Details
Political Leadership Excellence Program (PLEP) 2027
Applications Are Now Open
The Political Leadership Excellence Program (PLEP), jointly organized by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Türkiye Office and EDAM (Center for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies), is a prestigious training program designed to enhance the leadership capacities of promising young professionals interested in politics.
Launched for the first time during the 2022-2023 academic year, the program has successfully graduated 40 participants to date.
Program Content
The program covers a range of current and strategic topics, including:
- International Relations and Foreign Policy
- Economy and Energy
- Domestic Politics and Political Strategy
- Türkiye-European Union Relations
Delivered through face-to-face sessions led by distinguished academics, experts, and former diplomats, the program provides participants with unique opportunities to exchange ideas directly with leading professionals, strengthen their leadership competencies, and expand their professional networks.
A key component of the program is the Brussels Study Visit, which serves as the final module. This study visit offers participants comprehensive insights into Türkiye-EU relations, opportunities to establish valuable professional connections, and an inspiring international experience.
If you aspire to develop your political leadership skills, broaden your understanding of public affairs, and contribute meaningfully to society, the Political Leadership Excellence Program (PLEP) offers an exceptional opportunity.
All flight and accommodation costs within the framework of the program will be covered by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Türkiye Office.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications are open to individuals who are:
- Between 23 and 35 years of age
- Final-year undergraduate students
- Master's degree students
- PhD candidates
Participants who are accepted into the program are required to attend all modules and meetings in full.
Applications must be submitted in English. Training modules will be conducted in either English or Turkish.
Required Application Documents
1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English
The CV must:
- Include a photograph
- Be prepared in table format
- Use Times New Roman, 12-point font
- Have 1.25 line spacing
- Not exceed one A4 page
2. Letter of Motivation in English
The letter should outline:
- Your motivation for joining the program
- Your career aspirations
- The qualities and experiences that distinguish you from other applicants
Format requirements:
- Times New Roman, 12-point font
- 1.25 line spacing
- Maximum one A4 page
3. Essay in English
Topic: “Your Vision of Türkiye in 2053”
Requirements:
- Times New Roman, 12-point font
- 1.25 line spacing
- Maximum two A4 pages
Application Procedure
All application documents must be combined into a single PDF file and submitted no later than 13 November 2026 to the following email address:
Email: turkmen.ozmen@kas.de
Political Leadership Excellence Program (PLEP) 2027
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Türkiye Office
Center for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM)
Concept and Organization
Thomas Birringer
Director
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Türkiye Office
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kasım Han
Center for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM)
Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Üstün
Center for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM)
Türkmen Özmen
Project Coordinator
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Türkiye Office
