s choosing
Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses of the applicant’s choosing
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.
Award Activity
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 Eszterházy Károly Catholic 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.
Although applicants will be foremost considered for the award to which they apply, applicants may also be considered for one of Hungary’s other awards depending on the level of competition, award availability, and the applicant’s project relevance to other host institutions. The Hungarian-American Fulbright Commission is committed to matching competitive projects with the right partner institution.
Locations
Location Selection: Award is hosted by the institution listed below
Locations Detail
Eszterházy Károly Catholic University in Eger in the North of Hungary is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the country. It was founded in 1774, and has served the Northern Hungarian region for nearly three centuries. The university’s historical central building, the Lyceum, houses an impressive Baroque library, one of the first public libraries of the country. Today the university offers BA, BSc, MA, MSc or PhD courses at 5 faculties: Arts and Humanities, Economics and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Pedagogy and IT.
Each year the university hosts about 200 international students from 30 different countries around the world. A wide range of courses are taught in English.
Eszterházy Károly Catholic University maintains close contacts with other research institutes and laboratories in the region. Providing students with hands-on experience is a very important aspect of the university’s programs and to this end, Eszterházy Károly Catholic University runs schools and hotels giving students the opportunity to develop their practical skills.
$3,400 - $3,600 per month depending on scholars's current academic rank or professional equivalent.
Appr. $130 (HUF 50,000) per month local currency allowance.
The USD amount is subject to small exchange rate fluctuations. Average exchange rate: USD 1 = HUF 375
Housing (except utilities) is provided by the host university.
Estimated Travel and Relocation Allowance for Grantee
Reimbursement of actual cost of direct, most economical round-trip airfare for grantees up to $2,000.
Do you offer additional dependent benefits
Yes
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.
Estimated Cost of Living
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 $600-$1,200 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 $200-250 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 $10-20, concert tickets (good seats) are between $15-30, opera tickets are more expensive
Cost of living in Hungary according to: Numbeo Website; Expatistan Website (prices in Hungarian currency, average exchange rate: USD 1 = HUF 375)
Special Award Benefits
One-time settling-in allowance of $300.
Housing (except utilities) and airport transfer will be provided by the host university.
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
What is life like for Fulbrighters in your country?
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 finding housing and 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 grantees. The Fulbright Commission in Hungary pays special attention to grantees with families, welcoming spouses and children too. Dependents can choose from the numerous cultural opportunities (museums, galleries, musical events, libraries, programs for children, volunteer opportunities) all Hungarian cities offer. Medical care is extensive. Doctors are well-trained. Grantees and dependents can use the services of state-run medical institutions or private English-language clinics.
Public transportation in the capital city is extensive and inexpensive: buses, trams, metro cars, trolley buses, suburban trains run frequently. The network of intercity trains and buses offer good service to cities in the countryside.
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 700 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. 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: