The EUI Leaders Fellowship 2025 offers a unique, fully funded residential program in the heart of Florence, Italy. Hosted by the prestigious Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG) at the European University Institute (EUI), this fellowship is designed for individuals from various policy fields, including politics, civil service, media, and non-governmental organizations.
The Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF) aims to attract professionals with hands-on experience in policymaking who do not necessarily have an academic background. Fellows will have an insider’s view into EU policymaking processes and access to the rich academic resources of the EUI. The program fosters a diverse community of fellows who learn from each other and form lasting professional and personal connections.
During the fully funded fellowship program, which can last either five or ten months, fellows will develop policy recommendations and practical solutions for pressing transnational issues. They will attend professional skills training, participate in academic activities, and contribute to the STG community by sharing their firsthand experiences. Upon completion, fellows join a global alumni network of policy professionals and gain access to lifelong training opportunities at the EUI.
Quick Overview of EUI Leaders Fellowship 2025
- Host Country: Italy
- Host Institution: European University Institute (EUI) – Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG)
- Deadline: January 24, 2025, at 14:00 CET
- Programs:
- Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF) – Residential Program
- Value:
- Monthly grant of €2,500
- Family allowances (if applicable)
- Travel expenses reimbursement
- Access to EUI facilities and resources
- Age Limit: No specific age limit
- Eligibility:
- Mid-career professionals with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience
- Open to applicants worldwide, regardless of nationality
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required
Applicable Programs for the Fully Funded Fellowship in Italy
The Policy Leader Fellowship is tailored for professionals from a wide range of policy fields:
- Politics and Government
- Civil Service
- Media and Journalism
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- International Organizations
- Other Policy-Related Fields
The fellowship does not require an academic background and is open to individuals who have demonstrated leadership and excellence in their professional careers.
Fellowship Coverage for the Fully Funded Program for International Students
Financial Benefits:
- €2,500 per month to cover living expenses in Florence.
- Up to €300 per month for a partner with income less than €2,000 per month.
- €200 per month for each dependent child.
- Reimbursement of travel costs to and from Florence up to €1,200.
- Covers first-class rail or economy-class airfare.
- Fellows are required to have adequate medical insurance coverage during their stay.
Professional Benefits:
- Full access to EUI facilities, including libraries and academic events.
- Participation in professional skills training and workshops.
- Engage with EUI faculty, researchers, and a global community of policy professionals.
- Join a global network of EUI alumni with lifelong training opportunities.
Schooling & Duration of the Policy Leader Fellowship in Italy
Fellows can choose between two durations:
- Five Months:
- September 2025 – January 2026 or February 2026 – June 2026
- Ten Months:
- September 2025 – June 2026
Note: Fellows must reside in Florence for the duration of the fellowship. The program cannot be conducted remotely.
Eligibility Criteria of European University Institute Leaders Fellowship 2025
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in policymaking or related fields.
- At least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Open to applicants from anywhere in the world; EU citizenship is not required.
- Proficient in English at the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
- Successful candidates may need to provide proof of English proficiency upon registration.
- Applicants must submit a detailed work plan and motivation letter outlining their objectives and how the fellowship will enhance their professional journey.
- Must be able to reside in Florence and participate fully in the fellowship activities.
Important Dates of Fellowship at Florence School of Transnational Governance 2025
- Application Opens: Currently open
- Application Deadline: January 24, 2025, at 14:00 CET
- Reference Letters Deadline: January 31, 2025, at 14:00 CET
- Notification of Results: Within four months of the application deadline
- Program Start Date:
- Five-Month Fellowship:
- September 2025 – January 2026 or February 2026 – June 2026
- Ten-Month Fellowship:
- September 2025 – June 2026
- Five-Month Fellowship:
How to Apply to EUI Leaders Fellowship 2025
- Prepare Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Maximum of 3 pages.
- Short Biography: Maximum of 250 words.
- Letter of Motivation: Up to 1,000 words.
- Work Plan: Maximum of 2,500 words, including project title, objectives, activities, and impact.
- Copy of Highest Educational Certificate.
- Two Reference Letters.
- Optional Work Samples: Maximum of 2 samples (e.g., policy papers, articles).
- Access the online application portal at the EUI Application Portal.
- Register your application early to allow referees time to submit letters.
- Fill in all required fields accurately.
- Upload all requested documents in the specified formats.
- Review your application thoroughly.
- Submit before the deadline on January 24, 2025, at 14:00 CET.
- Ensure your referees submit their letters directly through the portal by January 31, 2025.
- Successful candidates will be notified within four months after the deadline.
Required Documents for EUI Leaders Fellowship 2025
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Max 3 pages.
- Short Biography: Max 250 words.
- Letter of Motivation: Up to 1,000 words detailing reasons for applying and professional aspirations.
- Work Plan: Up to 2,500 words, including project details and expected impact.
- Copy of Highest Educational Certificate: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Two Reference Letters: Preferably from non-academic referees who know you professionally.
- Optional Work Samples: Up to 2 samples demonstrating your expertise.
Note: All documents should be in English and comply with the EUI Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence for Research.
Country-Specific Criteria for the Fully Funded Fellowship
- Non-EU citizens may need a visa to reside in Italy.
- EUI provides assistance with visa applications.
- All activities are conducted in English.
- Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at C1 level.
- The fellowship grant is not taxed by the EUI.
- Fellows are responsible for complying with tax regulations in their home country.
Additional Information about the Fellowship for International Students
Residency Requirement
- Fellows must reside in Florence for the fellowship duration.
- Short visits outside Florence are permitted, but the fellowship cannot be conducted remotely.
Grant and Allowances
- Monthly Grant: €2,500.
- Family Allowances:
- Household Allowance: Up to €300 per month for a partner with income less than €2,000 per month.
- Dependent Children Allowance: €200 per month per child.
- Travel Expenses:
- Up to €1,200 reimbursement for incoming and outgoing travel.
Professional Development
- Fellows attend professional skills training and thematic workshops.
- Opportunities to network with EUI faculty, researchers, and other fellows.
- Fellows can participate in academic life and activities at the EUI to enhance their projects.
Application Selection Criteria for the Fellowship at Florence School of Transnational Governance
- Professional excellence is based on contributions to the policy field.
- Alignment with STG programs and faculty research.
- Quality, feasibility, and potential impact of the proposed project.
- Clear articulation of how the fellowship will benefit the applicant’s professional journey.
- The program seeks thematic and geographic diversity and gender balance among fellows.
Selection Procedure of the Fellowship
- All complete applications are reviewed for eligibility.
- Applications are assessed based on the selection criteria.
- A shortlist is presented to the EUI Executive Committee.
- Decisions are final, and no appeal is possible.
- Applicants are notified within four months of the deadline.
For more information and to apply, visit the EUI Leaders Fellowship Page.
Good luck with your application!
