Fulbright-University of Szeged Scholar Award (All Disciplines)
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 the University of Szeged 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 Szeged is one of Hungary's most prestigious higher education institutions. It is the knowledge center of South-East Hungary playing an active part in facilitating regional, social, economic and cultural development in the Southern Great Plain region of the country. The university's twelve faculties offer hundreds of training courses at the national and international level. International study programs have been available since 1985. Nearly 5000 international students of 130 nationalities study here each year. The university has strong connections with more than 500 high-ranking universities from all over the world. Since 2022 the university has been ranked the highest of the Hungarian higher education institutions on the QS World University list and has since maintained this prestigious global position.
The University of Szeged is a research university where outstanding research, development and innovative work is conducted. The 2,500 instructors and researchers are actively involved in national and international research projects. There are 19 doctoral schools covering 700 research areas and numerous internationally renowned research teams, many of which are also supported by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. The University of Szeged is a member of the European University Alliance for Global Health (EUGLOH) bringing together nine universities to combine the members’ expertise and resources to offer the best education to their students by combining their various courses and trainings as well as their cutting-edge research and equipment. The one-time rector of the university, Albert Szent-Györgyi, received the Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine in 1937 for his discoveries of - among others - the vitamin C content of paprika, a famous product of the region. Katalin Karikó, Research Professor at the University of Szeged and Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as Senior Vice President of BioNTech, contributed to mRNA research and its application in vaccines. She helped point out how mRNA can be modified without causing inflammation and how it can be used for therapeutic purposes which was later on used in COVID-19 vaccination. Katalin Karikó received the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her discoveries.
The University of Szeged is interested in U.S. Scholars from all disciplines.
Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) Laser Research Centre: the new Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) Laser Research Center is a renowned center working in partnership with the University of Szeged. ELI largely contributes to the scientific and technological developments of the region and the university. It opens a doorway into new territories within Physics as well as establishing such new technical developments as relativistic microelectronics and small laser particle accelerators. ELI will have a considerable impact on numerous fields of materials sciences, medicine and environment protection.
For further information on ELI, please click here.
University of Szeged Faculties
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.
You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.
For further information, please contact the head of the department of your area of expertise and/or Dr. Tamás Bene, Director for International Affairs and Public Relations at bene.tamas@szte.hu.
Szeged is the capital city of South-East Hungary situated along the River Tisza. It is called the "City of Sunshine" for its high number of sunny hours per year. It is Hungary's fourth largest city, with beautiful sights, museums, historic buildings in Baroque, Eclectic and Art Nouveau styles, with lots of students and a vivid artist community. Szeged is the gateway to South-East Europe, located just a few miles from both Serbia and Romania.
$3,400 - $3,600 per month depending on scholars's current academic rank or professional equivalent.
Appr. $140 (HUF 50,000) per month local currency allowance.
The USD amount is subject to small exchange rate fluctuations. Average exchange rate: USD 1 = HUF 360
Housing (except utilities) is provided by the host 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 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 $150-200 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 $10-15, concert tickets (good seats) are between $10-25
- Cost of living in Hungary according to: Numbeo Website; Expatistan Website (prices in Hungarian currency, average exchange rate: USD 1 = HUF 360)
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 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 our grantees. The Fulbright Commission in Hungary pays special attention to grantees with families, welcoming spouses and children too.
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 400 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. Affiliations with Hungarian state-run institutions are preferred. 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
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.