Established scholars and researchers looking for a dedicated period of academic research in Europe can apply for the Jean Monnet Fellowships 2027–28 at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy.
Offered by the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, the one-year residential fellowship provides an opportunity for experienced scholars to join an international academic community, pursue an individual research project and contribute to the Centre’s research programmes and activities.
The fellowship is scheduled to begin on 1 September 2027, with fellows based at Villa Schifanoia. Applications must be submitted by 23 October 2026 at 14:00 CEST.
Up to 20 Jean Monnet Fellowships are offered each year, making the programme an important opportunity for researchers seeking time and an academic environment to advance their research.
What Are the Jean Monnet Fellowships?
The Jean Monnet Fellowship programme is offered through the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies at the European University Institute.
The programme is intended for scholars who obtained their doctorate more than five years before the start of the fellowship, meaning applicants for the 2027–28 academic year must meet this requirement by 1 September 2027.
The fellowship is open to several categories of academics, including:
- Postdoctoral scholars.
- Tenure-track academics.
- Academics wishing to spend a sabbatical at the Centre.
Successful applicants are selected based on their research proposal and CV. Their proposed research should fit well with one of the Robert Schuman Centre’s main research themes, programmes or projects.
One-Year Residential Research Experience
The Jean Monnet Fellowship is a one-year residential programme, meaning fellows are expected to be based at the Centre during the fellowship period.
This arrangement provides scholars with an opportunity to dedicate substantial time to research while becoming part of an active academic community.
Jean Monnet Fellows are associated with one of the Centre’s projects or programmes and are expected to participate actively in academic life.
Their responsibilities extend beyond individual research. Fellows are expected to contribute to the activities of the project or programme with which they are affiliated and engage with researchers and academics at the Institute.
Academic Community at the Robert Schuman Centre
A major component of the fellowship is participation in the academic environment of the Robert Schuman Centre.
Fellows can collaborate with:
- Researchers at the European University Institute.
- Other postdoctoral scholars.
- EUI academic staff.
- Researchers and academics associated with Centre projects and programmes.
Jean Monnet Fellows can also participate in activities offered through the EUI postdoctoral programme.
This structure creates opportunities for scholars to exchange ideas, develop collaborations and engage with research beyond their individual projects.
Research Proposal Requirements
The research proposal is a central element of the application.
Applicants are selected based on both their CV and proposed research project, so candidates should ensure that their proposed work has a clear connection to the research priorities of the Robert Schuman Centre.
The Centre hosts a range of research programmes and projects covering areas connected to contemporary European and international affairs.
Applicants should therefore review the Centre’s research programmes before preparing their proposal. Understanding where their research fits within the Centre’s existing academic activities can help applicants demonstrate the relevance of their proposed project.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is aimed at established scholars who meet the programme’s doctoral experience requirement.
For the 2027–28 fellowship, applicants must have obtained their doctorate more than five years before 1 September 2027.
The programme is open to:
- Postdoctoral scholars.
- Tenure-track academics.
- Scholars seeking a sabbatical research period.
Applicants should also have a research proposal that fits with one of the Centre’s main research themes, programmes or projects.
Researchers who obtained their doctorate less than five years before the fellowship start date are directed by EUI to consider the Max Weber Programme for Postdoctoral Studies instead.
Fellowship Location
The Jean Monnet Fellows will be based at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies at Villa Schifanoia in Florence, Italy.
The European University Institute is an international postgraduate research institution with academic units covering areas such as economics, history, law, political and social sciences and transnational governance.
For scholars working on European politics, law, economics, governance or related areas, the Institute’s research environment can provide opportunities for academic exchange and collaboration.
Fellowship Start Date and Application Deadline
The 2027–28 Jean Monnet Fellowship has the following key dates:
- Programme start: 1 September 2027
- Fellowship duration: One year
- Application deadline: 23 October 2026
- Deadline time: 14:00 CEST
- Location: Villa Schifanoia, Florence, Italy
Applicants should ensure that their submissions are completed before the stated deadline.
How to Apply
Interested scholars should begin by reviewing the official Jean Monnet Fellowship programme information and the detailed applicant guidance provided by the European University Institute.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the selection criteria, eligibility conditions and requirements for the research proposal.
The application process involves presenting academic credentials and a research project that aligns with the Centre’s research activities.
Candidates should:
- Confirm that they meet the doctoral experience requirement.
- Review the Robert Schuman Centre’s research programmes and projects.
- Identify an appropriate research area or Centre project.
- Prepare a strong and clearly defined research proposal.
- Update and prepare their academic CV.
- Review the application requirements carefully.
- Submit the completed application before 23 October 2026 at 14:00 CEST.
An Opportunity for Established Researchers
The Jean Monnet Fellowship provides scholars with a structured period for research within an international academic institution.
Rather than being designed as a general graduate scholarship, the programme specifically targets researchers with established doctoral-level experience. Its residential format also encourages fellows to participate actively in the academic life of the Robert Schuman Centre.
The opportunity can therefore be relevant to academics planning a sabbatical, researchers developing a major research project or scholars seeking to collaborate with researchers working on related questions.
Final Thoughts
The Jean Monnet Fellowships 2027–28 at the European University Institute offer up to 20 scholars each year the opportunity to spend one year conducting research at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies in Florence, Italy.
The programme is open to postdocs, tenure-track academics and scholars seeking a sabbatical, provided they obtained their doctorate more than five years before the fellowship begins.
Applicants will be assessed based on their CV and research proposal, with proposed research expected to fit the Centre’s main research themes, programmes or projects.
The fellowship begins on 1 September 2027, while the application deadline is 23 October 2026 at 14:00 CEST. Prospective applicants should review the official requirements carefully and prepare their research proposal well ahead of the deadline.
