Fulbright - Széchenyi István University Scholar 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. They may also take part in other activities within the scholar community at Széchenyi István University 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.
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.
Széchenyi István University (SZE) is located in Győr, in North-West Hungary, at an equal distance from Budapest, capital of Hungary, and Vienna, capital of Austria. The city is at the meeting point of three rivers, including the world-famous Danube. As the sixth largest city in Hungary, Győr is both modern with a dynamic industrial base producing an impressive one tenth of the country’s exports, and historic with the newly restored Baroque downtown of Győr, which is considered to be a cultural jewel.
Due to its optimum location, the city of Győr is a leading automotive and industrial hub. The city is home to the Audi Hungaria Motor Company. Ever since its establishment in the city in 1993, Audi Hungaria, now ranking as the world’s largest engine plant, has enjoyed an organic cooperation with Széchenyi István University, which carries out industrial research activities for and in conjunction with the company. In 2015, the partnership resulted in the creation of the Audi Hungaria Faculty of Automotive Engineering, now boasting six professorships. Studies in the field of Vehicle Engineering are consequently a highly popular choice for international applicants.
Széchenyi István University has 4 teaching sites: Győr, Budapest, Mosonmagyaróvár and Zalaegerszeg. We have 9 faculties, 4 doctoral schools and 8 competence centres, which conduct research for industry and government contracts.
The University launched the Science & Innovation Park in 2023, centered around the Internet of Things (IoT), focusing on areas, such as the automotive industry, information and communications technology, sustainability and energy management, health technology and agricultural technology. The building houses multiple offices, start-up and spinoff initiatives, the Design Campus, the Centre of Excellence for Industry 4.0 Research and Innovation and the Digital Development Centre among others.
ZalaZONE in the town of Zalaegerszeg has a complex and integrated Research & Development facility, which supports customers and experimental developments. The hub of innovation activities related to ZalaZONE is its Research and Technology Centre where joint research projects with partners from higher education, including Széchenyi István University, take place.
The University has a Campus in the town of Mosonmagyaróvár, where the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences is located. On this campus, a Smart Farm is currently being developed to support the research activities of the Faculty in cooperation with the Faculty of Informatics, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.
Our Med Tech Campus, located in the centre of Győr, is being built on a three-hectare site in three phases. It will integrate education with technology-based medical research, focusing on practical applications. Future plans also include offering one-day minimally invasive surgeries and advancing digital dentistry. Our main partner in this project is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Széchenyi István University is a representative of the MIT Catalyst programme, which involves medical research that is then put into practice at as early a stage as possible. We also have outstanding partnerships with hospitals, actors in the health care industry and government foundations and clusters.
Third Mission activities are high priority to us. Széchenyi István University has partnerships with over 3,000 companies. Among these, Audi Hungaria is a prestigeous partner.
As evidence of the University’s strong commitment to internationalization, 53 English language academic programs (see list below) at all academic levels are on offer.
Faculties and Institutes of Széchenyi István University
English Language Academic Programs at BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD levels
Agriculture, American Studies, Art History, Business, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Health and Sport Sciences, Information Sciences/Systems, Law, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, Tourism
Housing (including 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 Centre of International Programmes at international@sze.hu
English Language Academic Programs at BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD levels
Information about the city of Győr
$3,400 - $3,600 per month depending on scholars's current academic rank or professional equivalent.
Housing (including utilities) will be provided by the university.
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 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)
One-time settling-in allowance of $300.
Airport transfer 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.
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.