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.
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 Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences such as advising students, 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.
The Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) is one of the largest agricultural higher education institutions in Europe. It is Hungary’s flagship life sciences university, consisting of 20 institutes in five different campuses for studies and research and hosting nearly 14,500 students. The main campus is located in central Hungary, in Gödöllő, only 25 km from the capital, Budapest. Other campuses are located throughout the country, many of them in beautiful historic buildings surrounded by green environments where students feel safe and welcome. With parts of the university’s history dating back well over two centuries, MATE blends Hungary’s rich traditions with cutting-edge technology to meet the needs of its students in today’s competitive labor market.
MATE offers degree programs in a wide variety of subjects ranging from natural and environmental sciences, food engineering, horticulture, landscape architecture and mechanical engineering to business economics, social sciences, civil engineering and health sciences. Programs are available at every level, from vocational training through BSc and MSc courses to PhD and beyond.
MATE understands the importance of internationalization and promotes a variety of international activities. The university has made great efforts to expand their international relations outside Europe, to strengthen the existing cooperation with foreign universities as well as to join international scholarship programs. With partners on almost every continent, MATE students and staff can operate on a global scale to gain and share the essential knowledge for success in the globalized world. In addition to the courses offered to the Hungarian students, the University has launched several BSc, MSc and PhD programs in English as well.
The ratio of international students is approximately 15 percent making MATE one of the four universities in Hungary with the highest number of international students. Many of MATE’s professors are nationally and internationally acknowledged experts in their fields, and many are members of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
The university's long-term objective is to make MATE one of the 30 best agricultural higher education institutions of the world.
Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Agriculture, Economics, Engineering (Mechanical Engineering), Environmental Sciences, Urban Planning/Studies
Housing (except utility costs) and airport transfer will be provided by the university.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Teaching 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 further information please contact the head of the department of your area of expertise and/or the Head of International Relations Office Dr. Zsuzsanna Tarr at tarr.zsuzsanna@uni-mate.hu.
Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE)
Information about the City of Gödöllő
$3,400 - $3,600 per month depending on scholars's current academic rank or professional equivalent.
Housing (except utilities) is provided by the host university.
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
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.
One-time settling-in allowance of $300.
Airport transfer will be provided by the university.
Budapest public transport monthly pass will be provided by the 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 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:
Choose Hungary: Why was Hungary your destination?
What did you achieve thanks to Fulbright?
Testimonials of former U.S. grantees to Hungary
Recent Fulbright U.S. Scholar alumni available for reference:
Delia DeBuc (research) dcabrera2@med.miami.edu
Cleopatra Charles (teaching) cleopatra.charles@rutgers.edu
Scott Frisch (teaching/research) Scott.Frisch@csuci.edu
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.