HIIA Future Leaders Program 2026 in Hungary

Quick intro

Applications are now open for the HIIA Future Leaders Program 2026, Fall Edition. This international leadership and foreign-policy fellowship will be held at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs headquarters in Budapest, Hungary, for three months from 1 September 2026 to 30 November 2026. Candidates from Hungary and abroad can apply. The objective is to help young talents and recent graduates deepen their knowledge of foreign policy, contribute to HIIA research groups, and gain exposure to Hungarian foreign policy circles. The program is conducted in English and requires in-person participation at HIIA headquarters. (Magyar Külügyi Intézet)

Benefits

The program is not described by HIIA as a simple “fully funded scholarship.” Officially, fellows receive a three-month fixed-term contract with payment linked to milestones such as participation in seminars, research reports, and a personal research project. For international fellows who do not have a Hungarian residence permit, HIIA provides additional support: round-trip travel and a fixed monthly amount for accommodation costs. HIIA says visa assistance can be provided, but international fellows are responsible for obtaining the required visa. (Magyar Külügyi Intézet)

The program covers/supports:

• Round-trip travel for eligible international fellows
• Monthly accommodation support for eligible international fellows
• Fixed-term contract payment
• Visa assistance/support guidance
• Training and research mentorship
• Access to HIIA professional events and discussions

Objectives

The HIIA Future Leaders Program aims to:

• Help young talents deepen their understanding of Hungarian foreign policy
• Involve fellows in the work of HIIA research groups and project management
• Provide professional research mentorship
• Train participants in foreign policy, leadership, public speaking, and media skills
• Allow fellows to contribute to HIIA’s regional and thematic research priorities
• Connect participants with Hungarian foreign policy circles and public professional discussions (Magyar Külügyi Intézet)

Eligibility criteria

Applicants should:

• Be recent graduates
• Have at least a bachelor’s degree
• Be interested in foreign policy
• Be under 30 years old
• Have a relevant academic background, especially in:
• International Relations
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• History
• Diplomacy
• Related fields may be considered individually
• Be able to participate in person for around 30 hours per week at HIIA headquarters in Budapest (Magyar Külügyi Intézet)

Required documents

Applicants must upload:

• CV, maximum 2 pages
• Cover letter, maximum 1 page
• Writing sample of 3,000–5,000 characters including spaces
• Proof of English language examination, minimum C1 level

How to apply

Candidates must apply online through the Apply Here button on the official HIIA page and upload all required documents in English before 30 June 2026.

Official Application Page: Apply through HIIA official page