The European University Institute (EUI) Doctoral Programme in Political and Social Sciences is accepting applications for the 2027–28 academic year.
The programme is based in Florence, Italy, and is designed for students who want to pursue a PhD in areas such as politics, international relations, political theory, comparative politics and sociology.
The next application call opens in November 2026.
EUI PhD Programme Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| University | European University Institute |
| Programme | PhD in Political and Social Sciences |
| Location | Florence, Italy |
| Start date | September 1, 2027 |
| Study type | Full-time, residential PhD |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Application opens | November 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | January 15, 2027 |
| Deadline time | 14:00 CET |
| English level | C1 |
| Research proposal | Maximum 2,500 words |
What Can You Study?
The Political and Social Sciences Department covers areas including:
- Politics
- Comparative politics
- International relations
- Political theory
- Sociology
Students work on their own research while receiving academic supervision and taking part in the wider EUI research community.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the academic requirements needed to enter a doctoral programme in their country or under the relevant funding programme.
In general, applicants need a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification that allows them to study for a PhD.
The exact degree requirement can depend on the country through which the applicant is seeking funding.
English Language Requirement
Applicants are expected to have C1-level English.
The EUI currently recognises these English tests:
- IELTS: 7.5 or higher
- TOEFL iBT: 110 or higher
- Cambridge Proficiency: A, B or C
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): A or B
Some applicants may be exempt from submitting an English certificate, including those whose first language is English or who completed a degree programme entirely taught in English and wrote their thesis in English.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare:
- 1–2 page CV
- Research proposal of up to 2,500 words
- University degree transcripts
- English language certificate, where required
- Copy of passport or other identity document
Documents must follow the EUI’s file and formatting requirements.
Research Proposal
The research proposal is one of the most important parts of the application.
It should clearly explain:
- Your main research question
- What you want to study
- Why the research is important
- What previous research says about the topic
- Your research method
- The cases, data or sources you plan to use
- What your research could add to the field
The proposal must not be longer than 2,500 words, including footnotes, references and bibliography.
Applicants must also provide a short research abstract of no more than 1,000 characters in the online application form.
Academic Referees
Applicants to Political and Social Sciences must register two academic referees.
The referees must submit their reference letters online before the application deadline.
It is important to register your referees early because they need enough time to submit their letters.
References submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Funding
Funding for EUI doctoral applicants depends on the funding authority and programme they apply through.
The EUI also has special doctoral fellowships for eligible applicants who do not have access to another funding programme.
Applicants should check the funding options available for their nationality before submitting the application.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the European University Institute application system.
Step 1: Register
The application opens on November 1, 2026.
Register early and add your personal details and referee information.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Upload your:
- CV
- Research proposal
- Academic transcripts
- English certificate, if required
- Passport or ID
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Submit the complete application before: January 15, 2027 at 14:00 CET.
Your two referees must also submit their reference letters by the deadline.
Selection Process
After applications close, the EUI reviews candidates based on factors such as:
- Academic record
- Quality of the research proposal
- Availability of suitable supervision
- English language ability
Shortlisted applicants are invited for interviews.
For the 2027–28 intake, interviews are scheduled for March 16–20, 2027.
Important AI Rule
The EUI has rules on the use of generative AI in research proposals. Applicants should not use AI to write substantial or complete parts of their research proposal.
If AI is used to create new content, applicants must acknowledge and reference the AI-generated parts according to the EUI’s guidelines.
FAQs
When does the EUI PhD application open?
The 2027–28 application call is scheduled to open on November 1, 2026.
What degree do I need?
Applicants generally need a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification that allows them to enter doctoral study.
What IELTS score does EUI require?
The expected IELTS score is 7.5 or higher.
How long is the PhD programme?
The Political and Social Sciences PhD programme is a four-year programme.
Where is the programme located?
The programme is based at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy.
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