European University Institute Florence School of Transnational Governance – Policy Leader Fellowship 2026–2027 (Fully-funded and open to all nationalities)

A Premier Fellowship for Global Mid-Career Policy Professionals

Are you a mid-career skilled working in authorities, civil society, media, or worldwide coverage areas? The Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF) on the Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG) provides an distinctive alternative to advance your management, deepen your coverage experience, and interact with one of Europe’s most prestigious tutorial establishments.

This absolutely funded residential fellowship—hosted on the historic Palazzo Buontalenti in Florence, Italy—brings collectively a world cohort of coverage leaders dedicated to shaping progressive options for at the moment’s most pressing transnational challenges.

The fellows spend 5 or ten months on the STG creating coverage suggestions and sensible options for urgent points of transnational relevance impressed and knowledgeable by their work expertise. In addition, the fellows attend skilled abilities trainings and can freely take part within the tutorial life and actions of the EUI to improve their fellowship mission. At the identical time, the fellows enrich the STG community by bringing their first-hand experiences to instructing, coaching and networking on 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 singular worldwide fellowship designed for mid-career professionals with a minimum of 10 years of expertise in policy-related fields. Unlike tutorial fellowships, PLF prioritizes candidates with hands-on skilled expertise 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 contributors within the vibrant mental setting of the European University Institute (EUI), offering entry to main students, practitioners, and international networks.

What Makes the PLF Unique?

• Focus on real-world coverage affect

• No tutorial background required

• Strong emphasis on peer studying, collaboration, and creativity

• Direct publicity to EU governance and worldwide coverage processes

• Opportunity to work on each particular person coverage initiatives and collective, faculty-led initiatives

Upon completion, fellows be a part of a prestigious international alumni community with lifelong advantages, coaching alternatives, and skilled progress pathways.

1. Individual Fellowship Project

Over 5 or ten months, fellows develop an authentic policy-related mission that addresses urgent transnational points. Projects might embrace:

Fellows obtain full entry to the STG and EUI tutorial ecosystem to improve their work.

2. Collective Faculty-Led Projects

Each fellow contributes to one faculty-led thematic mission through the tutorial yr. Applicants should select two most popular collective initiatives through the application course of and present curiosity statements for every.

These collaborative initiatives allow fellows to interact deeply with broader governance challenges whereas creating interdisciplinary teamwork abilities. These initiatives are analysis and artistic initiatives proposed by Faculty members for the 2026–27 tutorial yr. Applicants are required to engage with these projects as part of their application.

3. Professional Development & Training

Fellows profit from unique:

4. A Fully Residential Experience in Florence

The fellowship is strictly in-person. Fellows should reside in Florence to absolutely take part in programme actions, peer studying, and neighborhood engagements.

The fellowship welcomes candidates from all nationalities. There is:

Minimum Requirements

• At least 10 years of related skilled expertise

• A Bachelor’s diploma or equal

• Level C1 English proficiency (certificates required after choice)

• Strong motivation and management potential

• Ability to work collaboratively and independently

Professionals with purely tutorial backgrounds are much less seemingly to be chosen, because the fellowship emphasizes utilized coverage work.

Monthly Grant

Family Allowances

• €310 per thirty days for a accomplice dwelling in Florence

• €210 per thirty days for every dependent child

• Additional eligibility standards apply

Travel Reimbursement

• Up to €1,200 complete for round-trip journey

• Covers economic system flights or first-class rail

• Does not cowl taxis

Visa Support

Non-EU fellows obtain help with visa and residence permits, together with assist for relations.

All purposes should be submitted on-line earlier than 23 January 2026 at 14:00 CET. The portal permits edits till the deadline; after submission, adjustments aren’t allowed.

Required Documents

1. CV (max 3 pages)

2. Short biography (max 250 phrases)

3. Motivation letter (max 1,000 phrases)

4. Work plan (max 2,500 phrases)

5. Two reference letters (submitted straight by referees)

6. Copy of highest diploma certificates

7. Two collective mission curiosity statements (max 400 phrases every)

8. Optional: up to 2 work samples

Important: AI-generated content material is strictly regulated. Applicants should adjust to EUI’s pointers on the accountable use of AI instruments in application supplies.

The PLF is extremely aggressive, with solely 4–5% of candidates chosen annually.

Selection Stages

1. Eligibility Check – Incomplete or late purposes are robotically rejected.

2. Committee Review – Applications are evaluated based mostly on:

   • Professional excellence

   • Policy relevance

   • Strength and feasibility of the work plan

   • Contribution to collective initiatives

   • Motivation and skilled alignment

   • Diversity concerns

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

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

No suggestions is offered to unsuccessful candidates.

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Is the fellowship absolutely residential?

Yes, fellows should reside in Florence for the complete length.

How many fellowships are awarded annually?

Approximately 20–25 fellowships.

Can candidates reapply?

Yes, candidates might reapply.

Do I want a PhD?

No. A Bachelor’s diploma is ample.

Can I work whereas finishing the fellowship?

No full-time work is allowed. Occasional distant consulting could also be authorised if it doesn’t intrude with programme participation.

If you expertise technical points:

• Use a PC, not a cellular gadget

• Avoid utilizing Google Chrome; strive incognito mode

• Reset your password solely as soon as

• Access the web portal’s Help perform

• If unable to log in, e mail ACS.ITAssist@eui.eu

For questions concerning the programme content material, contact:
📧 coverage.fellowships@eui.eu

For reference letter assist:
📧 Reference.Fellow@eui.eu

The PLF provides unparalleled advantages for coverage professionals who need to speed up their careers, construct international networks, and contribute to transformational transnational governance.

By becoming a member of the Florence STG neighborhood, fellows achieve:

• Immersive coverage expertise in Europe

• Extended tutorial and skilled networks

• Stronger management capabilities

• High-impact publications and coverage outputs

• Lifelong entry to a global alumni community

This fellowship is a unprecedented stepping stone for coverage innovators prepared to form international change.

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

Submit your application via the official EUI on-line portal and start your journey towards turning into a world coverage chief.

 

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