EUI Policy Leader Fellowship – Benefits, Eligibility, Deadline

Nestled in the heart of Florence, Italy, the Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG) stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation in global governance. Established to foster cutting-edge research, dialogue, and training in transnational governance, the school has emerged as a hub where scholars, policymakers, and practitioners converge to address the most pressing challenges facing our interconnected world.

Founded as part of the European University Institute (EUI), the Florence STG brings together a diverse community of international experts and thought leaders dedicated to advancing the understanding and practice of governance beyond national borders. 

 Besides having direct access to the STG and the EUI faculty and research community, the fellows learn from each other and form lasting professional and personal connections.

Immerse yourself in the transformative Policy Leader Fellowship the Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG) offers. Tailored for mid-career professionals across various policy domains, including politics, civil service, media, and non-governmental organisations, this residential program unfolds within the esteemed corridors of one of Europe’s leading academic institutions. However, the programme does not require an academic training background and instead seeks to attract individuals with diverse hands-on experiences in policy-making worldwide.

Beyond the academic realm, the fellowship facilitates direct access to STG and the European University Institute’s (EUI) faculty and research community. Join a cohort of dynamic individuals shaping policy landscapes worldwide as you embark on a journey of insight, collaboration, and lasting impact.

• Applications for the  EUI Fellowship must be submitted through the online application portal. Please note that paper or email applications will not be considered. Ensure you register your application as soon as possible to provide ample time for your referees to submit reference letters.
• Deadline – The application deadline for the 2024-2025 call is January 25, 2024, at 14:00 CET. 

• CV (maximum 3 pages): Showcase your professional journey.
• Short Biography (maximum 250 words): A quick profile overview for selection and communication purposes.
• Two Reference Letters
• Copy of Highest Educational Certificate: Provide evidence of your academic achievements.
• Letter of Motivation (maximum 1000 words): Share your reasons for applying, program objectives, and future aspirations.
• Work Plan (maximum 2500 words): Outline your project, objectives, milestones, and activities. Identify potential collaborations and external partners. The work plan should consider several of the required STG outputs/deliverables (more information and examples can be found here); the applicant should include a section on the desired impact of the proposed project beyond the STG and a short dissemination plan for the final outputs. 
• Optional Work Sample(s) (maximum 2): Relevant samples demonstrating your expertise in a given topic.

Reference letters must be submitted online directly by the referees up to a week after the application deadline. Reference letters will not be accepted after 31 January 2024 (14:00 CET).

The expected level of English proficiency is level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

An English certificate is not requested as part of the application. Still, successful candidates may be invited for an interview in English and requested to provide a certificate/supporting document on registration. This can be one of the international certificates listed below or another supporting document showing that the candidate’s level of English is sufficient for using it as a working language (for example, a certificate of attendance from English language schools, a degree in English as a foreign language, a proof of work in an English-speaking environment). 

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Cambridge English Examinations (CAE)
• Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
• Business English Certificate (BEC)

The fellowships offer flexible durations of five or ten months, allowing candidates to choose between –

• Five months: September 2024 – January 2025 or February 2025 – June 2025
• Ten months: September 2024 – June 2025

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. Although short visits outside Florence and Italy are possible, the fellowship cannot be conducted remotely.

• Grant: Fellows receive a basic grant of €2,500 per month.
• Additional Income: Successful applicants with other grants or salaries must disclose this, and the fellowship amount may be adjusted accordingly (minimum €1,750 per month).
• Family Allowances: Additional allowances are available for partners and dependent children.
  • A household allowance of up to €300 per month for partners.
  • €200 per month for each dependent child, provided they meet eligibility criteria.
  • No allowance for dependent children over the age of 26.

The EUI does not tax the fellowship. However, Fellows are required to comply with any other tax provisions that may apply to them.

Fellows must have adequate medical insurance coverage during their stay. They can either provide proof of their insurance or subscribe to the EUI’s private health insurance scheme at their own expense. See the Cigna Insurance Scheme for conditions.

Fellows (but not their families) receive reimbursement for the incoming trip from their place of origin to Florence and the outgoing trip to their destination at the end of their fellowship.

• First-class rail (travel by car is also reimbursed on this basis)
• Economy class airfare

The maximum amount for travel reimbursement amounts to €1,200, including both incoming and outgoing trips. Taxi expenses are not reimbursed.

• Mid-career professionals can demonstrate solid professional experience (minimum 10 years) and potential for future excellence in policy areas.
• Self-motivated and driven, able to autonomously accomplish the activities presented under the fellowship work plan.
• Open-minded and curious individuals willing to engage in peer discussions on topics that may go beyond their expertise.
• Applications are welcomed from anywhere in the world, regardless of nationality. EU citizenship is not required. 
• A minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required.
• Focus area: The candidate’s field of work should be broadly aligned with the STG programmes and faculty research areas. Other themes can also be considered, but preference will be given to applicants that cover policy areas of the STG faculty and programmes.

• Approximately 20 to 25 fellowships are allocated per academic year.
• A multi-step selection process involves eligibility checks, review by the Selection Committee, and final decisions by the EUI Executive Committee.
• The decision is communicated to applicants within four months of the application deadline by the Academic Service of the EUI.