HIIA Future Leaders Program 2025 in Budapest, Hungary

Call for applications for the HIIA Future Leaders Program 2025. The HIIA leadership program 2025 is a unique chance for young professionals and students to explore international relations and leadership while living in Budapest, Hungary. This exciting opportunity is offered by the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA). The program will run from September 15 to December 15, 2025, and will bring together participants from all over the world.

You don’t need IELTS, TOEFL, or any language certificate to apply and there’s no application fee at all. The fully funded leadership program is open to graduate students and young professionals under the age of 30. During the four weeks, you’ll join expert-led sessions, visit leading institutions, and explore Hungary’s rich culture. Plus, you’will get to meet other young changemakers from around the world in Budapest, one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic cities.

To support your time in Hungary, the program covers your international travel and also provides a monthly stipend to help with living costs. This makes it a valuable opportunity, especially for youth who are passionate about diplomacy, foreign policy, and global leadership. It’s more than just a learning experience, it’s a chance to grow, connect, and take your first steps on the international stage.

HIIA Future Leaders Program 2025 in Budapest, Hungary:

Host Country:

Hungary

Program Location:

Budapest

Organized by:

Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA)

HIIA Program Dates:

September 15 to December 15, 2025

HIIA Youth Leaders Program Duration:

3 months

Benefits of the HIIA Future Leaders Program 2025 in Hungary:

Round-trip international travel to Budapest (provided by HIIA for international fellows)
Monthly stipend of 200,000 HUF (~€480) for accommodation support (for international fellows)
Professional mentorship with researchers at HIIA
Participation in research groups and project management teams
Access to seminars and training on:
- Foreign policy
- Leadership development
- Public speaking
- Media skills
Opportunities to engage in public discussions and networking events with Hungarian foreign policy professionals
A three-month, fixed-term contract, with payments tied to the completion of key tasks such as research work and seminar participation
A strong addition to your CV and future career in international affairs, diplomacy, or policy.

Check Youth Leadership Forum in Iceland 2025 | Fully Funded

Eligibility Criteria for HIIA Future Leaders Program 2025:

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a recent graduate with at least a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following (or closely related) fields:
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- History
- International Economics
Be under the age of 30 at the time of application
Have a strong interest in foreign policy and global affairs
Be able to commit to approx. 30 hours per week in person at HIIA’s office in Budapest
English fluency is required (but no language certificate like IELTS/TOEFL is needed)
Must be available from September 15 to December 15, 2025.

How to apply for the HIIA Future Leaders Program 2025:

Visit the official website:
Fill out the online application form
Upload the following documents (in English):
- CV (max 2 pages)
- Cover letter (max 1 page)
- Writing sample (3,000–5,000 characters, including spaces)
Submit your application by the deadline
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview with HIIA staff.