Policy Leader Fellowship – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes23 Jan, 2026

The Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF) is a fully funded, residential professional program. The fellowship fully funds residential support in Florence for five or ten months. Fellows participate in professional skills workshops, seminars, and faculty-led projects. They access EUI and STG research resources, connect with peers and faculty, and receive guidance for collaborative policy work.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Policy Leader Fellowship before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

Policy Leadership, Public Policy, Transnational Governance

GPA / Grade

Languages

B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 91

Tests

Study Levels

Master's, PhD

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Yes (2)

Result Date

Program Start

Sep 1, 2026

Tuition Fee

Not Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

€2,500

Travel Allowance

€1,200

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount€2,500 per month
Deadline23 Jan, 2026
LevelMaster's, PhD
InstitutionEuropean University Institute
CountryItaly
ModeOnline
TypePartially funded

Apply Now

The Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF) is a fully funded, residential professional program. The Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG) at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy, hosts the fellowship. The program targets mid-career policy professionals from politics, civil service, media, NGOs, and other policy-relevant fields. It offers fellows the opportunity to develop practical, evidence-based solutions to complex transnational governance challenges.

Background and Purpose

The PLF strengthens the capacity of experienced policy practitioners to address cross-border governance issues. By bringing together professionals with hands-on experience, the program fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the application of academic research to real-world policy problems. The fellowship enhances fellows’ strategic, analytical, and leadership skills. It also builds a network of transnational policy experts.

Policy Leader Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship fully funds residential support in Florence for five or ten months. Fellows participate in professional skills workshops, seminars, and faculty-led projects. They access EUI and STG research resources, connect with peers and faculty, and receive guidance for collaborative policy work. After completing the program, fellows join a global alumni network that supports lifelong professional development and international collaboration.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must have at least ten years of professional experience in policy-related work. The program does not require specific academic degrees or age limits. Candidates should demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to evidence-based policy solutions. Fellows must actively participate in thematic projects and engage with the STG academic community throughout the program.

Policy Leader Fellowship Application Process

Candidates submit an online application including details of professional experience, motivation statements, and references. The program selects fellows competitively based on professional achievements, policy impact, and leadership potential. The EUI invites successful applicants to join the residential program in Florence.

Opportunities for Scholars

Fellows gain an immersive, interdisciplinary learning experience that enhances policy-making and governance expertise. They develop leadership skills, expand professional networks, and contribute to impactful transnational research projects. Alumni remain connected globally, supporting continuous engagement, collaboration, and career advancement in policy leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there additional allowances?

A household allowance up to €310/month for a partner and €210/month for each dependent child is available with supporting documents.

Must fellows live in Florence?

Yes, fellows must reside in the Florence area for the full fellowship duration; remote participation isn’t allowed.

Is the fellowship taxed by the EUI?

No, the EUI does not tax the fellowship, but fellows must follow applicable local tax laws.

Are partner and children travel costs covered?

Only the fellow’s travel costs are reimbursed; family travel is not covered.