Join CENTRAL as they 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.

Program Date:

30 August - 20 September, 2026

Program Highlights:

• intensive, selective leadership program for outstanding graduate students and doctoral candidates from Central Europe
• centered around a three-week summer school, that 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
• combines academic content, regional expertise, and leadership development with a strong emphasis on active participation and contribution
• 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
• participation offers individuals a pathway to more effectively plan their career trajectories

Preliminary Program Schedule:

• 30. 8. - 3. 9. 2026 | Budapest
• 3. 9. - 8. 9. 2026 | Vienna
• 8. 9. - 13. 9. 2026 | Prague
• 13. 9. - 17. 9. 2026 | Berlin
• 317. 9. - 20. 9. 2026 | Warsaw

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

Program Funding and Travel Details:

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

Funding includes:

• an Interrail Pass for train travel
• accommodation
• most lunches and sepcial dinners that are part of the program
• cultural activities

Funding does not include:

• travel arrangements to and from the first location (Budapest) and last location (Warsaw)
• meals (other than program lunches and special dinners)

Who can apply:

• advanced graduate students or doctoral candidates
• a minimum B2 level of English proficiency
• a basic interest in Central European politics, history, and culture
• applicants can be from all faculties and fields of study

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.

Application:

• Application deadline: 31 March, 2026
• Applications are submitted centrally via Charles University
• Application form link

(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.)

For more detailed information, please visit CENTRAL website HERE.