Policy Leader Fellowship 2026–2027 at the European University Institute Florence (Fully Funded, Open to All Nationalities)

A Premier Fellowship for Global Mid-Career Policy Professionals

Are you a mid-career professional working in government, civil society, media, or international policy spaces? The Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF) at the Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG) offers an exceptional opportunity to advance your leadership, deepen your policy expertise, and engage with one of Europe’s most prestigious academic institutions.

This fully funded residential fellowship—hosted at the historic Palazzo Buontalenti in Florence, Italy—brings together a global cohort of policy leaders committed to shaping innovative solutions for today’s most urgent transnational challenges.

The fellows spend five or ten months at the STG developing policy recommendations and practical solutions for pressing issues of transnational relevance inspired and informed by their work experience. In addition, the fellows attend professional skills trainings and can freely participate in the academic life and activities of the EUI to enhance their fellowship project. At the same time, the fellows enrich the STG community by bringing their first-hand experiences to teaching, training and networking at the School.

Key Programme Details

• Programme Start Date: 1 September 2026

• Methodology: Residential

• Location: Palazzo Buontalenti, Florence, Italy

• Application Deadline: 23 January 2026 at 14:00 CET

The Policy Leader Fellowship is a unique international fellowship designed for mid-career professionals with at least 10 years of experience in policy-related fields. Unlike academic fellowships, PLF prioritizes applicants with hands-on professional experience in:

• Government and civil service

• Politics and diplomacy

• Non-governmental and nonprofit sectors

• Media and journalism

• International organizations

• Think tanks

• Other policy-focused fields

The fellowship immerses participants in the vibrant intellectual environment of the European University Institute (EUI), providing access to leading scholars, practitioners, and global networks.

What Makes the PLF Unique?

• Focus on real-world policy impact

• No academic background required

• Strong emphasis on peer learning, collaboration, and creativity

• Direct exposure to EU governance and international policy processes

• Opportunity to work on both individual policy projects and collective, faculty-led initiatives

Upon completion, fellows join a prestigious global alumni network with lifelong benefits, training opportunities, and professional growth pathways.

1. Individual Fellowship Project

Over five or ten months, fellows develop an original policy-related project that addresses pressing transnational issues. Projects may include:

Fellows receive full access to the STG and EUI academic ecosystem to enhance their work.

2. Collective Faculty-Led Projects

Each fellow contributes to one faculty-led thematic project during the academic year. Applicants must choose two preferred collective projects during the application process and provide interest statements for each.

These collaborative projects enable fellows to engage deeply with broader governance challenges while developing interdisciplinary teamwork skills. These projects are research and creative initiatives proposed by Faculty members for the 2026–27 academic year. Applicants are required to engage with these projects as part of their application.

3. Professional Development & Training

Fellows benefit from exclusive:

4. A Fully Residential Experience in Florence

The fellowship is strictly in-person. Fellows must reside in Florence to fully participate in programme activities, peer learning, and community engagements.

The fellowship welcomes applicants from all nationalities. There is:

Minimum Requirements

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

• Level C1 English proficiency (certificate required after selection)

• Strong motivation and leadership potential

• Ability to work collaboratively and independently

Professionals with purely academic backgrounds are less likely to be selected, as the fellowship emphasizes applied policy work.

Monthly Grant

Family Allowances

• €310 per month for a partner living in Florence

• €210 per month for each dependent child

• Additional eligibility criteria apply

Travel Reimbursement

• Up to €1,200 total for round-trip travel

• Covers economy flights or first-class rail

• Does not cover taxis

Visa Support

Non-EU fellows receive assistance with visa and residence permits, including support for family members.

All applications must be submitted online before 23 January 2026 at 14:00 CET. The portal allows edits until the deadline; after submission, changes are not allowed.

Required Documents

1. CV (max 3 pages)

2. Short biography (max 250 words)

3. Motivation letter (max 1,000 words)

4. Work plan (max 2,500 words)

5. Two reference letters (submitted directly by referees)

6. Copy of highest degree certificate

7. Two collective project interest statements (max 400 words each)

8. Optional: up to 2 work samples

Important: AI-generated content is strictly regulated. Applicants must comply with EUI’s guidelines on the responsible use of AI tools in application materials.

The PLF is highly competitive, with only 4–5% of applicants selected each year.

Selection Stages

1. Eligibility Check – Incomplete or late applications are automatically rejected.

2. Committee Review – Applications are evaluated based on:

   • Professional excellence

   • Policy relevance

   • Strength and feasibility of the work plan

   • Contribution to collective projects

   • Motivation and professional alignment

   • Diversity considerations

3. Shortlist Approval – A shortlist and reserve list are reviewed by the EUI Executive Committee.

4. Final Decision – Results are communicated within four months of the deadline.

No feedback is provided to unsuccessful candidates.

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Is the fellowship fully residential?

Yes, fellows must live in Florence for the full duration.

How many fellowships are awarded each year?

Approximately 20–25 fellowships.

Can applicants reapply?

Yes, candidates may reapply.

Do I need a PhD?

No. A Bachelor’s degree is sufficient.

Can I work while completing the fellowship?

No full-time work is allowed. Occasional remote consulting may be approved if it does not interfere with programme participation.

If you experience technical issues:

• Use a PC, not a mobile device

• Avoid using Google Chrome; try incognito mode

• Reset your password only once

• Access the online portal’s Help function

• If unable to log in, email [email protected]

For questions about the programme content, contact:
📧 [email protected]

For reference letter support:
📧 [email protected]

The PLF offers unparalleled benefits for policy professionals who want to accelerate their careers, build global networks, and contribute to transformational transnational governance.

By joining the Florence STG community, fellows gain:

• Immersive policy experience in Europe

• Extended academic and professional networks

• Stronger leadership capabilities

• High-impact publications and policy outputs

• Lifelong access to an international alumni network

This fellowship is an extraordinary stepping stone for policy innovators ready to shape global change.

Applications close on:
📅 23 January 2026 at 14:00 CET

Submit your application through the official EUI online portal and begin your journey toward becoming a global policy leader.

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