Óbuda University has formally entered into a cooperation agreement with the Hungarian-American Fulbright Commission to establish a new educational and cultural exchange program. This strategic partnership is designed to expand the university’s academic portfolio and strengthen international research ties with U.S. institutions.
Securing a partnership with the Fulbright Foundation is a significant milestone for any higher education institution. It serves as an internationally recognized mark of quality, enhancing the university’s appeal to prospective students and researchers from around the globe. This agreement creates a formal channel for integrating top-tier American expertise into Hungarian higher education, while providing students and faculty with direct exposure to global academic standards and methodologies.
Establishing the Fulbright-Óbuda Fellowship
The central component of this collaboration is the “Fulbright-Óbuda Fellowship.” This program will enable the university to host native English-speaking American Fulbright scholars on an annual basis. Under the terms of the agreement, Óbuda University will cover specific costs associated with the visiting professors, ensuring the program’s successful implementation.
Prof. Dr. Enikő Maior, Vice-Rector for Education, highlighted that the agreement’s primary objective is to fortify the Fulbright program’s presence at the university, thereby allowing American faculty members to teach and contribute directly to the academic environment.
Targeting Academic Excellence and Student Opportunities
In recent years, Óbuda University has observed a marked increase in student excellence. Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, Rector of the University, emphasized that the scholarship opportunities arising from this partnership will effectively target these outstanding young talents. The university has also recently established partnerships with several U.S. universities, creating further opportunities for joint education and research programs. These initiatives contribute to a globally minded environment for both the student body and faculty.
Tamás László Magyarics, Chair of the Fulbright Board, noted that the program’s founders intended for the benefits to extend beyond individual grantees to their home institutions. The strengthening of U.S.-Hungarian educational relations is a key priority, supported by the global Fulbright community and significant funding from the Hungarian government. These partnerships are expected to yield benefits for the broader Hungarian economy as well.
Program Structure and Timeline
Subject to final approval from the Fulbright Commission and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FSB), the program is scheduled to become ongoing starting September 1, 2026. Fulbright scholars will be required to spend a minimum of one semester (four and a half months) at Óbuda University as visiting faculty.
During their tenure, scholars will be expected to teach one or two courses in accordance with university requirements. Each course must carry at least three credits and include two contact hours per course, along with scheduled consultations, office hours, and participation in standard faculty responsibilities. Scholars will also participate in the Fulbright Commission’s regular monthly “enrichment activities” for grantees. An alternative format allows for intensive eight-week course delivery, with the remaining time dedicated to individual research.
Strategic Academic Focus Areas
Obuda University has identified specific academic fields as strategic priorities for hosting Fulbright scholars. These include:
- Engineering Sciences
- Information Technology (Computer Science and Information Systems)
- Architecture and Civil Engineering
- Business, Management, and Marketing
- Environmental Engineering
- Light Industry and Environmental Studies
- Applied Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
Prospective scholars and students interested in these fields should monitor official university channels for application details and further announcements regarding the program’s launch.
Next Steps for Applicants
As the program moves toward its 2026 launch, prospective Fulbright scholars and students interested in the participating academic fields should prepare for the application process. This partnership represents a tangible opportunity to engage with international academic standards and contribute to a growing global network.
For more information on application procedures and eligibility requirements, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official Óbuda University website and the Fulbright Foundation portal as the launch date approaches.
