Fulbright-Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences Award
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.
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. If the research component of the award is more substantial, the Scholar will be expected to teach only one course. In the case of teaching/research grants, there is no preference for how scholars divide their time between teaching and research.
They will also be encouraged to participate in the academic and community life of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This may include advising students, meeting with Fulbright alumni, engaging in community outreach, interacting with the local English-speaking
community, contributing to media discussions, and pursuing personal academic interests.
Additionally, the Scholar may be invited to deliver guest lectures at other universities in Hungary.
The Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) is one of the largest agricultural higher education institutions in Europe and Hungary’s flagship university in the field of life sciences. It comprises 19 institutes across five campuses dedicated to education and research, serving nearly 13,000 students. The main campus is located in Gödöllő, in central Hungary, just 25 km from the capital, Budapest. Additional campuses can be found throughout the country, many situated in historic buildings surrounded by green, welcoming environments where students feel safe and supported. With roots
reaching back more than two centuries, MATE combines Hungary’s rich academic traditions with cutting-edge technology to meet the needs of today’s competitive labor market.
MATE offers a wide range of degree programs in areas such as natural and environmental sciences, food engineering, horticulture, landscape architecture, mechanical engineering, business economics, social sciences and civil engineering. Programs are available at all levels—from vocational training and BSc and MSc degrees to PhD studies and beyond.
Recognizing the importance of internationalization, MATE actively promotes a broad array of international initiatives. The university has made significant efforts to strengthen its global partnerships outside Europe, enhance existing collaborations with foreign institutions, and participate in international scholarship programs. With partners on almost every continent, MATE enables its students and staff to engage in global exchanges of knowledge essential for success in an interconnected world. In addition to the programs offered in Hungarian, the university also provides altogether 49 BSc, MSc and PhD programs in English.
International students make up approximately 15 percent of the student population, placing MATE among the four Hungarian universities with the highest proportion of international students. Many of MATE’s professors are nationally and internationally recognized experts in their fields, including numerous members of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
MATE’s long-term goal is to become one of the world’s top 30 agricultural higher education institutions.
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. $225 (HUF 75,000) per month local currency allowance.
The USD amount is subject to small exchange rate fluctuations. Average exchange rate: USD 1 = HUF 330
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 $600-$1,200 per month.
- Utilities, internet connection, and building maintenance fees average about $150-200 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): $28, 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 330)
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
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. Hungary has produced numerous Nobel laureates across various fields, including scientists like Katalin Karikó (Medicine, 2023), Ferenc Krausz (Physics, 2023), and Literature winners Imre Kertész (2002) and László Krasznahorkai (2025).
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 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.
The Fulbright Program enjoys high prestige in Hungary. The Fulbright Commission in Budapest offers grantees thorough assistance during their preparation for their grant period in Hungary, with finding housing and with their entry visa/residence permit application. Fulbright grantees are exempt of paying the visa/residence permit application fee.
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. Grantees are also welcome to set up individual meetings with Commission staff. Fulbright 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 in Hungary is extensive. Doctors are well-trained. Grantees and dependents can use the services of state-run medical institutions or private English-language clinics.
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.
Hungary is considered to be a very safe country with beautiful architecture, abundant cultural opportunities, great food, and pleasant weather. 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.
Applications are welcome in all fields. Please see specific awards for areas of interest. Dual affiliations may be possible.
A few quotes from previous Fulbright recipients:
’"The long-term impact of my Fulbright research grant will no doubt be great. The scholars that I met in Hungary I will present at conferences with and collaborate with for the rest of my career. This is all on top of four solid months of archival research that would not have been possible without this grant. Fulbright is the single most defining aspect of my academic career, and will be responsible in some way for everything that comes after.’" (Professor of History)
"I would not be the musician or teacher that I am today without the brilliant people of the Fulbright Program, specifically the Hungarian Fulbright Commission in Budapest. They believed in my purpose and dedicated the resources necessary for my year at the Kodály Institute in Kecskemét, Hungary. This experience was life-changing, and continues to inspire me. This book is my best effort to share the incredible Hungarian approach to music education. I hope that this mission to share Kodály with the horn community expresses my deep appreciation for the opportunity to be at the Institute. Participation in the Fulbright program in Hungary was the single most impactful formative experience of my life." (Professor of Music)
"Budapest is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and creativity, making it truly mesmerizing. Its majestic architecture, from the grandeur of the Parliament building to the timeless elegance of Buda Castle, tells stories of centuries past. It’s a city that doesn’t just showcase art; it lives and breathes it, creating an inspiring experience for everyone who visits. I love Budapest!" (Professor of Medical Physics)
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?
Recent Fulbright U.S. Scholar alumni available for reference:
Rahul Razdan (research) rahul@razinstitute.com ra
Sabrina Pasztor (teaching) sabrinakim.pasztor@uni-corvinus.hu
Lourenco Paz (teaching/research) Lourenco_Paz@baylor.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.