2026 European University Institute Fellowship Program | Fully Funded

The European University Institute Fellowship aims to attract individuals with diverse hands-on experiences in policy-making across the world and does not require academic training background. 

The European University Institute Global Leaders Fellowship program provides a basic grant is € 2,500 per month, travel reimbursement of €1,200, family allowances, and residency support.

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, this post will provide you with a step-by-step application guide on how to submit your application.

European University Institute Fellowship Summary

• Host Country: Italy
• Study Abroad: Study in Europe 
• Category: Fellowships
• Eligible Countries: All Countries
• Reward: Full Sponsorship | €29, 200 Grants | Travel Costs | Accommodation
• No IELTS Required 
• Deadline: January 23, 2026

European University Institute Fellowship Details:

The Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF) is a residential programme at the Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG) aimed for mid-career policy professionals from a range of policy fields: politics, civil service, media, non-governmental organisations and others.

The European University Institute Fellowship is nested within one of the most renowned academic institutions in Europe and provides the fellows with an insider view into the EU policy making processes.

The programme is particular in its aim to attract individuals with diverse hands-on experiences in policy-making across the world and does not require academic training background. Besides having direct access to the STG and the EUI faculty and researcher community, the fellows learn from each other and form lasting professional and personal connections.

Requirements for European University Institute Global Leaders Fellowship 2026

To be considered for the European University Institute Global Leaders Fellowship, you must meet the following criteria:

The general profile of the candidates:

• Mid-career professionals able to demonstrate solid professional experience (minimum 10 years) and potential for future excellence in a given policy area; candidates with strictly academic profile typically will not be considered;
• Self-motivated and driven, able to autonomously accomplish the activities presented under the fellowship work plan;
• Open-minded and curious individuals willing to engage in peer discussions on topics which may go beyond their area of expertise;

Evaluation criteria:

• Accomplishments and potential: Professional excellence is assessed on the basis of the candidate’s contributions to a given policy field based on the CV and any other supporting evidence of the application. Minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required.
• Focus area: The candidate’s field of work should be broadly aligned with the STG programmes and faculty research a Other themes can also be considered but preference will be given to applicants that cover policy areas of the STG faculty and programmes.
• Fellowship work plan: Applicants are assessed on the professional substance of their work plan as well as its feasibility, applicability in a transnational policy context and potential impact.
• Motivation: Applicants should be able to articulate what difference the fellowship experience will make to their professional journey as well as what they can offer to the STG. Preference is given to applicants who can both contribute to the STG programmes and activities as well as benefit from their stay at the STG and the EUI.
• Diversity: The programme strives for thematic and geographic diversity as well as gender balance among the fellows

Benefits of European University Institute Fellowship 2026

Duration

The fellowships are offered for a duration of five or ten months. Candidates should indicate their preference from the following options:

• Five months: September 2025 – January 2026
• Ten months: September 2025 – June 2026

Residence

Fellows must reside in the area of Florence for the duration of their fellowship so that they can take an active part in the activities of the EUI/STG and the fellowship programme (with the possibility of short visits outside Florence and Italy). 

Grant

The basic grant is € 2,500 per month.

If applicable, family allowances will be added to the basic grant (see below).

Family Allowances

A household allowance of up to € 300 per month is paid to a Fellow with a partner if the partner lives with him /her in Florence and on the condition that the partner’s income is less than € 2,000 per month. The sum of income and allowance cannot exceed € 2,000 per month.

Taxation

The fellowship is not taxed by the EUI. Fellows are, however, required to comply with any other tax provisions which may be applicable to them.

Travel Expenses

Fellows (but not their families) receive reimbursement for the incoming trip from their place of origin to Florence, and for the outgoing trip to their destination at the end of their fellowship.

• First-class rail (travel by car is also reimbursed on this basis)
• Economy class air fare

The maximum amount for travel reimbursement amounts to €1,200 including both incoming and outgoing trip. Taxi expenses are not reimbursed.

How to Apply for European University Institute Fellowship (Step by Step)

To apply for the 2026 European University Institute Fellowship, interested and qualified candidates should;

• Submit applications through the online application portal. Paper or email applications will not be considered.

Candidates are advised to;

1. Register your application as soon as possible in order to give your referees sufficient time to submit the reference letters
2. Submit your application by the deadline

USE THIS LINK TO APPLY