CENTRAL Leadership Program 2026

The CENTRAL Network is excited to announce grants for its new Leadership Program 2026, taking place from 30 August to 20 September 2026.

Join us as we bring together top universities from Austria (University of Vienna), Poland (University of Warsaw), the Czech Republic (Charles University), Hungary (Budapest ELTE), and Germany (Humboldt-University Berlin). Additionally, for the CENTRAL Leadership Program, the CENTRAL universities also invite graduate students from the Andrassy University (Budapest), the Ivan-Franko University (Lviv) and the Ukrainian Catholic University (Lviv) to participate in the leadership program.

Leadership program highlights

The CENTRAL Leadership Program is an intensive, selective leadership program for outstanding graduate students and doctoral candidates from Central Europe. The program is centered around a three-week Summer School and combines academic content, regional expertise, and leadership development with a strong emphasis on active participation and contribution.

In this unique initiative, up to 30 students and doctoral candidates take on an immersive journey through the region to explore Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Berlin and Warsaw. Participants gain invaluable insights into the diverse realms of economy, politics, diplomacy, society, and public service, fostering the skills and vision needed to drive the advancement of the Central European region.

The Summer School forms the core phase of the program and is complemented by preparatory and follow-up elements hosted both by the program staff and via participants' contributions. Participants engage with Central European politics, society, diplomacy, and public service while developing leadership skills relevant for complex, international environments.

Program funding and travel details

Participants in the program enjoy comprehensive support covering all program expenses across the five locations. This includes:

• an Interrail Pass for train travel

• accommodation *

• most lunches and sepcial dinners that are part of the program

• cultural activities

Program funding does not include:

• their travel arrangements to and from the first location (Budapest) and last location (Warsaw)

• meals (other than program lunches and special dinners)

* Please note that the accommodation will be shared (same sex) in some location and any upgrade or alternative hotel booking is handled by the participants themselves.

Who can apply

The CENTRAL leadership program seeks advanced graduate students or doctoral candidates with a minimum B2 level of English proficiency and a basic interest in Central European politics, history, and culture. Applicants can be from all faculties and fields of study.

This program is designed to equip participants for leadership roles in various fields such as society, economics, politics, or public service across Europe. Participation offers individuals a pathway to more effectively plan their career trajectories.

Participant selection procedure

• The selection of participants is conducted independently by each partner university, using transparent and equitable procedures.

  
  

• Prospective participants are required to submit their CV and a motivation letter as part of the application process.

  
  

• Subsequently, their home university might arrange an interview.

  
  

• Key selection criteria encompass motivation for the program, affiliation with Central Europe, previous civic engagement and career objectives relating to the progress and leadership of the Central European region.

Applications

Applications are submitted centrally via Charles University.

Application deadline: 31 March 2026

APPLICATION FORM 2026

(Before you start filling out the form, please have your cover letter, CV, and photo ready. Each document should be no larger than 2 MB. If the size of the attachments exceeds 2 MB, the application will not be processed correctly.)

Preliminary Program Schedule

The program includes lectures, workshops, cultural activities and some free time for exploring visited cities.

We are working on the detailed program. For an idea of of what the summer school involves, check the program of CENTRAL Leadership Program 2025.

Contacts to each partner university

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the coordinator at your home university.