Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026/2027 European University Institute (EUI) STG Policy Leader Fellowship. This prestigious residential fellowship is hosted by the Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG) and targets early to mid-career professionals engaged in various policy sectors, including politics, public administration, media, non-governmental organizations, and other related fields.
Situated within one of Europe’s most distinguished academic institutions, this fellowship offers participants an unparalleled opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of European Union policymaking. The program stands out by welcoming candidates with extensive practical experience in policy development worldwide, rather than requiring a purely academic background.
Fellows benefit from direct interaction with the STG and broader EUI faculty and research community, fostering a dynamic environment of peer learning and collaboration. Over the course of five to ten months in Florence, participants develop actionable policy recommendations and innovative solutions addressing urgent transnational challenges, drawing heavily on their own professional insights.
Additionally, the fellowship includes professional skills development workshops and provides access to the full spectrum of academic events and resources at the EUI. In turn, fellows enrich the STG community by contributing their hands-on experiences to teaching, training, and networking activities, creating meaningful and lasting professional connections.
Eligibility Criteria
- Professional Experience: Applicants should be mid-career professionals with a minimum of 10 years of solid professional experience, demonstrating both expertise and potential for continued impact in their respective policy areas.
- Academic Profile: Candidates who have a strictly academic background are generally not eligible, as the fellowship prioritizes practical policy experience.
- Independence and Initiative: Applicants must show self-motivation and the ability to independently execute the fellowship’s work plan.
- Open-mindedness: Candidates should be curious and willing to engage openly in interdisciplinary discussions beyond their specific fields.
- Collaborative Spirit: Flexibility and a cooperative attitude are essential for working productively with diverse colleagues on joint projects.
Fellowship Details and Benefits
Residency Requirement: Fellows are expected to reside in the Florence area throughout the fellowship duration to actively participate in EUI/STG activities. While short trips outside Florence or Italy are permitted, the fellowship cannot be conducted remotely or online.
Financial Support: The fellowship provides a monthly grant of €2,500. Applicants who receive additional income such as other grants or salaries must disclose these sources. The fellowship amount may be adjusted downward—no less than €1,750 per month—based on the level of supplementary income, with corresponding documentation.
Family Allowances: A household allowance of up to €310 monthly is available for fellows with a partner living with them in Florence, provided the partner’s income is below €2,000 per month. The sum of the allowance and partner income cannot exceed €2,000. For example, if a partner earns more than €1,700, the allowance is paid only to bring the total to €2,000.
For those interested in applying or seeking further information, please Visit the Official Webpage of the European University Institute (EUI) STG Policy Leader Fellowship.
