HIIA Future Leaders Program 2026 in Budapest, Hungary (Fully Funded)

An exciting opportunity for young talents and recent graduates from all over the world who are interested in foreign policy, leadership, public speaking, and media to apply for the Future Leaders Program 2026 by the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA). The HIIA Future Leaders Program is a three-month intensive training program held in Budapest, Hungary, from April 1st to June 30th, 2026. The program is organized and funded by the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA).

About the HIIA Future Leaders Program 2026

The HIIA Future Leaders Program offers a valuable opportunity for young professionals and recent graduates with an interest in foreign policy to actively participate in the work of HIIA and expand their understanding of key areas in Hungarian foreign policy. 

Throughout the program, fellows will conduct research under expert guidance and contribute to the efforts of both research and project management teams. Based on their own focus areas, whether regional or thematic, fellows will support the analysis of topics that are strategically important to HIIA. In addition, participants will receive comprehensive educational and professional development through seminars on foreign policy, leadership, public speaking, and media, along with opportunities to engage in public discussions and connect with key figures in Hungarian foreign policy.

Key research topics

Regional studies: Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, Visegrád cooperation, Transatlantic relations, Middle East, Turkic States, Asia-Pacific.

Thematic studies: Security policy, Energy policy, Multipolarity, Global geopolitical issues, Connectivity, Family policy in the international context, Cultural diplomacy.

Eligibility | Who can apply?

Young talents from all over the world are welcome to apply if they fit the following requirements:

- Being a recent graduate with a minimum Bachelor's degree with an interest in foreign policy.

- Required or acceptable Degrees as follows (related fields will be considered on an individual basis):

• International Relations
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• History
• Diplomacy 

- Applicants should be under the age of 30 by the start date of the program.

- Applicants must have an excellent command of English.

Expenses and Benefits

For candidates from outside Hungary, HIIA provides funding for international fellows who do not have a residence permit in Hungary:

- round-trip travel provided by HIIA,

- fixed amount of financial support for accommodation costs each month.

Note: Before applying to the program, please check the visa requirements, as international fellows are responsible for obtaining the necessary visa for participation in the program. HIIA is ready to provide assistance with obtaining the visa. Accommodation is arranged by the participants for themselves.

Important: Fellows selected for the Future Leaders Program will be offered a fixed-term, three-month contract by HIIA. The gross payment will be provided upon completion of specific milestones, including attending educational and professional development seminars, submitting research reports to HIIA, and completing an individual research project.

Timeline

Application deadline: 30 January 2026

Interviews: 16 - 20 February 2026

Announcement of Results: 27 February 2026

Fellowship start date: 1 April 2026

Fellowship end date: 30 June 2026

How to apply?

If you’re interested in joining the "HIIA Future Leaders Program 2026", please complete the online application form no later than the 30th of January 2026. In the application form, you will be asked to upload all of the following attachments:

• CV (maximum two pages)
• cover letter (maximum one page)
• writing sample of 3000-5000 characters, including spaces
• proof of English language examination (minimum C1 level)

Candidates are required to submit all documents in English. Selected candidates will be interviewed by the colleagues of HIIA.

More Details

For additional information about the HIIA Future Leaders Program 2026, including project details and requirements, please check the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA) website HERE 

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