Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA) Future Leaders Program 2026

The Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA) is launching a call for applications for its Future Leaders Program for young talents well-versed in international relations from Hungary and abroad. The fellowship, which is conducted in English, will run from 1 September 2026, through 30 November 2026 in person.

The HIIA Future Leaders Program aims to provide an opportunity for young talents and recent graduates interested in foreign policy to get involved in the work of HIIA and to deepen their knowledge of the various fields of Hungarian foreign policy. During the program, fellows will carry out research under professional mentorship and participate in the work of our research groups and project management group. Through their own research fields (regional or thematic), fellows will engage with and contribute to the analysis of HIIA’s areas of strategic priority. HIIA will provide fellows with an extensive educational and professional training, including seminars on foreign policy as well as on leadership skills, public speaking and media training and also opportunities to participate in public professional discussions and to get to know Hungarian foreign policy circles.

Key research topics

• 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

Aim and Benefits of Future Leaders Program Fellowship

HIIA provides additional funding for international fellows that do not have a residence permit in Hungary:

• round-trip travel provided by HIIA,

• fixed amount of financial support for accomodation costs each month.

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

HIIA does not provide work equipment.

HIIA will engage fellows of the Future Leaders Program in a three-month, fixed-term contract with a gross amount that will disburse upon the achievement of particular milestones. These will include participation in educational and professional development seminars, as well as the production of research reports for HIIA and a personal research project.

Requirements for Future Leaders Program Fellowship Qualification

Recent graduates (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

and applicants should be under the age of 30.

The program requires intensive (approx. 30 hours/week) personal presence at HIIA HQ. (1062 Budapest, Bajza utca 44.).

The language of the program is English.

To apply, please click on the link above, fill in the application form and 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.