The European University Institute Global Leaders Fellowship is designed to attract mid-career professionals with real-world, hands-on experience in policymaking.
The programme does not require an academic background and offers fellows a basic grant of €2,500 per month, travel reimbursement of €1,200, family allowances, and full residency support in Florence, Italy.
Fellowship Summary
- Host Country: Italy
- Category: Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Sponsorship | €29,200 Grants | Travel Costs | Accommodation
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: January 23, 2026
Fellowship Details
The Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF) is a residential fellowship hosted by the Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG) at the European University Institute. The programme is tailored for mid-career professionals working across policy sectors such as government, NGOs, civil service, media, and international organisations.
This fellowship gives participants an insider perspective into EU policymaking and provides access to the academic and professional network of the STG and the broader EUI community. The programme values diversity and seeks candidates with a variety of practical policy experiences, even without academic training backgrounds. Fellows also benefit from peer learning and long-term professional connections built during the residency.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the European University Institute Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
General Profile
- Mid-career professionals with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience
- Strong potential for continued professional excellence
- Self-driven, able to execute work plans independently
- Open-minded and willing to engage in peer learning
- Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Evaluation Criteria
- Accomplishments & Potential: Assessed through CV, evidence of work, and policy contributions
- Focus Area: Work should align with STG programmes and faculty research themes
- Work Plan Quality: Feasibility, policy relevance, and expected impact are evaluated
- Motivation: Clear articulation of what the fellowship adds to your professional journey, and what value you bring to STG
- Diversity: Preference for thematic, regional, and gender diversity
Fellowship Benefits
Duration Options
- Five months: September 2025 – January 2026
- Ten months: September 2025 – June 2026
Residence Requirement
- Fellows must live in Florence for the entire duration
- Short visits outside Florence/Italy are allowed
Grant
- €2,500 monthly basic grant
- Family allowances added where applicable
Family Allowances
- Up to €300 per month for fellows with partners who reside with them in Florence
- Partner’s income must be below €2,000 monthly
- Combined income cannot exceed €2,000 per month
Taxation
- Grant is not taxed by the EUI
- Fellows must obey tax laws applicable in their home countries
Travel Expenses
- Reimbursement for incoming and outgoing travel
- Covers first-class rail or economy airfare
- Maximum reimbursement: €1,200 total
- No reimbursement for taxi costs
How to Apply
To apply for the 2026 European University Institute Fellowship:
- Submit your application through the official online portal
- Paper or email submissions are not accepted
- Application deadline: January 23, 2026 (14:00 CET)
- Register early so referees have time to upload reference letters
- Ensure your full application is submitted before the deadline
To apply for this fellowship, click HERE
To receive more scholarship updates, click HERE
To join EDUSPUR WhatsApp Channel, click HERE
