TheHungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA)has announced the opening of applications for the Fall 2025 edition of itsFuture Leaders Program, aimed at young professionals specializing in international relations from both Hungary and abroad. The program will be held at the institute’s headquarters inBudapestfromSeptember 15 to December 15, 2025.
Future Leaders Program Objectives
The Future Leaders Program aims to provide talented young individuals and recent graduates interested in foreign policy with the opportunity to engage in the institute's activities and deepen their understanding of Hungarian foreign policy.
The program includes:
- Conducting individual research under professional supervision.
- Participating in research groups and project management within the institute.
- Comprehensive academic and professional training, including leadership skills, public speaking, and media engagement.
- Opportunities to join public professional discussions and connect with Hungarian foreign policy circles.
Main Research Topics
Regional Studies:
- Western Balkans
- Eastern Europe
- Visegrád Cooperation
- Transatlantic Relations
- Middle East
- Turkic States
- Asia-Pacific Region
Thematic Studies:
- Security Policy
- Energy Policy
- Multipolarity
- Global Geopolitical Issues
- Regional Interconnectivity
- Family Policy in an International Context
- Cultural Diplomacy
Who Can Apply?
The program accepts recent graduates (minimum of a bachelor’s degree) interested in foreign policy, provided they areunder the age of 30.
Eligible or considered fields of study include:
- International Relations.
- Philosophy.
- Political Science.
- History.
- International Economics
(Similar fields will be assessed individually).
How to Apply
Applicants must fill out the online application form available through the official announcement and upload the following documents (in English):
- CV (maximum 2 pages).
- Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page).
- Writing Sample (3,000 to 5,000 characters including spaces).
The institute's team will conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates.
Program Timeline
- Application Deadline: August 8, 2025
- Interviews: August 11–15, 2025
- Results Announcement: September 1, 2025
- Program Start: September 15, 2025
- Program End: December 15, 2025
Program Details
- The program will be conductedin-personat the institute:44 Bérc Street, Budapest.
- Participants must commit approximately30 hours per week.
- Official program language:English.
- The institute doesnot provide equipmentfor participants.
Participants will sign a temporary three-month contract and receive a fixed sum upon completing specific milestones, including:
- Participation in training sessions.
- Producing research reports.
- Completing an individual research project.
Funding for International Participants
The institute provides additional support for international fellows without Hungariنan residence permits, including:
- Round-trip airfare.
- Monthly housing support totaling200,000 HUF (approx. €480).
Important Note: International applicants must ensure they meet their visa requirements. The institute will assist with the visa process, buthousing arrangements are the responsibility of the participants.