Policy Leader Fellowship in Europe 2026 Guide

Introduction

The Policy Leader Fellowship is a special program for mid-career professionals who want to improve their policy skills. It takes place at the Florence School of Transnational Governance in Italy. The program helps fellows learn, grow, and develop new ideas for global policy challenges. It is simple to join, open to all nationalities, and does not require academic training.

About the Fellowship

This is a residential fellowship. Fellows stay in Florence for five or ten months. They work on their personal policy project, join professional training, and take part in academic activities at the university. Fellows also work together on a group project led by faculty members. After completing the program, fellows join a global alumni network.

Host Country

Italy

Host University

European University Institute (EUI), Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG)

Fellowship Type

Residential fellowship for policy professionals

Degree

A degree is not awarded, but applicants must have at least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum 10 years of professional experience
Background in policy-related fields
Open to all nationalities
No age limit
Strong motivation
Ability to work independently
Good teamwork skills
English level equal to CEFR C1

Fields of Study

The fellowship covers many policy areas, including:

Governance
Law
Politics
Media
Civil service
NGO work
Global affairs
Social issues
Economic policy
Other policy themes may also be considered.

Fellowship Benefits

Monthly grant of €2,500
Family allowance if applicable
Travel reimbursement up to €1,200
Professional training
Access to EUI events and faculty
Chance to work on personal and group projects
Support with visa for non-EU applicants

Required Documents

CV (maximum 3 pages)
Short biography (maximum 250 words)
Two reference letters
Copy of highest educational certificate
Motivation letter (maximum 1000 words)
Work plan (maximum 2500 words)
Two collective project interest statements (max 400 words each)
Optional work samples (max 2)

Application Process

Register on the online portal
Upload all required documents
Make sure referees submit their letters on time
Submit your application before the deadline
Wait for the evaluation and final decision

Registration Deadlines

Here is the timeline table:

Process Step	Date
Application Opens	2025 (exact date not stated)
Application Deadline	23 January 2026 at 14:00 CET
Reference Letter Deadline	31 January 2026 at 14:00 CET
Final Decisions	Within four months after deadline
Fellowship Duration	Sept 2025 – Jan 2026 or Sept 2025 – June 2026

Selection Process

The selection happens in two main steps:

Eligibility Check
The team checks if the application is complete and meets basic criteria.
Committee Review
The committee studies the candidate’s experience, work plan, motivation, and ability to contribute.
They also consider diversity, project alignment, and group work skills.

A shortlist is then approved. The decision is final, and no feedback is provided. Successful candidates receive notification within four months.

Tips to Succeed

Start early and give your referees time
Write a clear and simple motivation letter
Show real experience and achievements
Make your work plan practical and realistic
Connect your project to global policy needs
Show how you can contribute to the STG community
Choose collective projects that match your skills

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need EU citizenship?
No, applicants from all countries can apply.

Do I need an English test?
Not for application, but successful applicants may need proof later.

Is there an age limit?
No.

Can I bring my family?
Yes, but only the fellow receives travel reimbursement.

Can the fellowship be done online?
No, you must live in Florence.

Why Choose This Fellowship

This fellowship gives a real chance to work closely with policy experts in Europe. It helps you improve your skills, build a strong professional network, and create solutions for global issues. It is a great opportunity for people who want to grow in their policy career.

Career and Future Opportunities

After finishing the program, fellows join a global alumni network. This network opens doors to:

International organizations
Government roles
NGOs
Policy think tanks
Research centers
Global consulting firms

Student Experiences

Many past fellows say this program changed their professional life. They appreciated the friendly environment, strong support from faculty, and the chance to turn ideas into real policy solutions.

Contact Information

For questions about reference letters: Reference.Fellow@eui.eu
Website: apply.eui.eu

Conclusion

The Policy Leader Fellowship is a unique and important program for professionals who want to improve global policy. It offers financial support, academic access, and real-world learning. With a clear work plan and strong motivation, you can become one of the next fellows in Italy.