The EUI Jean Monnet Fellowship 2027–2028 is now accepting applications from experienced researchers worldwide who want to spend one year conducting advanced research at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy.
The Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies hosts the programme and offers up to 20 fellowships each year. Successful researchers receive a basic grant of €2,850 per month for 12 months, alongside research funding, travel reimbursement and possible family allowances.
Moreover, the programme welcomes applicants of all nationalities. Therefore, eligible researchers from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana and other African countries can apply.
Applications close on 23 October 2026 at 14:00 CEST, while the fellowship begins on 1 September 2027.
EUI Jean Monnet Fellowship 2027–2028 Overview
| Fellowship Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | European University Institute (EUI) |
| Research Centre | Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies |
| Location | Florence, Italy |
| Programme | Jean Monnet Fellowship |
| Academic Year | 2027–2028 |
| Number of Fellowships | Up to 20 annually |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Fellowship Period | September 2027 – August 2028 |
| Basic Grant | €2,850 per month |
| Approximate 12-Month Value | €34,200 |
| Research Expenses | Up to €650 |
| Travel Reimbursement | Up to €1,200 |
| Nationality | All nationalities |
| Application Deadline | 23 October 2026, 14:00 CEST |
| Programme Start | 1 September 2027 |
What Is the Jean Monnet Fellowship?
The Jean Monnet Fellowship is a residential research programme at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, which is part of the European University Institute.
Unlike scholarships for students beginning Master’s or PhD programmes, this fellowship targets experienced researchers who already hold a doctorate.
Successful fellows spend one academic year at the Robert Schuman Centre and join one of its research programmes or projects.
During their stay, fellows participate actively in the Centre’s academic community. For example, they can collaborate with researchers, postdoctoral fellows and EUI academic staff while developing their own research.
Ultimately, fellows should develop their research towards a publication, such as an academic journal article, EUI Working Paper or publication with a reputable academic publisher.
How Much Does the Jean Monnet Fellowship Pay?
The EUI Jean Monnet Fellowship 2027–2028 provides a basic grant of €2,850 per month.
For a standard 12-month fellowship, this amounts to approximately:
€2,850 × 12 months = €34,200
However, applicants who receive another salary or grant must disclose that funding to EUI. In such circumstances, EUI may adjust the Jean Monnet grant according to its fellowship conditions.
In addition to the monthly grant, fellows may qualify for several other benefits.
Research Expenses
Each fellow can receive up to €650 for eligible research expenses.
For example, fellows may use this support for approved academic conferences and other research-related activities.
Travel Expenses
EUI also reimburses eligible incoming and outgoing travel expenses.
The standard maximum reimbursement is €1,200 in total. This support contributes towards the fellow’s journey to Florence at the beginning of the fellowship and their departure after it is completed.
Visa Costs
Researchers who require an Italian visa may also receive reimbursement for eligible visa-related costs of up to €250, subject to EUI conditions and supporting documentation.
Family Allowances
EUI may provide additional financial support to fellows who relocate to Florence with eligible family members.
For instance, eligible fellows may receive a household allowance of up to €310 per month when a qualifying partner lives with them in Florence and satisfies the applicable income requirements.
Furthermore, fellows may receive €210 per month for each dependent child who lives with them in Florence.
Applicants will need supporting documentation to receive these allowances.
Is the Jean Monnet Fellowship Fully Funded?
The Jean Monnet Fellowship provides substantial financial support. However, describing it simply as a traditional “fully funded scholarship” could create the wrong impression.
The programme provides a €2,850 monthly grant, research funding, travel reimbursement and potential family allowances.
Nevertheless, fellows must maintain adequate medical insurance throughout their stay. They may use qualifying personal insurance or join the EUI private health insurance scheme at their own expense.
Therefore, it is more accurate to describe the programme as a funded international research fellowship.
EUI Jean Monnet Fellowship 2027–2028 Eligibility
The applicant’s PhD date represents one of the most important eligibility requirements.
Candidates must have obtained their doctorate more than five years before the fellowship begins on 1 September 2027.
For the 2027–2028 competition, this requirement means candidates must have received their PhD before 1 September 2022.
Consequently, the programme is particularly suitable for:
- Experienced postdoctoral researchers
- Tenure-track academics
- University lecturers and researchers
- Established scholars
- Academics seeking a research sabbatical
Researchers who obtained their doctorate less than five years before the fellowship begins should instead consider the EUI’s Max Weber Programme.
Are African Researchers Eligible?
Yes.
The EUI Jean Monnet Fellowship 2027–2028 accepts candidates of all nationalities.
As a result, qualified researchers from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Senegal and other African countries can apply.
Applicants do not need citizenship of a European Union country.
However, African applicants must satisfy the same academic and research requirements as candidates from other regions.
Research Requirements
A strong research proposal plays a central role in the application.
The Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies hosts Jean Monnet Fellows. Therefore, applicants should propose research that fits the Centre’s themes, programmes and projects.
Applicants should avoid submitting a generic research proposal without considering this institutional fit.
Instead, prospective fellows should examine the Centre’s current research activities and identify how their proposed work could contribute.
In addition, applicants should clearly explain the academic importance of their project and what they expect to accomplish during the fellowship.
How Does EUI Select Jean Monnet Fellows?
EUI primarily considers the quality of each applicant’s academic and research profile.
The selection process focuses particularly on:
- The applicant’s CV and research record
- The scientific quality of the proposed research
- The proposal fits with the research programme of the Robert Schuman Centre
Relevant academic staff assess the applications and references. Afterwards, EUI completes its institutional selection process and approves the final nominations.
Importantly, EUI does not conduct interviews for the Jean Monnet Fellowship.
Therefore, applicants should use their written materials to communicate their research achievements, proposed project and suitability for the fellowship effectively.
Documents Required for the Jean Monnet Fellowship 2027–2028
Applicants should prepare:
- Curriculum vitae with a list of publications
- Motivation letter
- Research proposal
- Copy of passport
- Details of two academic referees
- Two academic reference letters
The CV should include the applicant’s publications.
Meanwhile, applicants should prepare a motivation letter of approximately 1–2 pages and a research proposal of approximately 2–4 pages.
Because these documents play a major role in the selection process, candidates should prepare them carefully before the deadline.
Important AI Rule for Application Documents
Applicants should also pay attention to EUI’s rules concerning generative artificial intelligence.
The motivation letter and research proposal must comply with the EUI Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence for Research.
In particular, applicants should not ask generative AI to autonomously produce substantial or integral parts of these documents.
Moreover, where an applicant uses AI to generate novel content, they should acknowledge and reference the relevant AI-generated material according to EUI requirements.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their research proposal and motivation letter genuinely reflect their own academic ideas and work.
Reference Letters
Applicants must provide details for two academic referees.
After candidates register their referee information in the online system, EUI sends instructions directly to those referees so they can submit their letters.
Therefore, candidates should register their referees as early as possible instead of waiting until the final application day.
The reference letters must also reach EUI by:
23 October 2026 at 14:00 CEST
Ultimately, applicants remain responsible for ensuring that their referees receive the request and submit their letters on time.
EUI requests and accepts only two reference letters.
How to Apply for the EUI Jean Monnet Fellowship 2027–2028
Applicants complete the process online through the European University Institute application system.
First, review the research programmes and projects at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies. This step will help you determine whether your proposed research fits the Centre.
Next, prepare your CV, motivation letter, research proposal and passport copy.
Afterwards, begin the online application and register your personal information and referee details as early as possible.
Registering your referees early allows the EU enough time to send them the instructions for uploading their reference letters. Meanwhile, you can continue preparing the remaining sections of your application.
Finally, please upload your completed documents, review all information carefully, and submit the application before 23 October 2026 at 14:00 CEST.
Where Will Fellows Live?
The fellowship takes place at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies in Florence, Italy.
Fellows should live in the Florence area throughout the fellowship in order to participate actively in the Centre’s academic activities.
Therefore, applicants should not treat this opportunity as a remote research fellowship.
For researchers coming from outside the European Union, EUI also provides assistance with relevant visa and residence procedures.
When Will Applicants Receive the Results?
EUI expects to communicate the selection results to applicants by email no later than the end of January 2027.
Afterwards, successful researchers can begin preparing for the fellowship, which starts on 1 September 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EUI Jean Monnet Fellowship 2027–2028 deadline?
Applications close on 23 October 2026 at 14:00 CEST.
How much is the Jean Monnet Fellowship grant?
The standard basic grant is €2,850 per month. Therefore, a 12-month fellowship corresponds to approximately €34,200, before additional allowances or adjustments.
How many fellowships are available?
The Robert Schuman Centre offers up to 20 Jean Monnet Fellowships annually.
Can Cameroonians apply?
Yes. Researchers from Cameroon can apply because the fellowship welcomes applicants of all nationalities.
Can Nigerians and Ghanaians apply?
Yes. Eligible researchers from Nigeria and Ghana can apply, alongside researchers from other African countries.
Can master’s students apply?
No. The Jean Monnet Fellowship does not fund master’s studies.
Can current PhD students apply?
No. Candidates must already hold a doctorate and satisfy the fellowship’s post-PhD eligibility requirement.
Can a recent PhD graduate apply?
Generally, no. For the 2027–2028 Jean Monnet Fellowship, candidates must have obtained their doctorate before 1 September 2022.
Researchers who earned their doctorate more recently should instead consider the EUI Max Weber Programme.
Is there an interview?
No. EUI does not conduct interviews for this fellowship. Instead, the selection process evaluates the application documents and academic references.
Do I need two recommendation letters?
Yes. Applicants must nominate two academic referees, who submit their references through the EUI system.
Is the fellowship remote?
No. Fellows spend the programme in Florence, Italy, and actively participate in the academic life of the Robert Schuman Centre.
Why Applicants Should Start Early
Although the application process is relatively straightforward, the research proposal and reference letters require careful preparation.
For example, a competitive proposal should do more than present an engaging research question. It should also demonstrate how the project connects with the research activities of the Robert Schuman Centre.
Furthermore, academic referees need enough time to prepare and submit their letters.
For these reasons, prospective applicants should register their referee details and begin preparing their application well before the October deadline.
Final Application Advice
The EUI Jean Monnet Fellowship 2027–2028 provides experienced researchers an opportunity to spend 12 months conducting research within an international academic environment in Florence.
With a €2,850 monthly grant, research funding, travel reimbursement and potential family allowances, the programme provides substantial financial support.
However, applicants should remember that EUI designed this opportunity specifically for established researchers. For the 2027–2028 competition, candidates must have obtained their PhD before 1 September 2022.
Researchers from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana and other African countries can apply as long as they satisfy the academic requirements and submit a competitive research proposal aligned with the work of the Robert Schuman Centre.
Applications close on 23 October 2026 at 14:00 CEST.
Official Links
European University Institute – Jean Monnet Fellowships:
https://www.eui.eu/apply?id=jean-monnet-fellowships
European University Institute – Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies:
https://www.eui.eu/en/academic-units/robert-schuman-centre-for-advanced-studies
