Hungarian Academy of Sciences Research 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.
Conduct research in any area of interest, preferably in collaboration with Hungarian scholars employed in the Hungarian Academy of Sciences' Centres of Excellence ("MTA Centres of Excellence").
The scholar may also take part in other activities within the scholar community of the research units awarded with the "MTA Centre of Excellence" qualification, such as 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 Hungarian universities if invited.
The Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) is Hungary’s most prestigious scientific organization. The highest standards of quality and scientific excellence were also acknowledged by the Academy with the qualification "MTA Centre of Excellence”. MTA supports collaborative research with international scholars and MTA co-funds cooperation with Fulbright U.S. scholars.
The Hungarian research units awarded with the "MTA Centres of Excellence" qualification currently consist of numerous outstanding research centers and institutes. They rank among the best research institutes in Europe.
Research must be completed between August 2025 and July 2026.
The award is open to all disciplines and affiliations are dependent on specializations.
For those interested In the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network Research Centre for Natural Sciences: researchers participate in the most up-to-date, cutting-edge international research topics. The Centre welcomes researchers in all areas, but especially in the following fields: brain imaging, materials and environmental chemistry, cognitive neuroscience and psychology, organic chemistry, enzymology.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Research will be conducted in English, no Hungarian language proficiency is required.
You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.
$3,400 - $3,600 per month depending on scholars's current academic rank or professional equivalent.
Appr. $550 (HUF 200,000) per month local currency allowance.
The USD amount is subject to small exchange rate fluctuations. Average exchange rate: USD 1 = HUF 360
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 $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.
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.