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Jean Monnet Fellowship 2027–2028 | Robert Schuman Centre Postdoctoral Programme

The Jean Monnet Fellowship at the Robert Schuman Centre offers one-year residential positions for scholars who completed their doctorate more than five years ago. Fellows join a vibrant academic community at Villa Schifanoia in Florence, Italy.

October 20, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: 3 days left

Quick Overview

Host CountryItaly
University/OrgEuropean University Institute (EUI)
Degree LevelPostdoctoral
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyEconomics, European Studies, International Relations, Law, Political Science
DeadlineOctober 23, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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Programme Overview

The Jean Monnet Fellowship Programme is a prestigious one-year residential fellowship offered by the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies at the European University Institute (EUI). The programme supports scholars who have obtained their doctorate more than five years prior to the fellowship start date of 1 September 2027.

The Centre awards up to 20 fellowships annually, creating a dynamic, interdisciplinary community of researchers working on European and global governance issues.

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What the Fellowship Offers

Jean Monnet Fellows receive:

  • A one-year residential position at Villa Schifanoia in Florence, Italy
  • Integration into one of the Centre’s research programmes or projects
  • Access to EUI postdoctoral programme activities
  • Opportunities to collaborate with EUI researchers, postdocs, and academic staff
  • Active participation in the Centre’s academic life and events

The fellowship is designed for scholars seeking dedicated research time within a collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment.

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Eligibility Criteria

The programme is open to:

  • Postdoctoral researchers who completed their PhD more than five years before 1 September 2027 (i.e., before September 2022)
  • Tenure-track academics
  • Scholars wishing to spend their sabbatical at the Centre

Important distinction: Researchers who obtained their doctorate less than five years ago should apply to the Max Weber Programme instead.

Research Focus and Themes

Successful proposals must align with one of the Robert Schuman Centre’s main research themes, programmes, or projects. The Centre focuses on:

  • European integration and governance
  • Migration and citizenship
  • Political economy and welfare
  • Digital governance and technology policy
  • Global governance and international relations
  • Rule of law and democracy

Applicants should review the Centre’s current research programmes on the Research section before applying.

Application Requirements

Selection is based on two primary components:

  1. Research proposal: Must demonstrate clear fit with Centre priorities and outline specific contributions to the chosen research programme
  2. Curriculum Vitae: Should demonstrate relevant research experience and publications

Additional materials may include publications or writing samples, though specific document requirements should be confirmed on the official application portal.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply:

  1. Review the Robert Schuman Centre’s research programmes to identify alignment
  2. Prepare your research proposal (typically 3-5 pages)
  3. Update your CV with relevant publications and research experience
  4. Submit your application through the EUI online portal by 23 October 2026 at 14:00 CEST
  5. Ensure all materials are submitted before the deadline—late applications are not considered

Why African and SADC Scholars Should Consider This Fellowship

For researchers from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, the Jean Monnet Fellowship offers several strategic advantages:

  • Global visibility: The EUI is Europe’s leading social science research institute, enhancing your international academic profile
  • Network building: Direct access to policymakers, EU institutions, and global governance researchers
  • Research relevance: Opportunities to connect European governance studies with African regional integration, trade policy, and development frameworks
  • No nationality restrictions: The fellowship is open to scholars worldwide, including African applicants

Previous African fellows have used this platform to develop comparative research on regional economic communities, constitutional transitions, and migration governance.

Important Dates

Application deadline 23 October 2026, 14:00 CEST
Fellowship start date 1 September 2027
Duration 12 months (academic year 2027–28)

Related Opportunities

If you do not meet the five-year post-PhD requirement, consider these alternatives at the EUI:

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

One-year residential fellowship including accommodation at Villa Schifanoia, integration into research programmes, and access to EUI academic resources. Specific stipend amount not published.

Eligibility Criteria

Scholars who obtained their doctorate more than five years before 1 September 2027; open to post-docs, tenure-track academics, and those on sabbatical. Not open to those within five years of PhD completion.

Required Documents

Research proposal; CV; publications or writing samples may be required

Application Process

Review Centre research programmes; prepare research proposal aligned with Centre priorities; submit application and CV through EUI online portal by deadline
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Frequently Asked Questions

No. You must have completed your doctorate more than five years before 1 September 2027, meaning before September 2022. If you finished your PhD in 2022 or later, you should apply to the Max Weber Programme instead.
The research does not specify an application fee. Check the official EUI application portal when it opens for any fee requirements.
The Centre offers up to 20 fellowships annually. Selection is competitive and based primarily on your research proposal's fit with Centre priorities and the strength of your CV. There is no published success rate.
No. You do not need pre-approval from a specific academic. However, your proposal should clearly identify which Centre research programme or project you wish to join, and you should demonstrate familiarity with that area's work.
Yes. The fellowship is open to scholars worldwide regardless of nationality. African researchers, including those from Zimbabwe and SADC countries, are encouraged to apply if they meet the eligibility criteria.
The fellowship is non-renewable and lasts exactly 12 months. Fellows are expected to actively participate in Centre activities and may use the position to advance their research toward publication, apply for permanent positions, or develop future grant proposals.