EUI Leaders Fellowship 2026 in Italy (Fully Funded)
Apply Link:https://www.eui.eu/apply?id=policy-leader-fellowship&utm
What is the EUI Leaders Fellowship 2026?
About the Fellowship EUI Leaders Fellowships 2026 – (Policy Leader Fellowship) The European University Institute (EUI) leaders fellowship programme is designed for people at various stages of their career as policy professionals, civic leaders, or other types of public administrators. It unites mid-career policy professionals from all over the world to focus on real policy projects, learn essential skills for effective leadership and management, strengthen their understanding of how policy connects across sectors and with society at large and become part of a global community. In distinction, from the exclusively academic fellowhship examples above, this fellowship program provides a practical aspect which is directed at individuals who have had considerable professional policy experience.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
It is open to middle and senior careers, those with a leadership or policy background. The typical requirements include: Basic Eligibility Nationalities: All nationalities can apply (no EU citizenship requirement). Education: BA (or equivalent) as a minimum. PhD is not a requirement.
The candidate must demonstrate at least ten years of work experience in policy and related fields which include government and NGOs and media and civil service and international organizations and think tanks. The program has no restriction regarding applicant age. The application process and work activities require English proficiency but applicants do not need to submit an official English language test result which includes IELTS or TOEFL because they must demonstrate enough English skills to complete their tasks. The fellowship requires fellows to spend their entire program time in Florence or its surrounding areas.
Fellowship Duration
You choose one of two options when applying:
📍 5-Month Track
The period from September 2026 to January 2027 will serve as the actual time of study for this program which offers a shorter version of its full academic work.
📍 10-Month Track
The program will run from September 2026 until June 2027 which represents the complete academic year.
Funding & Financial Benefits
This fellowship provides complete financial backing which enables you to dedicate your entire attention towards your academic work and personal development.
🪙 Direct Financial Support
💶 Monthly stipend: €2,500 — to cover living expenses. 💶 Household allowance: ~€300 per month (if living with a partner in Florence; conditions apply). 💶 Child allowance: ~€210–€200 per month per dependent child. ✈️ Travel reimbursement: Up to €1,200 total for travel costs (economy airfare or first-class rail).
👉 Note: If you have another salary or grant EUI will change the fellowship amount to the lowest possible payment which is approximately €1,750.
Required Documents
You must prepare the following documents in English before submitting your application through the EUI portal. The required documents for submission include:
Curriculum Vitae (CV) — max 3 pages.
Short Biography — max 250 words.
Motivation Letter — up to 1,000 words (explaining why you want the fellowship and your project goals).
Work Plan / Project Proposal — up to 2,500 words (detailing your proposed project and milestones).
Two Reference Letters — referees submit these directly online.
Copy of Highest Educational Certificate.
You need to select two STG collective projects which you will explain your contributions in collective project interest statements (maximum 400 words for each statement).
Applicants may submit two work samples which can include policy briefs or articles (maximum 2).
The deadline for reference letter submission is 31 January 2026 at 14:00 CET which applies even after you complete your application before the designated deadline.
Selection & Evaluation Criteria:
The selection process operates with high competition because only about 4 to 5 percent of applicants receive acceptance. Reviewers evaluate:
⭐ Professional excellence & achievements
⭐ Substance & feasibility of your work plan
⭐ Alignment with STG’s policy themes (e.g., climate, governance, digital policy, global health, migration)
⭐ Your work’s potential ability to develop international policy solutions
⭐ Your capacity to work as a team member and support joint work activities.
What You Will Do as a Fellow
You will create your own policy project which will achieve actual results.
You will work on faculty research projects which require team collaboration.
You will participate in workshops and seminars and STG Talks and professional training programs.
You will establish a global network which includes policymakers and academics and practitioners.
You will gain access to alumni benefits which provide educational opportunities throughout your life.
Timeline Summary
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 23 January 2026 (14:00 CET) |
| Reference Letters Deadline | 31 January 2026 (14:00 CET) |
| Programme Start | 1 September 2026 |
| Duration | 5–10 months |
Application Strengthening Guidelines
✨ The work plan must demonstrate its ability to deliver results through its matching to international policy matters.
✨ You should select projects which allow you to participate in the STG’s main thematic areas.
✨ The best referees should have first-hand knowledge of your work performance while academic references remain valid for use.
✨ The process requires you to start your work because writing reference letters and project descriptions needs time.
Your motivation letter requires improvements which should explain your career development needs the fellowship program.
❓ Common FAQs
Q: Do I need a PhD?
➡️ No — a bachelor’s and professional experience are enough.
Q: Do I need IELTS/TOEFL? 
➡️ No mandatory language test required, but strong English skills are expected.
Q: Will EUI help with visas?
➡️ EUI supports visa applications through its institutional support letters, which you need.
Q: Can my family join me?
➡️ Family members can receive travel allowances, but their travel expenses remain uncertain.
The EUI Leaders Fellowship 2026 provides policy professionals worldwide with a fully funded opportunity which leads to their most significant professional development. The program enables participants to develop their expertise in policy matters while they reside in Florence Italy and interact with international colleagues.
