The European University Institute (EUI) Policy Leadership Fellowship 2026 offers a unique opportunity for mid-career policy professionals to engage in a residential program at the prestigious Florence School of Transnational Governance. This fellowship is designed for individuals from various policy fields, including politics, civil service, media, and NGOs, to develop policy recommendations and practical solutions to pressing transnational issues. The application deadline for the 2026 cohort is January 23, 2026, 14:00 CET, with the program starting on September 1, 2026.
University Details and Location
The European University Institute is located in San Domenico di Fiesole, near Florence, Italy. It is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to social sciences and humanities, facilitating a vibrant academic community focused on transnational governance. The Policy Leadership Fellowship is a residential program held at the Palazzo Buontalenti, part of the Florence School of Transnational Governance.
Fellowship Duration
- 5 months: Sept 2025 – Jan 2026
- 10 months: Sept 2025 – June 2026
- Fellows must live in Florence (short trips allowed; no remote work).
Study Areas and Program Structure
The fellowship engages policy professionals in one of four faculty-led thematic projects that address critical issues in transnational governance. Fellows develop individual projects inspired by their professional experience while contributing to the broader academic community through teaching, training, and networking. The fellowship duration is flexible, offering either five months (September to January or February to June) or ten months (September to June).
European University Institute Policy Leadership Fellowship Benefits
Key benefits of the fellowship include:
- Basic grant: €2,500/month.
- If receiving other income → grant reduced (minimum €1,750/month).
- Family allowances:
- Partner allowance: up to €310/month (partner income < €2,000).
- Child allowance: €210/month per child (up to age 26 if in full-time study).
- Grant is not taxed by EUI (but follow home-country tax rules).
- Travel Reimbursement
- Covers fellow only.
- Max €1,200 total (incoming + outgoing).
- First-class train / economy air.
- No taxi reimbursement.
- Visa & Settling
Benefits Not Included
The fellowship does not include full coverage of accommodation costs; fellows may need to arrange housing independently. Additionally, health insurance, visa fees, and personal expenses are typically not covered by the fellowship funding.
Eligibility Criteria for European University Institute Policy Leadership Fellowship
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Candidate Profile
- Mid-career professional (10+ years experience).
- Strong professional achievements.
- Not strictly academic.
- Open-minded, collaborative, self-driven.
- Demonstrate alignment with the STG’s thematic focus areas.
- Applicants can apply a maximum of two times for EUI fellowships.
- The academic qualification used for application must have been obtained not earlier than three years before the deadline.
- Evaluation Criteria
- Professional excellence.
- Alignment with STG policy areas.
- Quality & feasibility of work plan.
- Ability to contribute to collective project.
- Clear motivation and potential benefit.
- Diversity of cohort.
- Selection Process
- Step 1: Eligibility check → incomplete/late apps discarded.
- Step 2: Committee review → shortlist + reserve list.
- Final decision within 4 months.
- No feedback or appeals.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- CV (max 3 pages).
- Short biography (250 words).
- Two reference letters (PDF, non-academic preferred).
- Copy of highest degree.
- Motivation letter (max 1000 words).
- Work plan (max 2500 words; clear structure + timeline + outputs).
- Two collective project statements (max 400 words each).
- Optional: up to 2 work samples.
- Reference Letters
- Uploaded directly by referees.
- Deadline: 31 January 2026 (14:00 CET).
- No letters from current EUI staff.
- Applicant must confirm referees received the email.
European University Institute Policy Leadership Fellowship Application Process Step-by-Step
- Register through the official EUI online application portal early to allow referees time for letters.
- Complete the online application form with personal details and upload required documents.
- Submit two reference letters via the online system from professional or academic referees.
- Submit your application before the deadline: January 23, 2026 (14:00 CET).
- Await the eligibility review and evaluation rounds.
- Attend an interview if shortlisted.
- Receive final fellowship results and prepare for program start on September 1, 2026.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start your application early to ensure references and documents are ready.
- Highlight your professional accomplishments clearly in your CV.
- Tailor the motivation letter to the fellowship’s thematic projects.
- Develop a feasible, impactful work plan closely aligned with EUI’s transnational governance themes.
- Seek feedback on your application documents before submission to enhance clarity and impact.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (USD)
Living in Florence, Italy can cost approximately $1,200 to $1,500 per month, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. The fellowship stipend of around €2,500 (approx. $2,700) per month is designed to comfortably cover these expenses.
Why Choose This Scholarship?
- Prestigious institution known for expertise in transnational governance.
- Generous monthly stipend and travel reimbursement.
- Unique access to EUI’s global academic and professional network.
- Flexible program duration to suit different professional commitments.
- Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement through training sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the application deadline?
A: January 23, 2026, at 14:00 CET.
Q: Can I apply if I have already applied before?
A: Applicants can apply a maximum of two times for an EUI fellowship.
Q: Is accommodation provided?
A: Accommodation is not included; fellows must arrange their own housing.
Q: What are the program duration options?
A: Five months (September-January or February-June) or ten months (September-June).
Q: Are family allowances available?
A: Yes, family allowances are provided for eligible fellows.
Application Deadline
- 23 January 2026 (14:00 CET).
- Submit online only.
- After submission → no edits allowed.
- Register early so referees can upload letters.
Official Link:
This comprehensive guide to the European University Institute Policy Leadership Fellowship 2026 highlights a prestigious and well-supported opportunity for policy professionals aiming to bridge professional expertise and academic engagement in a vibrant European setting
