Introduction
The 2026 European University Institute Fellowship offers a rare opportunity for mid-career professionals who want to sharpen their policy skills, strengthen their global influence, and experience life inside one of Europe’s strongest intellectual communities. The fellowship takes place in Florence, Italy, at the Florence School of Transnational Governance. It welcomes policy professionals from every part of the world who bring practical experience in government, public service, civil society, diplomacy, development, media, advocacy, and other areas connected to public policy.
The European University Institute created the Policy Leader Fellowship to give mid-career experts the space and structure they need to reflect, refine their ideas, build new alliances, and contribute to policy conversations shaping Europe and the world. The program rewards professional excellence with a fully sponsored experience that covers monthly grants, travel expenses, and family allowances. Fellows are expected to stay in Florence for five or ten months during the 2025 to 2026 academic year.
This guide explains everything you need to know. It covers the benefits, requirements, the structure of the fellowship, and how to submit a strong application before the deadline.
What Is the European University Institute Fellowship
The European University Institute Fellowship is a residential program designed for mid-career professionals. It blends hands-on policy work with academic exposure and access to world class researchers. The fellowship is not an academic scholarship and does not require a PhD or research career. Instead, it looks for people with at least ten years of real policy experience and invites them to Florence to develop a work plan that strengthens both their professional field and the larger policy community.
Fellows gain access to the Florence School of Transnational Governance, which is known for shaping conversations around global governance, migration, economics, digital regulation, diplomacy, energy transitions, and other high impact policy areas. The environment allows fellows to exchange ideas with experts, attend training sessions, join workshops, and engage in policy dialogues within the European Union ecosystem.
Why the European University Institute Fellowship Matters
A program like this opens doors to networks that are often difficult to access from outside Europe. Fellows interact with policymakers, ambassadors, researchers, public thinkers, development leaders, and international partners who work within transnational governance. Many previous fellows have gone on to influence national policies, lead reforms, or launch new initiatives after completing their stay in Florence.
The fellowship helps you slow down, reflect, refine your ideas, and convert years of experience into practical knowledge that strengthens your next career stage. For someone who wants to transition into a more global policy role or strengthen their reach in governance, diplomacy, or international development, the impact can be transformative.
Summary of the 2026 European University Institute Fellowship
Host Country: Italy
Location: Florence School of Transnational Governance
Category: Fully Funded Fellowship
Eligible Countries: All countries
Grant Amount: €29,200 yearly equivalent
Monthly Stipend: €2,500
Other Benefits: Travel reimbursement, household allowance, family allowance, residency support
Duration: Five or ten months
IELTS Requirement: Not required
Deadline: January 23, 2026
Who Should Apply
The fellowship targets mid-career experts who work directly in public policy or sectors that influence public outcomes. The strongest applicants are individuals who have spent at least ten years working on real policy challenges such as public sector reforms, education systems, justice, governance, digital innovation, energy transitions, social impact, conflict resolution, financial regulation, humanitarian work, social inclusion, and other public interest fields.
If your career involves shaping public decisions, influencing policy debates, writing policy documents, leading civic projects, managing government programs, engaging communities, or producing thought leadership on public affairs, this fellowship is a suitable opportunity.
Eligibility Requirements for the 2026 EUI Fellowship
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
1. Professional Experience
Applicants must be mid-career professionals with at least ten years of experience. The committee looks for strong evidence of leadership, innovation, and influence in a specific policy field. The program does not favor purely academic profiles unless the applicant shows clear involvement in real policy activity.
2. Educational Background
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent is required. The fellowship does not require a postgraduate degree.
3. Alignment with STG Themes
The applicant’s work should broadly align with the Policy Leader Fellowship and the Florence School of Transnational Governance. Themes include governance, sustainable development, global affairs, economics, diplomacy, digital policy, energy and environment, public reform, and other fields connected to public sector transformation.
4. Work Plan Relevance
Applicants must submit a work plan that demonstrates substance, feasibility, and relevance to transnational policy discussions. The selection team evaluates how clear the plan is, how practical it is in the European and global context, and how much potential impact it offers.
5. Motivation
Applicants must explain why this fellowship matters to their professional journey. Strong applications show what the candidate hopes to gain and what they intend to contribute to the STG community.
6. Diversity Considerations
The fellowship seeks gender balance, geographic diversity, thematic diversity, and professional variety. Candidates from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Duration and Structure of the Fellowship
Applicants may select one of two timelines:
Five Month Fellowship
September 2025 to January 2026
Ten Month Fellowship
September 2025 to June 2026
Fellows must live in Florence for the entire period to take part fully in policy seminars, workshops, research activities, and STG programs. Short trips are allowed, but long absences are discouraged.
Financial Benefits
The European University Institute Fellowship is fully funded, and provides the following:
1. Monthly Grant of €2,500
This amount covers living expenses in Florence. It is tax-free under EUI policies, but fellows must follow tax rules of their home country where applicable.
2. Family Allowances
A household allowance of up to €300 per month is available for fellows whose partners reside with them in Florence and earn less than €2,000 per month.
3. Travel Reimbursement
Incoming and outgoing travel are covered up to €1,200. The reimbursement applies to:
First class train tickets
Economy class flights
4. Healthcare and Residency Support
Fellows receive support related to health insurance and settling in Florence.
5. Professional Exposure
The program offers access to EU policy circles, international organizations, academic researchers, global experts, and STG workshops.
What the Fellowship Provides Beyond Funding
1. Professional Growth
Fellows can refine their policy ideas, produce papers, design projects, or develop proposals that respond to real global needs.
2. Networks
The fellowship connects participants with leaders across Europe and beyond.
3. Mentorship
Fellows benefit from guidance and knowledge exchanges with EUI faculty and visiting experts.
4. Policy Engagement
The environment stimulates practical conversations that help participants test their ideas and strengthen their policy voice.
Step by Step Guide to Apply
The application process is online and straightforward. There are no paper submissions.
Step 1: Visit the Application Portal
Use the official EUI fellowship webpage to begin the process.
Step 2: Register Early
Register at least two to four weeks before the deadline to allow your referees enough time to upload their recommendation letters.
Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
Common requirements include:
Updated CV
Motivation letter
Work plan
Passport or ID
Degree certificates
Reference letters (usually two)
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Fill in personal details, professional background, and your proposed fellowship plan.
Step 5: Review and Submit Before the Deadline
The deadline for the 2026 fellowship is January 23, 2026.
Step 6: Wait for Notification
Selected candidates will be contacted by email.