pályázó

Pályázó is a Hungarian noun meaning a person or organization that submits an application or proposal to obtain something through a competitive process. It is commonly used for applicants in grants and subsidies, public procurement tenders, scholarships, or prize competitions. The word derives from the verb pályázik, meaning to apply for or compete for a position, funding, or other opportunity.

In public procurement, a pályázó is a bidder who submits a tender. In grant or subsidy procedures, the pályázó prepares and submits a pályázat with the required documents, such as a project description, budget, references, and declarations. The term is neutral and frequently appears in official documents and procedures, alongside related terms such as pályázat (the call for proposals) and pályázati kiírás (the call for bids).

Process and outcome: after submission, the contracting authority or evaluating committee assesses the applications according to published criteria. Participants may be asked for clarifications or interviews, and the results are announced with winners (nyertes pályázó) or, in some cases, reasons for rejection. In many procedures, there are rights of appeal or complaint for the pályázók.

Usage notes: while often referring to formal applications, the term also applies to job applications in everyday language, where a pályázó is someone applying for a position. The term is gender-neutral and widely understood in Hungary.