2026 European University Institute Policy Leader Fellowship

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Are you a mid-career policy professional with significant experience in government, NGOs, media, or civil service? Do you want to deepen your impact at the heart of European policymaking and shape transnational governance? If so, the European University Institute (EUI) Policy Leader Fellowship could be your next milestone.

What Is the Policy Leader Fellowship?

The Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF), run by the Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG) at the European University Institute, is a fully funded, residential program designed to bring together seasoned policy practitioners from across the globe.

What makes it special:

It doesn’t require a purely academic background; what matters most is real-world experience.
During the fellowship, participants spend five or ten months in Florence, working on individual and faculty-led policy projects, contributing with their own professional perspectives.
Fellows also take part in professional skills training and become active members of the EUI community.
After the fellowship, they join a global alumni network of policymakers, with lifelong access to training opportunities.

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for mid-career professionals (minimum ~10 years’ experience) in fields such as:

Civil service or government
Politics
Media and journalism
Non-governmental organizations
Think tanks and policy institutes

Because applicants are evaluated on professional experience, this is a unique opportunity for those who have built their careers outside academia.

Selection Criteria: What the EUI Is Looking For

When selecting fellows, the EUI considers:

Accomplishments & Potential
Candidates should demonstrate professional excellence through tangible contributions to policy in their region or field.
Work Plan Quality
Your proposed project must be feasible, applicable in a transnational context, and capable of having a real-world impact.
Motivation & Fit
The selection committee prioritizes applicants who clearly explain what they will bring to STG/EUI and how they will benefit from the experience.
Diversity
The program aims for geographic, thematic, and gender diversity.

Benefits: What You’ll Gain

Monthly stipend: €2,500 base grant.
Family allowance: Up to €300/month (if your spouse lives with you in Florence, under certain conditions).

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Travel reimbursement: Up to €1,200 for your incoming and outgoing trip.
Fully residential: You’ll live in or near Florence and fully engage in the EUI’s academic and social life.
Professional training: Workshops, seminars, and skills development tailored to policy leadership.
Network building: Access to EUI faculty, policy experts, peers, and a global alumni network.

Practical Details

Duration: 5 or 10 months.
Location: Florence, Italy (residential).
Deadline (2026-2027 cohort): 23 January 2026, 14:00 CET for applications.
Eligibility: Minimum of 10 years of professional experience; a Bachelor’s degree is required, but a PhD is not necessary.
Application: Register on the online portal and upload your CV, work plan, motivation statement, and optional work samples (policy papers, articles, briefs).

Why This Fellowship Matters

Real-World Impact
You’re not just a researcher; you’re a policymaker shaping solutions for transnational challenges.
Cross-Pollination of Ideas
Working alongside peers from diverse backgrounds means vibrant discussions, new perspectives, and innovative policy proposals.
Career Acceleration
The training and network you gain will position you for leadership in international institutions, government, and civil society.
Prestigious Recognition
Being selected by the EUI/STG speaks volumes; the EUI is among Europe’s most respected policy institutes.
Lifelong Community
Once a fellow, always a fellow. You join a global alumni network and unlock ongoing development opportunities.

Tips for a Strong Application

Craft a clear, actionable work plan: Focus on issues that matter to you and can benefit from your experience.
Show your real-world impact: Highlight projects, policies, or initiatives you’ve shaped in your career.
Be reflective and ambitious: Explain how this fellowship will help you grow, and how you, in turn, will contribute back.
Use work samples strategically: Even if you don’t have formal policy documents, you can submit op-eds, blog posts, or interviews.
Give referees enough time: Submit early so your recommenders can provide thoughtful, strong letters.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve built a career that bridges policy and practice, and you’re ready to deepen your influence in the global governance space, the European University Institute Policy Leader Fellowship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s not just about learning; it’s about collaborating, innovating, and shaping policy for a more transnational world.

Take Action Now

Don’t wait, apply here for the Policy Leader Fellowship and take the next big step toward becoming a global policy leader. The deadline is 23 January 2026, 14:00 CET, so start your application early, reach out to your referees, and craft a compelling work plan.

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