European University Institute Policy Leader Fellowship

About the scholarship

The European University Institute Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF) is a fully funded, residential fellowship hosted at the Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG) in Italy. Designed for mid-career policy professionals from diverse backgrounds—including politics, civil service, media, and non-governmental organizations—the programme offers participants a unique opportunity to engage directly with European and global policy environments. The fellowship is open to applicants from all countries and does not require IELTS or a formal academic background, making it accessible to practitioners with strong hands-on policy experience

 

Fellows gain insider exposure to EU policy-making processes while benefiting from close interaction with STG and European University Institute (EUI) faculty, researchers, and a global network of policy leaders. The programme provides full sponsorship, including a grant of up to €29,200, accommodation, and travel costs, while fostering peer learning and long-term professional connections. Applications for the 2026 cycle close on January 23, 2026.

Eligibility

To be considered for the European University Institute Global Leaders Fellowship, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Mid-career professionals able to demonstrate solid professional experience (minimum 10 years) and potential for future excellence in a given policy area; candidates with strictly academic profile typically will not be considered;
2. Self-motivated and driven, able to autonomously accomplish the activities presented under the fellowship work plan;
3. Open-minded and curious individuals willing to engage in peer discussions on topics which may go beyond their area of expertise;

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Evaluation criteria:

1. Accomplishments and potential: Professional excellence is assessed on the basis of the candidate’s contributions to a given policy field based on the CV and any other supporting evidence of the application. Minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required.
2. Focus area: The candidate’s field of work should be broadly aligned with the STG programmes and faculty research a Other themes can also be considered but preference will be given to applicants that cover policy areas of the STG faculty and programmes.
3. Fellowship work plan: Applicants are assessed on the professional substance of their work plan as well as its feasibility, applicability in a transnational policy context and potential impact.
4. Motivation: Applicants should be able to articulate what difference the fellowship experience will make to their professional journey as well as what they can offer to the STG. Preference is given to applicants who can both contribute to the STG programmes and activities as well as benefit from their stay at the STG and the EUI.
5. Diversity: The programme strives for thematic and geographic diversity as well as gender balance among the fellows

Additional notes

Fellows must reside in the area of Florence for the duration of their fellowship so that they can take an active part in the activities of the EUI/STG and the fellowship programme (with the possibility of short visits outside Florence and Italy).