HIIA Future Leaders Program 2025 in Budapest, Hungary

The HIIA Future Leaders Program 2025 is a fully funded international leadership initiative hosted by the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA) in Budapest, Hungary. This prestigious 3-month, in-person program is designed for young professionals and recent graduates who are passionate about international relations, foreign policy, diplomacy, and leadership.

During the program, fellows will carry out research under professional mentorship and participate in the work of our research groups and project management group. Through their own research fields (regional or thematic), fellows will engage with and contribute to the analysis of HIIA’s areas of strategic priority. HIIA will provide fellows with an extensive educational and professional training, including seminars on foreign policy as well as on leadership skills, public speaking and media training and also opportunities to participate in public professional discussions and to get to know Hungarian foreign policy circles.

Key research topics

• 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, Family policy in international context, Cultural diplomacy

Eligibility

The program is open to applicants under the age of 30 holding at least a bachelor’s degree in fields such as:

• International Relations
• Political Science
• Philosophy
• History
• International Economics
• Or a closely related field

Applicants must also meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrate a strong interest in global affairs and foreign policy
• Be able to commit to 30 hours per week at HIIA’s Budapest office
• Be fluent in English (no IELTS/TOEFL required)
• Be fully available between September 15 - December 15, 2025

Program Dates

• Application deadline: August 8, 2025
• Interviews: 11–15 August 2025
• Program Dates: September - December 15, 2025

Support for International Fellows

Fellows will receive a three-month fixed-term contract, with payment linked to the completion of specific milestones, including seminar participation and research outputs

For selected applicants from outside Hungary (without residence permits), HIIA offers additional support:

• Round-trip travel coverage
• Monthly housing stipend of 200,000 HUF (approx. €480 gross)

Visa arrangements must be handled by the applicants themselves; however, HIIA will assist with documentation if needed.

Required Documents

(All documents must be submitted in English)

• CV (max. 2 pages)
• Cover letter (max. 1 page)
• Writing sample (3,000–5,000 characters, including spaces)

Application Process

• Fill out the online application form on the official website
• Upload required documents
• Submit before the deadline: August 8, 2025
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview with HIIA staff