HIIA Leadership Program in Hungary 2026 : Full Information

The Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA) is offering a fully funded program in Hungary. This program is free of charge for all selected participants. You do not need to pay anything.

The Future Leaders Program 2025 will take place from September 15, 2025, to December 15, 2025. That means it is a 3-month program held in Budapest, Hungary.

This program is a great chance for young people who are interested in international relations, diplomacy, policy, or global leadership. During the program, participants will attend meetings, take part in research, and learn from experts in international affairs.

You will also work with other future leaders from around the world. This is a good time to build your network, gain new ideas, and improve your skills in communication, research, and policy work.

All costs are covered by HIIA. That includes your housing, meals, travel, and training. You just need to focus on learning and growing.

This is a good opportunity for people who want to work in international organizations, think tanks, or government positions in the future.

If you are a motivated and curious person who wants to make a difference in the world, this program is for you.

Make sure to apply before the deadline and prepare a strong motivation letter.

Leadership Key Details

• Location: Hungary
• Provider: Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA)
• Eligible: International Students
• Type: Leadership Programs
• Deadline: August 08, 2025

Research Topics Title

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

Eligible for HIIA Leadership Program

• Recent graduates (at least a bachelor’s degree)

• Fields:

  • International Relations

  • Philosophy

  • Political Science

  • History

  • International Economics

• Must be under 30 years old

HIIA Leadership Program Timeline

• Deadline: 8 August 2025

• Interviews: 11–15 August 2025

• Results: 1 September 2025

• Start: 15 September 2025

• End: 15 December 2025

General Conditions of HIIA Leadership Program

• 30 hours/week in-person at HIIA HQ (Budapest)

• Program language: English

• No work equipment provided

• 3-month contract, paid after tasks are completed

• Tasks: seminars, research reports, personal project

HIIA Leadership Program Benefits

• Round-trip travel covered

• Extra 200,000 HUF/month for housing (~480 EUR)

• Must get own visa (HIIA helps)

• Participants arrange their housing

How to Win

• Write a strong motivation letter

• Show interest in global issues & diplomacy

• Highlight research & leadership skills

• Match your degree with eligible fields

• Show you are under 30 & passionate

• Prepare well for the interview

• Show your commitment to the full 3 months

• Have clear goals for your future career

Reqiurement Docuemts

• CV – max 2 pages

• Cover Letter – max 1 page

• Writing Sample – 3000–5000 characters (with spaces)

How to Apply?

• Fill out the online application form

• Upload all required documents

• Apply before: August 8, 2025

Living Cost in Hungary

• Housing: 150–400 EUR/month

• Food: 150–250 EUR/month

• Transport: 30–40 EUR/month

• Utilities: 50–100 EUR/month

• Other: 50–100 EUR/month

After finishing the course, I have to return to my country.

• Find companies for work in your country

• Apply for a long-term visa

• Apply for university scholarships

• Write excellent articles to get work rights at universities

• Work with private educational institutions in Hungary

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Why Choose This Program

• Fully funded (no cost)

• Live in Hungary for 3 months

• Work with global experts

• Improve research & policy skills

• Build an international network

• Boost your career in diplomacy

How to Write a Cover Letter for the HIIA Leadership Program

• Start with a clear introduction: Who you are and why you are applying.

• Mention your interest in international relations and diplomacy.

• Explain how your education fits the program fields.

• Show your passion for global issues and leadership.

• Describe your research or work experience briefly.

• Say why you want to join HIIA and Budapest.

• Highlight your communication and teamwork skills.

• Explain how the program will help your future career goals.

• Confirm you can commit for the full 3 months.

• End with a polite thank you and a strong closing sentence.

FAQ – HIIA Leadership Program

Q1: What is the program?
A1: A fully funded 3-month leadership program in Hungary.

Q2: Who can apply?
A2: Recent graduates under 30 in related fields.

Q3: When is the deadline?
A3: August 8, 2025.

Q4: What costs are covered?
A4: Travel, housing allowance, meals, and training.

Q5: Where is the program held?
A5: Budapest, Hungary.

Q6: What language is used?
A6: English.

Q7: What are the tasks?
A7: Seminars, research, and a personal project.

Q8: How to apply?
A8: Submit online form with CV, cover letter, and writing sample.

Q9: Is a visa required?
A9: Yes, but HIIA will assist.

Q10: When does the program start?
A10: September 15, 2025.

Note: For more information, visit the official HIIA Leadership Program website.

Official Website Link

Apply Link

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