2026 OSCE Study Visit Programme for Young Diplomats: Fully Immersive International Relations Training in Austria and Poland
Young diplomats and emerging international relations professionals from the OSCE Asian and Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation countries now have an exceptional opportunity to gain firsthand experience within one of the world’s most influential security and co-operation organizations.
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), through its External Co-operation Section, has officially launched the call for nominations for the 2026 Study Visit Programme for OSCE Asian and Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation Young Diplomats. This prestigious two-week programme will take place from 28 September to 9 October 2026 and will provide selected participants with unique exposure to the OSCE’s work, institutions, and decision-making processes.
The programme will be hosted across two major European cities—Vienna, Austria, where the OSCE Secretariat is headquartered, and Warsaw, Poland, home to the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
With only eight participants selected for the programme, this highly competitive opportunity offers direct engagement with international diplomacy, multilateral co-operation, democratic governance initiatives, human rights institutions, media freedom mechanisms, and regional security frameworks.
About the 2026 OSCE Study Visit Programme
The OSCE Study Visit Programme is the flagship initiative of the OSCE Secretariat’s External Co-operation Section designed to strengthen engagement between the OSCE and its Asian and Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation.
The programme provides young diplomats and international affairs professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the OSCE’s role in promoting:
- Regional security
- Conflict prevention
- Democratic governance
- Human rights protection
- Rule of law
- Media freedom
- International co-operation
Participants will spend two weeks engaging directly with OSCE experts, policymakers, and institutional representatives through a combination of:
- Briefings
- Presentations
- Interactive discussions
- Institutional visits
- Networking opportunities
- Participation in OSCE-related events
The programme offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how one of the world’s largest regional security organizations operates.
Programme Dates and Locations
Programme Period
28 September – 9 October 2026
Host Locations
- Vienna, Austria
- Warsaw, Poland
The inclusion of Warsaw as part of the 2026 programme represents an important component of the study visit, allowing participants to engage directly with institutions and stakeholders connected to ODIHR in its host country.
What Participants Will Learn
Selected participants will gain extensive exposure to the OSCE’s work and operational structures.
Key learning areas include:
1. Understanding the OSCE’s Mandate
Participants will explore:
- The history and evolution of the OSCE
- Regional security challenges
- Conflict prevention strategies
- International diplomacy mechanisms
- Multilateral decision-making processes
- Co-operative security frameworks
2. Exposure to OSCE Executive Structures
Participants will have the opportunity to visit and interact with various OSCE institutions and executive structures, gaining practical insights into their mandates and operations.
3. Human Rights and Democratic Governance
Through engagements with specialized OSCE bodies, participants will deepen their understanding of:
- Human rights promotion
- Democratic institution building
- Election observation
- Rule of law initiatives
- Good governance practices
4. Freedom of Expression and Media Freedom
The programme will also introduce participants to OSCE efforts related to:
- Media freedom
- Protection of journalists
- Freedom of expression
- Information integrity
- Democratic public discourse
5. Parliamentary Engagement
Participants will learn how parliamentary diplomacy contributes to international co-operation through interactions with representatives and offices connected to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.
Institutions Participants Will Visit
One of the most valuable aspects of the programme is direct exposure to several key OSCE institutions.
These include:
OSCE Secretariat
The central administrative body supporting the OSCE’s activities and operations across participating states and partner countries.
OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR)
Participants will learn about ODIHR’s work in:
- Human rights
- Election observation
- Democratic institution development
- Rule of law promotion
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM)
This institution focuses on:
- Monitoring media freedom
- Promoting freedom of expression
- Supporting independent journalism
- Addressing media-related challenges
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCEPA) Vienna Office
Participants will gain insight into the parliamentary dimension of OSCE activities and international diplomacy.
Benefits of Participating in the Programme
The programme offers numerous professional and academic advantages, including:
Professional Development
- Exposure to international diplomacy
- Understanding multilateral institutions
- Enhanced policy knowledge
- Increased understanding of regional security issues
Networking Opportunities
Participants will be able to connect with:
- OSCE officials
- International experts
- Policymakers
- Fellow young diplomats
- International affairs professionals
Career Advancement
The programme can significantly strengthen future career prospects in:
- Foreign affairs ministries
- International organizations
- Diplomatic services
- Public policy institutions
- Research organizations
- Multilateral agencies
Practical Learning Experience
Participants will move beyond theoretical knowledge and gain firsthand experience of how international organizations operate in practice.
Eligibility Criteria
Delegations nominating candidates must ensure applicants meet all programme requirements.
Candidates must:
- Be under the age of 35.
- Have completed a first-level degree from an accredited university.
- Demonstrate professional fluency in English, both written and spoken.
- Possess prior work experience in international relations, preferably in a multilateral context.
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection, as the programme is highly competitive and limited to eight participants.
Application Process
For Prospective Candidates
Interested applicants should:
- Contact their relevant OSCE Partner for Co-operation delegation.
- Express interest in being nominated.
- Complete the required application process through their delegation.
- Prepare supporting documents.
Nominated candidates will be required to submit:
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A motivational statement explaining their interest in the programme
For Delegations
Delegations are responsible for forwarding nominated candidates to the OSCE Secretariat through the designated submission channels.
Important Deadline
Delegation Nomination Deadline
17 July 2026 at 23:59 (CEST)
Late nominations may not be considered. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact their respective delegations well in advance of the deadline to allow sufficient time for the nomination process.
Why This Opportunity Matters
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, effective diplomacy requires a deep understanding of multilateral institutions and international co-operation mechanisms.
The 2026 OSCE Study Visit Programme offers a rare opportunity for young diplomats and international affairs professionals to engage directly with experts working at the forefront of security, democracy, human rights, and international co-operation.
By participating in this programme, selected candidates will gain practical knowledge, expand their professional networks, and strengthen their capacity to contribute meaningfully to international diplomacy and co-operative security efforts within their respective countries and regions.
How to Apply
Prospective candidates should contact their relevant OSCE Partner for Co-operation delegation to begin the nomination process.
Click here for more and to apply
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparations early and ensure all required documents are ready ahead of the nomination deadline of 17 July 2026.
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