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 the University of Pécs such as advising students, helping 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.
The University of Pécs, founded in 1367, is the oldest university of Hungary. With its 22,000 students and 2,000 faculty members it is the knowledge center of southern Hungary. The University of Pécs is a traditional but modern, uniquely comprehensive institution. It has 10 faculties, covering a very wide range of disciplines. Its faculties are: Faculty of Adult Education and Human Resource Development, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Business and Economics, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Medical School, Faculty of Music and Visual Arts, and a Law School.
The university is pleased to have 2,600 international students representing more than 70 different nations.
One of the main strategic aims of the university is to internationalize the institution, to increase the number of incoming international students, guest lecturers and researchers and also to provide a growing number of international opportunities for the domestic students and lecturers. The university has been offering study programs in English for 30 years, and since then an increasing number of international students and researchers have come from over 80 countries to the University of Pécs. At present the university offers 50 different international degree programs, taught mostly in English, but also in German. The University of Pécs is one of the most active Hungarian higher education institutions in mobility programs and has twice received the Erasmus Quality Award. The University of Pécs has extensive partnerships with prestigious higher education institutions worldwide. The university is pleased to have extensive partnerships with various U.S. universities which provide opportunities for student exchange, lecturer exchange and common research projects.
Research also plays a key role at the university. As one of the most important research universities of the country, the University of Pécs acts as a knowledge center for innovation. Outstanding research is pursued at all 10 faculties of the university in a creative environment with significant results. There is a substantial amount of ongoing research in the fields of human and social science, medical and health science, natural science and technical science as well.
All the campuses are well equipped. Some of the campuses are located in recently renovated beautiful old buildings whereas others are modern facilities.
The university is located in the 2,000-year-old city of Pécs. The city and its rich cultural heritage is a most inspiring place for study and work. It is called Hungary's most Mediterranean city, located about 20 miles from the Croatian border. Pécs was a major settlement in Roman times, then lived through a 150-year Turkish occupation, and reminders of different historical periods fill the city even today: Old-Christian burial chambers, mosques and a slender minaret, Renaissance and Baroque monuments, as well as numerous museums. Pécs was the cultural capital of Europe in 2010. South of the city in Villány and surroundings is one of Hungary's best wine regions.
Faculties of the University of Pécs
Housing support $400 (HUF 150,000) and airport transfer between Budapest and Pécs is 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 Mr. Gabor Czeh, International Relations Coordinator at czeh.gabor@pte.hu.
Information about the City of Pécs
$3,400 - $3,600 per month depending on scholars' current academic rank or professional equivalent.
Appr. $130 (HUF 50,000) per month local currency allowance.
Housing support $400 (HUF 150,000) per month is provided by the university.
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 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 between Budapest and Pécs 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.