Apply for the European University Institute STG Policy Leader Fellowship
Are you a seasoned policy practitioner with at least ten years of real-world impact in politics, civil service, international organizations, NGOs, journalism, think tanks, or advocacy? The Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG) at the European University Institute (EUI) invites you to apply for the 2026/2027 Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF) — one of the most prestigious residential fellowships for mid-career professionals who want to step back, reflect, and develop bold, actionable solutions to the world’s most pressing transnational challenges.
This is not an academic programme for PhD researchers. It is deliberately designed for doers — people who have shaped policy on the ground and now seek time, space, and an extraordinary community to turn their experience into next-generation ideas.
About the European University Institute (EUI) – A Hub for Transnational Governance
Established in 1972 by the European Community member states, the European University Institute in Florence is widely regarded as Europe’s leading interdisciplinary research institution in the social sciences and humanities. Home to one of the world’s largest doctoral and postdoctoral programmes in political and social sciences, law, economics, and history, the EUI hosts over 1,000 scholars from more than 60 countries each year.
The School of Transnational Governance (STG), launched in 2017, is the EUI’s youngest and most policy-oriented unit. It trains current and future leaders in global governance, runs executive education for diplomats and civil servants, and serves as a bridge between academia and real-world decision-making. Past STG Policy Leader Fellows include senior officials from the United Nations, former ministers, award-winning journalists, and heads of major NGOs — all united by a desire to tackle issues that no single country can solve alone.
What the Policy Leader Fellowship Offers
The PLF is a full-time residential fellowship lasting 5 or 10 months (September 2026 – February/July 2027) at the magnificent Badia Fiesolana campus overlooking Florence. During your stay you will:
- Develop an individual policy project of transnational relevance inspired by your professional experience
- Present your work at high-level STG and EUI events
- Participate in professional skills workshops (negotiation, media training, leadership, data storytelling, etc.)
- Attend masterclasses with EU policymakers, UN agency heads, CEOs, and global thought leaders
- Enjoy full access to the EUI’s academic seminars, libraries, and research networks
- Become part of a lifelong global alumni community of over 150 Policy Leaders
Financial Package & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Grant | €2,500 per month (tax-free) |
| Reduced Grant (if salaried) | Minimum €1,750 per month if you receive another salary or grant (disclosure required) |
| Family/Household Allowance | Up to €310 per month for a partner living with you in Florence (partner’s income < €2,000/month) |
| Child Allowance | €200 per month per child (conditions apply) |
| Travel Reimbursement | One return trip from your country of residence to Florence (economy class) |
| Health Insurance | Comprehensive coverage provided by the EUI |
| Residence Requirement | Fellows must live in the Florence area for the entire duration — remote participation not allowed |
Who Should Apply? Ideal Candidate Profile
The selection committee looks for:
- Mid-career professionals with at least 10 years of proven policy impact (strictly academic profiles are not eligible)
- Hands-on experience in politics, government, diplomacy, NGOs, media, international organisations, advocacy, or related fields
- A clear vision of how 5–10 months in Florence will help you produce concrete, innovative policy outputs
- Self-motivation and ability to work independently on your fellowship project
- Curiosity and openness to engage with fellows from very different backgrounds and disciplines
- Genuine interest in transnational issues (climate, migration, tech governance, trade, security, inequality, etc.)
- Excellent command of English (the working language of STG)
Nationality is unrestricted — applications from the Global South, non-EU countries, and underrepresented regions are particularly encouraged.
Why This Fellowship Stands Out
- No PhD required — your policy track record matters more than publications
- Direct exposure to EU institutions (Brussels study trips are often organised)
- Unparalleled networking: past fellows have collaborated with the European Commission, OECD, World Bank, and major foundations
- A truly international cohort: 20–25 fellows per year from every continent
- Florence as your base — one of the most inspiring (and beautiful) cities in Europe
How to Apply
Applications are submitted exclusively online through the EUI portal. A complete application includes:
- Detailed CV
- Motivation letter (max 1,000 words)
- Short description of your proposed fellowship project/work plan (max 1,500 words)
- Two professional references
- Copy of highest degree/diploma
No paper documents are required at this stage.
For More Information and to Apply: Visit the Official Webpage of the European University Institute (EUI) STG Policy Leader Fellowship
Deadline: 23 January 2026
