Future Leaders Program – Spring 2026 Edition

The Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA) is launching a call for applications for its Future Leaders Program for young talents well-versed in international relations from Hungary and abroad. The fellowship, which is conducted in English, will run from 1 April 2026, through 30 June 2026 in person.

Purpose: Provide young professionals with practical experience in international relations and policy research. Duration: Three months (March–May 2026). Programme Components:

• Conduct independent research on foreign policy/security topics.
• Participate in HIIA workshops, seminars, and conferences.
• Publish policy papers and contribute to HIIA outputs.
• Receive mentorship from senior researchers. Focus Areas: International relations, diplomacy, security studies, European affairs

• Must be under 35 years old.
• Must have a Master’s degree or be enrolled in a Master’s/PhD program in international relations, political science, law, economics, or related fields.
• Strong interest in foreign policy and security studies.
• Fluency in English required; Hungarian language skills an asset but not mandatory.
• CV (max 2 pages).
• Motivation letter (1 page).
• Research proposal (max 2 pages).
• Academic transcript (if enrolled).