Apply Now: HIIA Future Leaders Program 2025 in Budapest for Early-Career International Relations Professionals (Deadline: 8 August, 2025)

Apply Now: HIIA Future Leaders Program 2025 for Emerging International Relations Professionals

The Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Future Leaders Program, a prestigious three-month fellowship for recent graduates with a strong interest in international relations. The program is conducted in person and in English, and will run from 15 September to 15 December 2025, at HIIA Headquarters in Budapest, Hungary.

This opportunity is open to young talents from Hungary and abroad, aiming to nurture the next generation of foreign policy professionals through a combination of research, mentorship, and high-level policy engagement.

Purpose of the HIIA Future Leaders Program

The Future Leaders Program is designed to:

• Provide young professionals with a deeper understanding of Hungarian foreign policy.
• Enable fellows to conduct research under professional mentorship.
• Integrate participants into HIIA’s research groups and project management teams.
• Offer training in foreign policy, leadership, public speaking, and media skills.
• Provide exposure to Hungarian foreign policy circles and professional discussions.

Key Research Topics

Fellows will work on a range of regional and thematic topics, including:

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 an International Context
• Cultural Diplomacy

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following (or a related) fields:
  • International Relations
  • Political Science
  • History
  • Philosophy
  • International Economics
• Be under the age of 30
• Demonstrate a strong interest in foreign policy
• Be proficient in English, as all documentation and communication will be in English

Application Process

To apply, candidates must:

1. Fill out the online application form available via the official application portal.
2. Upload the following documents in English:
   • Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
   • Cover Letter (maximum 1 page)
   • Writing Sample (3,000–5,000 characters, including spaces)

Timeline

• Application Deadline: 8 August 2025
• Interview Period: 11–15 August 2025
• Results Announcement: 1 September 2025
• Program Start Date: 15 September 2025
• Program End Date: 15 December 2025

General Conditions

• Fellows must commit to approximately 30 hours/week in person at HIIA Headquarters:
  • Address: 1062 Budapest, Bajza utca 44.
• HIIA does not provide work equipment
• The program language is English
• Participants will sign a three-month fixed-term contract
• Compensation is paid based on the achievement of specific milestones, including:
  • Participation in professional seminars
  • Submission of internal research reports
  • Completion of an individual research project

Special Provisions for International Fellows

HIIA welcomes international applicants and offers additional support:

• Round-trip travel to Hungary is covered by HIIA
• Accommodation stipend of 200,000 HUF/month (approx. €480) is provided
• Participants are responsible for arranging their own housing
• HIIA will assist with visa support, but it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure timely application and compliance with visa requirements

How to Apply

Interested candidates can begin their application by clicking the official Apply Here button on the HIIA website and submitting the required documents.

This is a unique opportunity for aspiring international relations professionals to gain hands-on experience, develop new skills, and contribute meaningfully to foreign policy analysis and dialogue.

Apply now and take your first step toward a future in global diplomacy!

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY