HIIA Future Leaders Program 2026 Fall Edition in Budapest

The HIIA Future Leaders Program 2026 is an in-person fellowship offered by the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs. It is designed for young talents and recent graduates interested in foreign policy. The English-language programme will take place in Budapest from 1 September to 30 November 2026. Applications must be submitted by 30 June 2026.

Quick Overview

Programme: HIIA Future Leaders Program 2026, Fall Edition
Opportunity Type: Fellowship
Host Organization: Hungarian Institute of International Affairs
Location: HIIA Headquarters, Budapest, Hungary
Programme Format: In person
Duration: Three months
Programme Dates: 1 September–30 November 2026
Language: English
Time Commitment: Approximately 30 hours per week
Deadline: 30 June 2026

About the HIIA Future Leaders Program 2026

The HIIA Future Leaders Program 2026 gives participants an opportunity to become involved in the work of the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs. Fellows will deepen their knowledge of different areas of Hungarian foreign policy.

During the fellowship, participants will conduct research under professional mentorship. They will also contribute to the work of HIIA research groups and the project management group.

Each fellow will focus on a regional or thematic research area connected to the institute’s strategic priorities.

Training and Professional Development

The programme includes educational and professional training activities.

Fellows will receive opportunities to participate in:

✓ Foreign policy seminars
✓ Leadership skills training
✓ Public speaking training
✓ Media training
✓ Public professional discussions
✓ Activities connected to Hungarian foreign policy circles

Key Research Topics

Participants may work on regional or thematic research areas.

Regional Studies

• Western Balkans
• Eastern Europe
• Visegrád cooperation
• Transatlantic relations
• Middle East
• Turkic States
• Asia-Pacific

Thematic Studies

• Security policy
• European Union
• Energy policy
• Multipolarity
• Global geopolitical issues
• Connectivity
• Cultural diplomacy

Financial Arrangements

HIIA will engage fellows through a three-month fixed-term contract. The contract includes a gross amount paid upon the achievement of particular milestones.

These milestones include participation in educational and professional development seminars. Fellows will also prepare research reports for HIIA and complete a personal research project.

HIIA does not provide work equipment.

Additional Support for Fellows from Abroad

HIIA provides additional funding for international fellows who do not have a residence permit in Hungary.

The additional support includes:

✓ Round-trip travel provided by HIIA
✓ A fixed amount of financial support for accommodation costs each month

International fellows are responsible for obtaining the visa required to participate in the programme. HIIA can provide assistance with the visa process. Participants must arrange their own accommodation.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a recent graduate with at least a bachelor’s degree.
• Have an interest in foreign policy.
• Be under the age of 30.

The listed academic fields are:

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

Applicants from related fields may be considered individually.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• CV with a maximum length of two pages
• Cover letter with a maximum length of one page
• Writing sample of 3,000–5,000 characters, including spaces
• Proof of an English-language examination at a minimum C1 level

All documents must be submitted in English.

Application Process

To apply for the HIIA Future Leaders Program 2026:

• Open the official application form.
• Complete the required fields.
• Upload all required attachments.
• Submit the application by 30 June 2026.

Selected candidates will be interviewed by HIIA colleagues.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
Interviews: 6–17 July 2026
Announcement of Results: 31 July 2026
Fellowship Start Date: 1 September 2026
Fellowship End Date: 30 November 2026

Apply Here

➤ HIIA Future Leaders Program 2026 Fall Edition – Application Form