A new opportunity is now open for young graduates interested in foreign policy, diplomacy, and international affairs. The Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA) has officially announced the Future Leaders Program 2026 Spring Edition, a paid, in-person fellowship taking place in Budapest, Hungary.
The program will run from 1 April to 30 June 2026, is conducted fully in English, and is open to applicants from Hungary and abroad.
What Is the HIIA Future Leaders Program?
The Future Leaders Program is a three-month professional fellowship designed for young talents who want hands-on experience in foreign policy research and policy analysis.
Fellows work under close mentorship, join HIIA’s research and project management teams, and contribute directly to analysis connected to Hungary’s foreign policy priorities. Alongside research work, participants receive structured training in leadership, public speaking, and media engagement.
This is a working fellowship, not an academic internship.
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Program Details
- Host Organization: Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA)
- Location: Budapest, Hungary
- Program Dates: 1 April – 30 June 2026
- Duration: 3 months
- Language: English
- Format: Fully in-person
- Weekly Commitment: Approx. 30 hours
- Deadline: 30 January 2026
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Research Areas You Can Apply For
Applicants select a regional or thematic focus.
Regional Studies
- Western Balkans
- Eastern Europe
- Visegrád Cooperation
- Transatlantic Relations
- Middle East
- Turkic States
- Asia-Pacific
Thematic Studies
- Security Policy
- Energy Policy
- Multipolarity
- Global Geopolitical Issues
- Connectivity
- Cultural Diplomacy
- Family Policy in an International Context
Clear research alignment improves selection chances.
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Who Can Apply?
You are eligible if you:
- Are under 30 years old
- Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree
- Have a background in:
- International Relations
- Political Science
- History
- Philosophy
- Diplomacy
- Meet advanced English proficiency requirements
Related academic fields may be considered individually.
English Language Requirement (Important)
Applicants must submit proof of an English language examination at the C1 level or higher.
Applications without a valid English certification will not be considered.
Application Requirements
All documents must be submitted in English:
- CV (maximum 2 pages)
- Cover letter (maximum 1 page)
- Writing sample (3,000–5,000 characters, including spaces)
- Proof of English language exam (minimum C1 level)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
Official Application Timeline
- Application Deadline: 30 January 2026
- Interviews: 16–20 February 2026
- Results Announced: 27 February 2026
- Fellowship Starts: 1 April 2026
- Fellowship Ends: 30 June 2026
Late applications are not accepted.
Financial Support and Contract Details
Fellows are engaged under a three-month fixed-term contract. Payments are released after completing specific milestones, including:
- Participation in training seminars
- Research reports produced for HIIA
- A personal research project
The exact salary amount is not publicly disclosed in the official call.
Support for International Fellows
Applicants coming from abroad who do not hold a Hungarian residence permit receive additional support:
- Round-trip travel provided by HIIA
- Fixed monthly financial support for accommodation
(exact amount not specified)
Visa notes:
- Applicants are responsible for obtaining their visa
- HIIA assists with the process
- Accommodation must be arranged independently
Why This Fellowship Is Worth Applying For
- Direct exposure to real foreign policy research
- Mentorship from policy professionals
- Paid, contract-based fellowship in Europe
- Strong networking inside Hungarian foreign policy circles
- Ideal for careers in diplomacy, think tanks, and international organizations
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official HIIA application portal using the “Apply here” button on the program’s announcement page.
Paid foreign policy fellowships in Europe that are open to international applicants are rare. With structured training, real research work, and institutional access, the HIIA Future Leaders Program 2026 is a serious opportunity for early-career professionals.
