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Current U.S. Student

United States citizens who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs are eligible to apply.If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. college or university, you will apply through that institution, even if you are not currently a resident there. Find the Fulbright Program Adviser on your campus.

U.S. Citizen but not a Student

If you are a U.S. citizen, will hold a bachelor’s degree by the award start date, and do not have a Ph.D. degree, then you are eligible to apply. Non-enrolled applicants should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Candidates with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

The Getting Started page will provide information on eligibility and next steps.

Artist

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program welcomes applications in the creative and performing arts. Arts candidates for the U.S. Student Program should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Artists with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

Creative & Performing Arts projects fall under the Study/Research grant category and are available in all countries where Study/Research grants are offered.

FPA

U.S. Professor/Administrator

If you are a U.S. citizen and a professor or administrator at a U.S. institution and are interested in applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award, you will need to apply through fulbrightscholars.org.

To support your students in applying for a U.S. Student Program award, please connect with the Fulbright Program Adviser at your institution.

Non U.S. Citizens

If you are a non-U.S. citizen interested in applying for a Fulbright Award to the United States, you will need to apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country. Find out more information on the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program or Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

Hungary

1 Fulbright/Budapest Semesters in Mathematics-Rényi Institute

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
Grant Period
September Start
Grant Length
9 Months
Award Type
Study/Research Partnership Award
Discipline-Specific Awards
Science/STEM
Award Profile

U.S. Fulbrighters visit the Pan-European Picnic Site along the Hungarian-American border

U.S. Fulbrighters meeting astronaut Tibor Kapu, member of the Axiom Mission 4 space program to the International Space Station in June 2025 Axiom Mission 4 space program

The grantee will reside one academic year (two semesters) at Budapest Semesters in Mathematics (BSM) and will take part in the activities of BSM. If the student is advanced enough to join a research group of the Alfréd Rényi Institute of Mathematics, the Rényi Institute and BSM will appoint an appropriate research advisor from among the joint faculty of the Rényi Institute and BSM, and will provide the student with proper research services at the Rényi Institute.

Grant Length
9 Months
Grant Period
September Start

The grant period will begin in September 2027 and will last through May 2028. 

 

Orientation
In-Country Orientation

U.S. Fulbrighters during a session of orientation

U.S. Fulbrighters during a session of orientation

Budapest sightseeing tour during orientation

The Hungarian Fulbright Commission provides a 4-day orientation program at the beginning of September 2027, which includes basic language and intercultural competency training and sightseeing tours. Attendance at the orientation course is expected. BSM also organizes orientation programs: an online pre-departure orientation and in-country orientations about living in Hungary and academic life.

Candidate Profile

Applicants must have a well-defined study and/or research project. A high level of maturity, flexibility, and ability to serve as a cultural ambassador is expected.

What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?

Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.

Hungary is located in Central Europe at the intersection between East and West. It has a vibrant culture. Fulbrighters living in the country are at the heart of history, museums, beautiful architecture, monuments, and parks.

Living in Budapest and other major cities is filled with cultural activities: great exhibitions, concerts, plays, festivals – there is always a lot going on, and tickets are relatively inexpensive.

For study and research there is a plethora of resources and opportunities. Grantees should be prepared to work independently and be willing to take the initiative to maximize their experience.

Budapest is a safe city with reliable and affordable public transportation. Regional cities are also safe, and have a lot to offer. Living there is quieter, but there are many benefits. There are great restaurants, charming cafés, beautiful libraries and archives in every major city. Food and drink cost about 30% less than in the United States, and the quality is generally high.

Universities have a lot of international students and faculty, and they offer a great number of cultural opportunities and comprehensive programs.

Hungarians may be more reserved than Americans, but they are very friendly, respectful, and helpful.

Most educated and young people speak English.

The climate is moderate, similar to that of Washington, DC, but is much less humid.

Adjustment to living in a foreign country can be challenging at the beginning, but as grantees get to know the country and the people, living in Hungary is a very rewarding and life-changing experience.

Eligibility
Residency in host country NOT permitted in year prior to grant
Dual citizens of this country are eligible
Indicate how many months is considered residency:
5 Months
Degree Level of Applicant
  • Bachelor's
Special Application Instructions

In your Fulbright online application, for the Award Name please select Rényi Institute from the drop down menu.

Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form

If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.

Not Required

Hungarian language proficiency is not a requirement in the candidate selection process. Some study of Hungarian prior to arrival is encouraged in order to promote deeper engagement with the host community.

Fulbright Proposal Types
Independent Study/Research:
Yes
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
No
Affiliation

Budapest Semesters in Mathematics

Alfréd Rényi Institute of Mathematics

For more information please contact: Dr. Dezso Miklós, Deputy Director of Rényi Institute and Hungarian Program Director of Budapest Semesters in Mathematics at dezso@renyi.hu or Dr. Kristina Garrett, North American Director of Budapest Semesters in Mathematics at garrettk@stolaf.edu. 

Applicants are required to include a letter of invitation in their application material.

 

Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition offered at discretion of host university/Award

Budapest Semesters in Mathematics will offer a full tuition waiver for one student for one academic year. 

Award Benefits
  • A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
  • International travel benefits
  • Accident & sickness health benefits
  • 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
  • 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount

This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.

1,900 monthly stipend amount in
$ [US Dollar]

The monthly stipend amount includes: $1,300 and HUF 200,000 (local currency allowance subject to exchange rate fluctuation, appr. $600)

One-Time Allowances

This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.

$ [US Dollar]
  • Excess baggage fees
  • Language training allowance
  • Settling in allowance

A one-time settling-in allowance of $300 paid at the beginning of the grant period.

Travel allowance of up to $1,500 (reimbursement of actual cost of direct, most economical airfare and excess baggage fee against invoices/eticket paid upon arrival in Hungary).

Hungarian language course fee: if a grantee decides to study Hungarian during the grant period, course fees are covered by the Fulbright Commission up to a reasonable amount.

Additional Grant Benefits

Monthly cultural enrichment program costs are covered by the Fulbright Commission.

Estimated Cost of Living

Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.

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)
 
 

Dependents
Dependent financial support is available

To be considered an accompanying dependent, the individual must be a spouse or a close relative (child, parent) who is financially dependent on the grantee and spends at least 80% of the grant period with the grantee abroad.

Dependent allowance: $100 per month for one or $200 per month for 2 or more dependents

Dependent travel allowance: $500 for one or $1,000 for two or more dependents (reimbursement of actual cost of direct, most economical airfare against invoices/eticket paid upon arrival of Hungary)

Housing Arrangements

BSM and/or Hungarian Fulbright Commission will assist in finding housing.

Country Overview

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 László Krasznahorkai (Literature, 2025).

Hungary 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. Medical care in Hungary is extensive. Grantees and dependents can use the services of state-run medical institutions or private English-language clinics.

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.

The Fulbright Commission and BSM give grantees thorough assistance in obtaining visa/residence permit for the duration of their grant in Hungary.

A few quotes from previous Fulbright recipients:

‘I would not be the musician that I am today without the brilliant people of the Hungarian Fulbright Program. 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. I’d particularly like to thank my mentors at the Institute, whose teaching transformed my musicianship and continues to inspire me.’ (Natalie)

‘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!’ (Delia)

Recent Fulbright U.S. Student/ETA available for reference:

-Ali Dadawalla (2024-2025, study/research), email: alidadawalla@gmail.com

-Olivia Murr (2024-2025, ETA), email: livimurr@gmail.com

Prospective applicants may contact the Hungarian-American Fulbright Commission for Educational Exchange for advice or for further information.

Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.EUR@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
http://www.fulbright.hu
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Annamaria Sas, US Program Officer: sas@fulbright.hu
Additional Online Resources
Choose Hungary: Why was Hungary your destination?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkRlZp6m69A&t=35s
Who is the best applicant?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LT_xw0G03Y
What did you achieve thanks to Fulbright?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW552yktR-Y&t=23s
US student grantee video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wff3MfVBoWI&authuser=0
Budapest Semesters in Mathematics: https://www.bsmath.hu/CURRENT/
HUN-REN Alfréd Rényi Institute of Mathematics: https://renyi.hu/en