In-Person Fellowship for Young Professionals in International Relations
The Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA) has officially opened applications for its Future Leaders Program 2026, a prestigious in-person fellowship designed for young, highly motivated talents with strong academic and professional interest in international relations, foreign policy, and global affairs. The program is open to Hungarian and international applicants and will be conducted entirely in English.
Running from 1 April to 30 June 2026, the Future Leaders Program offers participants a unique opportunity to gain hands-on research experience, professional mentorship, and exposure to Hungary’s foreign policy ecosystem while working closely with one of Central Europe’s leading foreign policy think tanks.
About the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA)
The Hungarian Institute of International Affairs is a prominent policy research institution dedicated to the analysis of international relations, global political developments, and Hungary’s foreign policy priorities. HIIA serves as a platform for research, dialogue, and policy engagement, contributing to informed decision-making and public debate at both national and international levels.
Through its research programs, publications, and professional events, HIIA connects academics, policymakers, diplomats, and young professionals, fostering a dynamic intellectual environment focused on contemporary global challenges.
Purpose of the Future Leaders Program
The HIIA Future Leaders Program is specifically designed to support early-career professionals and recent graduates who aspire to build careers in diplomacy, foreign policy analysis, international organizations, research institutions, or related fields.
The program aims to:
- Introduce fellows to the practical workings of a foreign policy think tank
- Deepen participants’ understanding of Hungarian foreign policy and international strategic priorities
- Provide professional research mentorship and structured academic guidance
- Strengthen analytical, communication, and leadership skills essential for careers in international affairs
During the fellowship, participants will be fully integrated into HIIA’s daily activities, contributing meaningfully to ongoing research projects and policy initiatives.
Fellowship Structure and Experience
The Future Leaders Program is an intensive, three-month, in-person fellowship requiring approximately 30 hours per week of on-site participation at the HIIA headquarters in Budapest.
Fellows will:
- Conduct independent and collaborative research under expert supervision
- Participate in the work of HIIA’s research groups and project management team
- Contribute to policy-relevant analyses aligned with HIIA’s strategic focus areas
- Produce research reports and a personal research project to be delivered by the end of the program
In addition to research work, the program places strong emphasis on professional development, offering a well-structured training component.
For more opportunities >>>
The Business Freedom Grant 2025: Applications Now Open
Applications Now Open: Oxford Institute for Ethics in AI – Accelerator Fellowship Programme
Education, Training, and Professional Development
HIIA provides fellows with a comprehensive learning experience that goes beyond research. Participants will benefit from:
- Foreign policy seminars led by experienced researchers and practitioners
- Leadership and professional skills training, including:
- Public speaking
- Media engagement
- Strategic communication
- Opportunities to attend and participate in public professional discussions, roundtables, and policy events
- Direct exposure to Hungarian foreign policy circles, offering valuable networking opportunities
This holistic approach ensures fellows leave the program with both substantive expertise and transferable professional skills.
Key Research Areas
Applicants are expected to demonstrate interest in one or more of HIIA’s priority research fields, which include both regional and thematic studies.
Regional Research Areas
- Western Balkans
- Eastern Europe
- Visegrád cooperation
- Transatlantic relations
- Middle East
- Turkic States
- Asia-Pacific region
Thematic Research Areas
- Security and defense policy
- Energy policy and energy security
- Global geopolitical trends and multipolarity
- Connectivity and international cooperation
- Family policy in an international context
- Cultural diplomacy
Fellows will align their individual research projects with one of these areas, contributing to HIIA’s broader analytical work.
Who Can Apply?
The Future Leaders Program is open to recent graduates and young professionals under the age of 30 who are passionate about international affairs and foreign policy.
Minimum Requirements:
- At least a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s students or graduates are welcome)
- Strong academic background in one of the following fields:
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Diplomacy
- History
- Philosophy
- Related disciplines may be considered on a case-by-case basis
- Demonstrated interest in foreign policy, international relations, or global affairs
- High proficiency in English (minimum C1 level)
Applicants from both Hungary and abroad are encouraged to apply.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online and in English. Interested candidates should prepare the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – maximum 2 pages
- Cover Letter – maximum 1 page, explaining motivation and research interests
- Writing Sample – 3,000–5,000 characters (including spaces), demonstrating analytical and writing skills
- Proof of English language proficiency – minimum C1 level
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews conducted by HIIA staff.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 January 2026
- Interview Period: 16–20 February 2026
- Results Announcement: 27 February 2026
- Fellowship Start: 1 April 2026
- Fellowship End: 30 June 2026
General Conditions
- The fellowship requires in-person participation at HIIA headquarters:
1062 Budapest, Bajza utca 44 - The working language of the program is English
- Fellows are expected to commit approximately 30 hours per week
- HIIA does not provide work equipment, so participants must use their own laptops and devices
Contract and Financial Terms
Fellows will be engaged on a three-month fixed-term contract with HIIA. Compensation is provided as a gross amount, disbursed upon the successful completion of predefined milestones, including:
- Active participation in educational and training sessions
- Submission of research outputs and reports
- Completion of an individual research project
Special Provisions for International Fellows
To ensure inclusivity, HIIA offers additional support for fellows traveling from abroad who do not hold a Hungarian residence permit.
This includes:
- Round-trip travel covered by HIIA
- A fixed monthly financial contribution toward accommodation costs
International fellows are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and securing the necessary visa. Applicants are strongly advised to check visa requirements in advance. HIIA is available to provide administrative assistance during the visa process if needed.
Why Apply?
The HIIA Future Leaders Program is an exceptional opportunity to:
- Gain practical policy research experience
- Build a strong professional network in international affairs
- Strengthen leadership and communication skills
- Work at the heart of European foreign policy analysis
- Position yourself competitively for future careers in diplomacy, research, and international organizations
For young professionals seeking to turn academic knowledge into real-world policy impact, this fellowship offers a powerful stepping stone.