Budapest Awaits the Next Generation of Changemakers

HIIA Future Leaders Program 2025

The Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA) is now accepting applications for its Future Leaders Program, a three‑month fellowship designed for young talents and recent graduates interested in foreign policy.

📍 Location: HIIA Headquarters, Budapest
📅 Dates: 15 September – 15 December 2025
🗣 Language: English

About the Program
The fellowship offers participants the chance to:

• Conduct research under professional mentorship

• Contribute to HIIA’s strategic priority areas through regional and thematic studies

• Join research groups and project management activities

• Receive extensive professional training, including seminars on foreign policy, leadership, public speaking, and media skills

• Engage with Hungarian foreign policy circles and take part in public discussions

Research Areas

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

• Thematic Studies: Security and energy policy, multipolarity, global issues, connectivity, family policy, cultural diplomacy

Eligibility

• Graduates (minimum bachelor’s degree) under 30 years old

• Preferred fields: International Relations, Political Science, History, International Economics, Philosophy (and related disciplines)

Benefits

• Research mentorship and professional development

• Fixed-term fellowship contract with compensation

• For international fellows: round‑trip travel and accommodation support (200,000 HUF/month ≈ 480 EUR)

Application Timeline

• Deadline: 8 August 2025

• Interviews: 11–15 August 2025

• Results: 1 September 2025

How to Apply
Applicants must submit:

• CV (max. 2 pages)

• Cover letter (max. 1 page)

• Writing sample (3,000–5,000 characters, incl. spaces)

All documents must be in English. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview.