EUI Special Doctoral Fellowships

Overview

The EUI Special Doctoral Fellowships fund PhD study at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy, for applicants from countries that do not have their own national EUI grant. The EUI is a postgraduate research institute focused on the social sciences, with doctoral programmes in history, law, economics and political and social sciences. These fellowships exist so that talented candidates from around 150 eligible countries can join the doctoral programme even though their government does not fund EUI places directly.

The fellowship provides a monthly stipend, around €1,650 as of January 2026, plus family and travel allowances and insurance, for the duration of the doctoral programme under the institute's rules. It is awarded through the normal PhD admission process, so there is no separate grant form to fill in. You apply to the doctoral programme, indicate your nationality and select the Special Doctoral Fellowship in the funding section.

Because the EUI brings together researchers from many countries in a single residential research community, the scheme is a route for students from less-funded regions to access a respected European doctoral environment. Eligibility hinges on holding a relevant master's and coming from a country without a national EUI grant.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality Requirements

You must be a national of one of roughly 150 eligible countries that do not have a national grant arrangement with the EUI. The list spans Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and the Pacific, including countries such as Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico and South Africa.

Academic Requirements

You need to have completed a master's or equivalent degree in an academic discipline relevant to the EUI doctoral programme, with the degree awarded by the institute's stated cut-off (around the end of August).

Special Provisions

Applicants in history, law and political science from non-listed countries may still apply if their academic progress has been disrupted by ongoing armed conflict, supported by a short statement.

Other Requirements

You must meet the academic and language requirements of the EUI doctoral programme itself.

What the Scholarship Covers

• A monthly stipend, about €1,650 as of January 2026
• A family allowance where applicable
• A travel allowance
• Insurance coverage
• Support for the duration of the doctoral programme under EUI rules

How to Apply

1. Confirm your country qualifies. Check that your nationality is on the eligible list of countries without a national EUI grant.
2. Prepare your research proposal. The EUI doctoral application centres on a strong research proposal in your discipline.
3. Apply to the doctoral programme. Complete the EUI PhD admission application; there is no separate grant form.
4. Select the fellowship. In the funding section, choose the EUI Special Doctoral Fellowship Programme and indicate your nationality.
5. Add a conflict statement if relevant. Conflict-affected applicants in eligible disciplines submit a supporting statement of up to 700 words.
6. Submit before the deadline. Apply by the doctoral cycle deadline, typically late January.

Required Documents

• Research proposal for your doctoral project
• Master's degree certificate and transcripts
• Curriculum vitae
• Reference letters
• Proof of language proficiency as required by the programme
• Proof of nationality
• A conflict-disruption statement, if applying under that provision

Key Dates & Deadlines

The fellowship is awarded through the annual EUI doctoral admission round, which typically closes in late January for entry the following academic year. Your master's degree generally needs to be awarded by around the end of August. Because there is no separate fellowship deadline, the doctoral application deadline is the one to track. Confirm the exact date for the current cycle on the EUI doctoral programme pages.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Invest in a clear, well-scoped research proposal, since it drives the decision
• Confirm your country is on the eligible list before you start
• Select the Special Doctoral Fellowship and your nationality correctly in the funding section
• Line up references who know your research well

Common mistakes to avoid

• Looking for a separate grant form that does not exist
• Applying from a country that already has a national EUI grant without checking
• Submitting a weak or vague research proposal
• Missing the late-January doctoral deadline

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the EUI Special Doctoral Fellowship pay?

A monthly stipend of about €1,650 as of January 2026, plus family and travel allowances and insurance.

Who is eligible for the EUI Special Doctoral Fellowship?

Applicants from around 150 countries without a national EUI grant who hold a relevant master's degree and meet the doctoral programme requirements.

Is there a separate application for the EUI Special Doctoral Fellowship?

No. You apply to the EUI doctoral programme and select the fellowship in the funding section; the admission application is the grant application.

What is the deadline for the EUI Special Doctoral Fellowship?

It follows the EUI doctoral admission cycle, which typically closes in late January.

Where is the EUI Special Doctoral Fellowship held?

At the European University Institute in Florence, Italy.

What degree do I need for the EUI Special Doctoral Fellowship?

A completed master's or equivalent in a discipline relevant to the EUI doctoral programme, awarded by the stated cut-off.

Which disciplines does the EUI doctoral programme cover?

History, law, economics, and political and social sciences.

Can applicants from countries not on the list apply?

In history, law and political science, applicants from non-listed countries may apply if their studies have been disrupted by ongoing armed conflict, with a supporting statement.

Does the EUI Special Doctoral Fellowship include a family allowance?

Yes, a family allowance is provided where applicable, along with a travel allowance and insurance.

What documents do I need for the EUI Special Doctoral Fellowship?

A research proposal, master's certificate and transcripts, a CV, references, proof of language and proof of nationality.