Spend 3 Months in Hungary for Free – HIIA Future Leaders Program 2025

Are you passionate about international relations, diplomacy, or foreign policy? Here’s your chance to learn from the best in the heart of Europe!

Applications are now open for the HIIA Future Leaders Program 2025, a fully funded international fellowship hosted by the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA) in Budapest, Hungary. This immersive 3-month program will run from September 15 to December 15, 2025, bringing together aspiring leaders from around the world to explore Hungarian foreign policy, conduct in-depth research, and build meaningful connections in global diplomacy.

Program Overview

Host Institution: Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA)
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Duration: 3 Months
Dates: September 15 – December 15, 2025
Application Deadline: August 8, 2025
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities
Language Requirement: No IELTS/TOEFL needed
Application Fee: None

What You’ll Gain

Round-Trip Airfare
Free Accommodation
Visa Support
Fully Funded—No hidden fees

Program Objectives

Deepen Your Expertise: Get hands-on exposure to Hungarian foreign policy and global diplomacy.
Engage in Research: Conduct guided research with mentorship from HIIA experts.
Shape Strategic Dialogue: Contribute to key discussions through your regional or thematic expertise.
Boost Your Skills: Participate in workshops on public speaking, media engagement, and leadership.
Expand Your Network: Interact with policymakers, diplomats, and scholars in Hungary’s top circles.

Research Focus Areas

Regional Topics:

Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, Transatlantic Relations
Middle East, Turkic States, Asia-Pacific
Visegrád Group Cooperation

Thematic Topics:

Security and Energy Policy
Global Multipolarity and Geopolitics
Connectivity and Cultural Diplomacy
Family Policy in Global Context

Eligibility Criteria

Open to candidates from any country
Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree
Background in International Relations, Political Science, History, Philosophy, Economics, or related fields
Must be under 30 years old at the time of application
Must submit a CV, Cover Letter, and Writing Sample (3000–5000 characters)

Important Dates