The Max Weber Fellowships 2027 at the European University Institute (EUI) are open to early-career researchers from around the world who have recently completed a PhD and want to develop their research and academic careers in a multidisciplinary environment.
The fellowship is based at the EUI in Florence, Italy, and is designed for postdoctoral researchers working in the social sciences and humanities. Applicants of any nationality can apply.
For the 2027–28 academic year, the fellowship application deadline is October 16, 2026, at 14:00 CEST.
Max Weber Fellowships 2027 Overview
| Fellowship | Details |
|---|---|
| Host institution | European University Institute (EUI) |
| Location | Florence, Italy |
| Fellowship start | September 1, 2027 |
| Study level | Postdoctoral |
| Fields | Social Sciences and Humanities |
| Eligible nationalities | All nationalities |
| Duration | 12 or 24 months, depending on academic unit |
| Monthly grant | €2,500 |
| Research expenses | €1,500 per year |
| Application deadline | October 16, 2026, 14:00 CEST |
| Programme | Max Weber Programme |
About the Max Weber Fellowships
The Max Weber Programme provides an opportunity for recent PhD graduates to concentrate on research while developing their academic skills and career prospects.
Fellows are affiliated with one of the EUI’s academic units, including:
- Department of Law
- Department of Economics
- Department of History
- Department of Political and Social Sciences
- Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies
- Florence School of Transnational Governance
The fellowship is residential, meaning fellows are expected to live in the Florence area throughout the fellowship and participate actively in the programme and their academic unit.
Max Weber Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship provides a basic grant of €2,500 per month.
Other available benefits include:
- €1,500 per year for eligible research expenses.
- Up to €1,000 in additional support for eligible job-interview expenses for fellows on the academic job market.
- A household allowance of up to €310 per month for qualifying fellows with a partner.
- €210 per month for each dependent child who lives with the fellow in Florence.
- Medical insurance through the EUI’s basic medical plan, subject to the programme’s conditions.
- Reimbursement for eligible incoming and outgoing travel, with a maximum travel reimbursement of €1,200.
- Reimbursement of eligible visa fees up to €250.
- Assistance with visa and residence requirements for non-EU fellows.
The fellowship is not taxed by the EUI, although fellows must comply with any tax requirements that apply to them.
How Long Is the Max Weber Fellowship?
The duration depends on the academic unit.
- Law: 12 months
- Economics: 12 or 24 months
- History: 12 or 24 months
- Political and Social Sciences: 12 or 24 months
- Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies: 12 or 24 months
- Florence School of Transnational Governance: 24 months
All fellowships run from September to August. The EUI makes the final decision on whether an award will last 12 or 24 months.
Who Can Apply for the Max Weber Fellowships?
Applicants of any nationality can apply. For the 2027–28 fellowship, applicants must have received their PhD within the previous five years or have official approval to defend their thesis by the start of the programme.
For this application cycle, candidates should have received or submitted their PhD between September 1, 2022 and September 1, 2027. The PhD defence must take place no later than December 31, 2027.
Extensions to the five-year eligibility period may be allowed where an academic career was interrupted because of:
- Maternity or paternity leave
- Illness
- Mandatory military service
Applicants should explain relevant circumstances in the application form and successful candidates may be asked to provide supporting documents.
Researchers who are currently enrolled in the EUI Doctoral Programme or are employed by, or holding a fellowship hosted by, the EUI at the application deadline are not eligible.
Former EUI researchers may become eligible after being continuously away from the EUI in full-time employment or a fellowship for at least one year by the application deadline.
English Language Requirement
The expected English proficiency level is C1 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
An English certificate is not required when submitting the application. Successful applicants will need to provide proof during registration.
Accepted evidence can include recognised English-language tests, an English-language doctoral thesis, a substantial publication in English, or postgraduate studies completed in English.
The EUI currently lists the following indicative scores for C1:
- IELTS: 7.5 or higher
- TOEFL iBT: 110 or higher
- Cambridge Proficiency: A, B or C
- Cambridge English: Advanced: A or B
Native English speakers are exempt from providing proof.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
1. CV: A CV containing a list of publications should be submitted in PDF format.
2. Academic Career Statement: Applicants must submit a one-page academic career statement explaining why the Max Weber Programme and its academic practice activities would benefit their career. The statement should discuss research interests, teaching experience and interests, and career plans.
3. Research Proposal: Applicants must submit a two-page research proposal. The proposal should have clear and realistic research goals that can be achieved during the fellowship. Applicants seeking a 24-month fellowship should explain what they plan to accomplish during the first 12 months and during months 13–24.
The proposal should also include a reflection on how gender and diversity relate to the proposed research.
4. Passport: A copy of the applicant’s passport should be uploaded in JPEG format.
5. Academic References: Applicants must provide the details of at least two and no more than three academic referees.
At least two references must be submitted online by the referees by the application deadline.
References from current full-time or part-time EUI professors are not accepted.
Important AI Requirement
The EUI has specific requirements concerning the use of generative AI in the application.
Applicants should not have generative AI autonomously write substantial or integral parts of the academic career statement or research proposal.
Where AI is used to produce novel content, applicants must acknowledge and reference the AI-generated parts in accordance with the EUI’s guidelines.
How to Apply for the Max Weber Fellowship 2027
Applications are submitted through the EUI’s online application system.
There are two important stages:
Step 1: Register your application early.
Applicants should enter their personal information and referee details as soon as possible. This allows referees enough time to receive the request and submit their letters.
Step 2: Submit the completed application.
The final application must be submitted by:
October 16, 2026 at 14:00 CEST.
Reference letters must also arrive by the same deadline. The EUI states that references will not be accepted after the deadline.
Apply for the Max Weber Fellowships 2027 – Official EUI Application Portal
Official fellowship information: European University Institute – Max Weber Fellowships
Max Weber Fellowships 2027 Deadline
The application deadline for the Max Weber Fellowships 2027–28 is: October 16, 2026, at 14:00 CEST. The programme starts on September 1, 2027.
Applicants should not wait until the final day to register their referees because reference letters must be submitted by the deadline.
FAQs
Is the Max Weber Fellowship fully funded?
The fellowship provides a basic grant of €2,500 per month, plus eligible research expenses, travel reimbursement, medical insurance and possible family allowances. The exact benefits depend on the programme’s conditions.
Can international students apply for the Max Weber Fellowship?
Yes. Candidates of any nationality are eligible, provided they meet the PhD and other programme requirements.
Can I apply if I have not defended my PhD yet?
Yes. Candidates may apply if they have submitted their PhD and completed the required requirements for the degree by the start of the fellowship. The formal defence can take place later, but must take place no later than December 31, 2027 for the 2027–28 cycle.
How much does the Max Weber Fellowship pay?
The current basic fellowship grant is €2,500 per month. Additional allowances may be available for eligible dependants and household circumstances.
Where is the Max Weber Fellowship held?
The fellowship is held at the European University Institute in the Florence area of Italy. Fellows are expected to live in the Florence area during their fellowship.
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