The Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA) has officially opened applications for its HIIA Future Leaders Program 2026 — a prestigious, fully in-person fellowship designed for young professionals and emerging scholars passionate about international relations, diplomacy, and foreign policy.
Running from 1 April to 30 June 2026 in Budapest, the program brings together exceptional talents from Hungary and abroad for advanced research training, policy exposure, and leadership-building experiences. Conducted entirely in English, this fellowship offers a unique chance to gain first-hand insight into Hungary’s foreign policy landscape while working directly with senior researchers and strategic experts.
About the HIIA Future Leaders Program 2026
The Future Leaders Program is crafted to help young graduates deepen their understanding of global affairs and contribute meaningfully to strategic policy conversations. Fellows will participate in the core activities of HIIA, including:
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Conducting independent research under professional mentorship
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Collaborating with thematic research groups
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Supporting project management tasks
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Engaging in high-level discussions on foreign policy priorities
Through structured learning modules and hands-on projects, fellows gain exposure to the strategic, geopolitical, and institutional drivers shaping Hungary’s international engagement.
Educational & Professional Training
HIIA equips fellows with a well-rounded experience through:
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Foreign policy seminars with senior experts
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Leadership development training
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Public speaking and media training sessions
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Opportunities to attend professional discussions and policy events
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Networking with Hungary’s diplomatic and research community
This combination of academic depth and real-world engagement prepares participants for careers in diplomacy, think tanks, public policy, international organizations, and academia.
Key Research Themes
Applicants can explore and contribute to HIIA’s priority areas across regional and thematic fields:
Regional Studies
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Western Balkans
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Eastern Europe
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Visegrád cooperation
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Transatlantic relations
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Middle East
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Turkic States
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Asia–Pacific
Thematic Studies
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Security policy
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Energy policy
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Multipolarity
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Global geopolitical issues
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Connectivity
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Family policy in international contexts
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Cultural diplomacy
Fellows will be assigned specific mentors and research groups aligned with their interests.
Eligibility Criteria
The program welcomes recent graduates under the age of 30 with at least a bachelor’s degree. Preferred fields include:
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International Relations
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Political Science
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Philosophy
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History
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Diplomacy
Applicants from related disciplines are also considered.
All candidates must demonstrate strong English proficiency (C1) and submit materials in English.
Application Requirements
To apply, candidates must complete the application form and upload:
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CV (max 2 pages)
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Cover letter (max 1 page)
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Writing sample (3,000–5,000 characters)
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Proof of English proficiency (C1 or above)
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by HIIA staff.
Important Dates
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Application deadline: 30 January 2026
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Interviews: 16–20 February 2026
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Results announcement: 27 February 2026
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Program start date: 1 April 2026
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Program end date: 30 June 2026
Program Structure & Conditions
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Fellows must commit to approx. 30 hours/week at the HIIA headquarters in Budapest.
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The working language is English.
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Fellows receive a three-month contract with financial compensation tied to research milestones and seminar participation.
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Participants must bring their own work equipment.
Support for International Fellows
Applicants from outside Hungary receive additional assistance, including:
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Round-trip travel funding
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Monthly accommodation support
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Help with visa procedures
Participants must arrange their own accommodation, and are responsible for obtaining a valid visa before arrival.
Why You Should Apply
This fellowship is ideal for early-career scholars who want to:
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Build deep expertise in European and global politics
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Develop strong analytical and policy-writing skills
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Work inside a respected foreign policy institution
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Expand their professional network
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Gain visibility through published research
If you are committed to shaping the future of international affairs, this is a rare opportunity to accelerate your career.
How to Apply
Visit the application portal via the button on the program page, complete the form, and upload the required documents.
To know more about such opportunities, click here.
