Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The Jean Monnet Fellowship is a prestigious one-year residential programme at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies (RSCAS), part of the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy. The fellowship runs from 1 September 2027 and is designed for established scholars who completed their doctorate more than five years before the fellowship start date.
The Centre awards up to 20 fellowships annually. Fellows are based at Villa Schifanoia and integrated into one of the Centre’s research projects or programmes. This is not a training programme for early-career researchers—those within five years of their PhD should apply to the Max Weber Programme instead.
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Who Should Apply
This fellowship suits:
- Postdoctoral researchers with 5+ years since PhD completion
- Tenure-track academics seeking research time
- Professors planning sabbatical leave
- Scholars whose research aligns with the Centre’s thematic priorities
The programme particularly welcomes applicants from Zimbabwe and SADC countries whose work addresses European governance, migration, political economy, or comparative regional integration—areas where African-European scholarly exchange remains underrepresented.
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Research Themes and Integration
Fellows must associate with one of the Centre’s ongoing research programmes or projects. The RSCAS focuses on:
- European integration and governance
- Migration and citizenship
- Political economy and welfare
- Law and courts in Europe
- Transnational relations and global governance
Fellows are expected to actively participate in the Centre’s academic life—attending seminars, presenting work, and collaborating with EUI faculty, researchers, and other postdocs. They may also join activities of the broader EUI postdoctoral programme.
Location and Duration
Location: Villa Schifanoia, Florence, Italy
Duration: 12 months (1 September 2027 – 31 August 2028)
Methodology: Residential—fellows must be present at the Centre
Florence offers excellent archival resources for European studies and serves as a hub for EU policy engagement. For African scholars, this provides direct access to EU institutions and networks rarely available from home institutions.
Application Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- PhD completed before 1 September 2022 (more than 5 years prior to fellowship start)
- Research proposal fitting Centre themes
- Strong academic CV demonstrating publications and research impact
- Commitment to full-time residence in Florence
Required Documents
The application requires:
- Detailed research proposal (typically 3,000–5,000 words)
- Full academic CV with publication list
- Cover letter explaining thematic fit
- Contact details for two academic referees
Specific document requirements and word limits should be confirmed on the official EUI application portal.
Application Process
- Review research themes: Visit the RSCAS Research section to identify compatible programmes
- Contact potential affiliates: Reach out to Centre project leaders to discuss fit (recommended but not required)
- Prepare proposal: Draft research plan demonstrating clear contribution to Centre priorities
- Submit online: Complete application via EUI portal by deadline
- Await decision: Selection based on proposal quality and CV merit
Important Dates
| Application opens | Not specified—check EUI website |
| Application deadline | 23 October 2026, 14:00 CEST |
| Fellowship begins | 1 September 2027 |
| Fellowship ends | 31 August 2028 |
Why Apply from Zimbabwe/SADC
The Jean Monnet Fellowship offers rare advantages for African scholars:
- Visa facilitation: EUI provides institutional support for Italian research visas
- Network building: Direct access to EU policymakers and academic networks
- Publication support: Time and resources to advance book manuscripts or major articles
- No teaching requirement: Unlike US postdocs, this fellowship prioritises research
- Regional expertise valued: Comparative work on African-European relations or regional integration is welcomed
Previous African fellows have used this position to secure permanent academic posts, EU research grants, and policy advisory roles.
Limitations and Considerations
- Not for early-career researchers: The 5-year post-PhD minimum excludes recent graduates
- Residential requirement: No remote option; family relocation may be necessary
- Competitive selection: With only 20 places and global applicants, success requires exceptional proposal alignment
- Funding details not specified: Stipend amount is not published in available materials—applicants should confirm directly with EUI
Official scholarship page: https://www.eui.eu/apply?id=jean-monnet-fellowships
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
