The Policy Leader Fellowship 2026 at the European University Institute (EUI) in Italy supports experienced policy professionals from around the world. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend and additional allowances to help cover living costs in Florence, where fellows reside and engage fully in the programme.

About the Scholarship

The Policy Leader Fellowship is a residential programme at the EUI’s Florence School of Transnational Governance. It targets mid‑career professionals with significant policy experience who want to develop a practical policy project and deepen their expertise. Fellows choose between a five‑month or ten‑month residency period and work on individual and collective policy initiatives within the EUI community. Fellows engage in workshops, seminars, and collaborative activities alongside faculty and peers to enhance their impact. Successful applicants join an international alumni network of policy professionals.

Why Choose This Scholarship?

This fellowship provides a monthly grant that supports your stay in one of Europe’s most vibrant academic cities. It covers living costs and offers additional allowances for partners or children if eligibility conditions are met. You participate in an intensive policy programme designed for professionals with real‑world experience. You engage with faculty‑led thematic projects and professional development activities. It also allows you to build a global network of policy leaders and gain hands‑on insights into transnational governance processes.

Scholarship Summary

  • Host Country: Italy
  • Host Institution: European University Institute (EUI)
  • Scholarship Name: Policy Leader Fellowship
  • Study Level: Professional fellowship (mid‑career)
  • Coverage: Monthly stipend of €2,500 (adjustable to minimum €1,750 based on other income); family/child allowances; travel reimbursement; visa support
  • Application Deadline: 23 January 2026, 14:00 CET
  • Programme Start: 1 September 2026
  • Duration Options: Five or ten months
  • Eligible Applicants: Mid‑career policy professionals with at least 10 years of relevant experience

Scholarship Benefits

  • Provide a monthly fellowship grant of €2,500 to support living costs.
  • Adjust the grant if the fellow receives other income, with a minimum of €1,750 per month.
  • Offer a household allowance for partners living in Florence under income conditions.
  • Provide dependent child allowances for eligible children.
  • Reimburse travel costs (incoming and outgoing) up to €1,200.
  • Support non‑EU fellows with visa and residence requirements.
  • Connect fellows with a global network of policy professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet all of the following:

  • Be a mid‑career professional with at least 10 years of relevant policy experience.
  • Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
  • Demonstrate strong professional achievement and potential impact in policy.
  • Show motivation, independence, and collaborative spirit.
  • Be willing to reside full‑time in Florence for the duration of the fellowship.
  • Propose a feasible policy work plan aligned with the programme’s goals.
  • English proficiency is expected for participation in activities and projects.

Required Documents

Prepare and submit:

  • A detailed curriculum vitae highlighting professional work.
  • A clear work plan outlining your proposed policy project.
  • A motivation statement explaining why you seek the fellowship.
  • Supporting documents, such as professional references.
  • Any additional items requested in the online application portal.

You must use the official online application platform to submit your materials before the deadline.

Application Process & Timeline

  • Choose your project focus and prepare application materials.
  • Register your application on the EUI online portal early.
  • Submit your complete application by 23 January 2026, 14:00 CET.
  • The selection committee evaluates applications based on professional merit and project relevance.
  • EUI notifies successful candidates before the fellowship starts.
  • Begin your fellowship in Florence on 1 September 2026.
  • Attend all programme activities and complete your work plan during the residency period.