Applications are now open for the 2026/27 Policy Leader Fellowship of the Florence School of Transnational Governance: Fully Funded to Italy

Ednah Carrick December 7, 2025

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Closing Date: 23 January 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026/27 Policy Leader Fellowship of the Florence School of Transnational Governance: Fully Funded to Italy

Applications are open for the Policy Leader Fellowship of the Florence School of Transnational Governance at the European University Institute. A fully funded 5-to-10-month fellowship aimed at mid-career policy professionals. A chance to advance your career and work on cutting-edge issues to shape policy recommendations for real-world impact.

Overview

The Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF) is a residential programme for mid-career policy professionals from a range of policy fields: politics, civil service, media, non-governmental organisations and others.

The Policy Leader Fellowship of the Florence School of Transnational Governance programme is hosted at one of the most renowned academic institutions in Europe and provides the fellows with an insider view into the EU policymaking processes. Besides having direct access to the EUI and the STG faculty as well as the researchers community, the fellows form lasting professional and personal bonds with each other.

The fellows spend five to ten months at the Florence STG developing policy recommendations and practical solutions for pressing issues of transnational relevance inspired by their work experience. In addition, the fellows attend professional skills trainings and can freely participate in the academic life and activities of the institute.

The fellows enrich the STG community by bringing their first hand experiences to teaching, training and networking at the school. Upon the completion of the programme, the fellows join a global alumni network of policy professionals and have access to lifelong training opportunities at the EUI.

Structure of the Programme

Each year PLF welcomes between 20 and 30 fellows with diverse backgrounds and experiences in the field of public policy to join the STG community.

The fellowships commence in September (for five or ten months). The fellows have minimum 10 years of professional experience, and the programme is open to all nationalities. Once accepted into the programme, the fellows are regarded as full citizens of the STG and enjoy many benefits, but also agree to a set of responsibilities to the community.

Collective projects

In addition to working on individual projects, fellows will contribute to one of four faculty-led thematic projects addressing a question related to transnational governance.

The projects are research and creative initiatives proposed by Faculty members for the 2026–27 academic year. It is mandatory to contribute to one (1) collective project during the fellowship. However, PLF kindly ask candidates to state their envisioned contribution to two (2) of the themes.

The general profile of the candidates:

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;
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 which may go beyond their area of expertise;
Flexible with a cooperative group mindset, capable of working with individuals of different backgrounds and skills towards working on shared projects.

Evaluation criteria:

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.
Focus area: The candidate’s field of work should be broadly aligned with the STG programmes and faculty research.Other themes can also be considered but preference will be given to applicants that cover policy areas of the STG faculty and programmes.
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.
Contribution to collective project and group work: Applicants should demonstrate their ability to work as part of a group with other fellows, and the motivation to work towards a collective project with the supervision of a faculty member. Preference will be given to applicants who clearly highlight how they intend to contribute to the collective project of their choice.
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.
Diversity: The programme strives for thematic and geographic diversity as well as gender balance among the fellows.