Program Overview

The Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA) opens applications for its Future Leaders Program – Fall 2025, a three‑month in-person fellowship in Budapest, running from 15 September to 15 December 2025. Designed for early-career candidates passionate about international relations and policy-making, the program delivers hands-on exposure to Hungarian foreign policy challenges and global strategic affairs.

 Program Objectives & Activities

• Engage with HIIA’s research groups and contribute to strategic policy analysis.
• Conduct a mentored research project on regional (e.g., Western Balkans, Asia‑Pacific, Transatlantic, Turkic States) or thematic topics (security policy, multipolarity, cultural diplomacy, energy policy, etc.).
• Participate in seminars on leadership, public speaking, media training, and foreign policy skills.
• Access networking opportunities within Hungary’s foreign policy ecosystem.

 Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree or higher, typically in International Relations, Political Science, History, Philosophy, or International Economics (other fields may be considered).
• Must be under 30 years old at the time of participation.
• Open to both Hungarian and international applicants.
• Proficiency in English is required as all program materials and interactions are in English.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 8 August 2025
• Interview Period: 11–15 August 2025
• Results Announcement: 1 September 2025
• Fellowship Duration: 15 September – 15 December 2025

 Financial Support & Logistics

• Compensation is milestone-based with fixed-term contracts covering research contributions and seminar participation.
• International fellows (outside Hungary) receive:
  • Round-trip airfare to Budapest covered by HIIA
  • Monthly accommodation stipend of 200,000 HUF (~€480) per month
  • Visa assistance from HIIA, while securing necessary permits remains the applicant’s responsibility.
• In-person attendance is required (approx. 30 hours/week at HIIA HQ: Bajza utca 44, Budapest).
• Applicants are responsible for arranging their own housing.

 Application Requirements

Applicants must submit all documents in English:

• CV (max 2 pages)
• Cover Letter (max 1 page)
• Writing Sample (3,000–5,000 characters including spaces)

 At-a-Glance Summary

Why You Should Apply

This is a rare opportunity to gain real-world insight into policy research, diplomacy, and foreign affairs at one of Central Europe’s leading think tanks. Fellows will build research skills, elevate their global policy perspective, and grow their network—all while living in the cultural and political heart of Budapest.