Key Programme Details
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Programme Start Date: 1 September 2026
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Methodology: Residential
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Location: Palazzo Buontalenti, Florence, Italy
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Application Deadline: 23 January 2026 at 14:00 CET
About the Policy Leader Fellowship
The Policy Leader Fellowship is a unique international fellowship designed for mid-career professionals with at least 10 years of experience in policy-related fields. Unlike academic fellowships, PLF prioritizes applicants with hands-on professional experience in:
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Government and civil service
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Politics and diplomacy
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Non-governmental and nonprofit sectors
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Media and journalism
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International organizations
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Think tanks
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Other policy-focused fields
The fellowship immerses participants in the vibrant intellectual environment of the European University Institute (EUI), providing access to leading scholars, practitioners, and global networks.
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Focus on real-world policy impact
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No academic background required
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Strong emphasis on peer learning, collaboration, and creativity
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Direct exposure to EU governance and international policy processes
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Opportunity to work on both individual policy projects and collective, faculty-led initiatives
Upon completion, fellows join a prestigious global alumni network with lifelong benefits, training opportunities, and professional growth pathways.
Programme Structure
1. Individual Fellowship Project
Over five or ten months, fellows develop an original policy-related project that addresses pressing transnational issues. Projects may include:
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Policy recommendations
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Strategic frameworks
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Practical toolkits
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Research-informed policy briefs
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Advocacy strategies
Fellows receive full access to the STG and EUI academic ecosystem to enhance their work.
2. Collective Faculty-Led Projects
Each fellow contributes to one faculty-led thematic project during the academic year. Applicants must choose two preferred collective projects during the application process and provide interest statements for each.
