Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF) – Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG) 

Overview

The Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF) is a prestigious residential programme at the Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG), European University Institute (EUI).
It is designed for mid-career policy professionals from across the world—covering politics, civil service, journalism, NGOs, and other policy fields.

What makes it unique?

• Offers direct insight into EU policymaking.

• Emphasizes hands-on experience, not academic background.

• Brings together a global cohort with diverse real-world policy experience.

• Fellows spend 5 or 10 months developing policy-driven solutions to global governance challenges.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Come from any country (EU citizenship not required).

• Have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.

• Be mid-career professionals from policy-related fields.

• Show capacity for leadership, innovation, and policy impact.

• No age limit.

• Academic qualifications are not mandatory.

Benefits

Fellows receive:

• 5–10 months residency at STG, Florence.

• Full access to:

  • STG faculty

  • EUI research community

  • Academic seminars, events, and activities

• Professional skills training tailored to policy practitioners.

• Opportunity to work on:

  • An individual policy project, and

  • One faculty-led thematic governance project

• Participation in a global alumni network after completion.

• Access to lifelong training opportunities at EUI.

Fellowship/Program Components

A. Individual Project

Fellows design and develop:

• Policy recommendations

• Practical solutions for transnational challenges

• Outputs inspired by their own career experience

B. Thematic Faculty-Led Projects (2026–27)

Fellows must contribute to one of four STG faculty-research initiatives.

C. Professional Development

• Skills workshops

• Policy writing training

• Leadership exercises

• Networking sessions

D. Community Engagement

Fellows enrich the STG by:

• Contributing to teaching

• Participating in training

• Sharing practical insights with researchers

Application Requirements

Applicants typically need to submit:

• CV with 10+ years of policy-related experience

• Motivation statement

• Proposal for an individual policy project

• Engagement statement related to one of the STG’s thematic projects

• References (if requested)

• Completed online application form

Selection Criteria

Selection focuses on:

• Proven policy experience and impact

• Clarity and relevance of the proposed project

• Ability to contribute fresh perspectives to STG

• Leadership potential and commitment to transnational governance

• Fit with one of STG’s faculty-led thematic projects

Application Process

1. Prepare documents (CV, project proposal, statements).

2. Choose a faculty-led thematic project and explain how you will engage with it.

3. Submit the online application via the EUI/PLF application portal.

4. Await evaluation and interview (if shortlisted).

5. Receive final decision and onboarding instructions.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF) – Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG)