Max Weber Fellowships 2026 for International Students
The Max Weber Fellowship at the European University Institute (EUI), Florence, is one of the most highly funded postdoctoral programs in the world. Designed for promising scholars in the social sciences and humanities, this fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to advance research, broaden academic networks, and gain valuable teaching and professional development experience in a truly international setting. For the 2026–27 academic year, applications are now open, and this guide will walk you through the details.
What is the Max Weber Fellowship?
The Max Weber Fellowship is a competitive 12–24 month postdoctoral program hosted at the European University Institute. Each year, about 55–65 fellowships are awarded, making it one of the largest and most international postdoctoral schemes in Europe. The program is more than just funding—it is a platform for academic exchange, professional training, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Fellows benefit from structured seminars, workshops, and mentoring to strengthen both their research and teaching profiles.
Research Areas Covered
Applicants are required to align their proposal with one of the EUI’s academic units:
- Economics (ECO)
- History (HEC)
- Law (LAW)
- Political and Social Sciences (SPS)
- Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies (RSCAS)
- Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG)
Depending on the host unit, fellowships are offered for either 12 or 24 months. The interdisciplinary nature of the program encourages applicants to think beyond traditional boundaries while contributing to EUI’s vibrant intellectual community.
What this Max Webber Fellowship Offers in 2026?
The fellowship offers a monthly stipend of €2,500, which is highly competitive compared to other European postdoctoral grants. Additional benefits include:
- Household allowance up to €310/month (for fellows relocating with a partner under certain conditions).
- Child allowance of €210/month per dependent child.
- Research allowance of €1,000 per year to cover eligible research costs. An extra €1,000 may be provided for job-market activities.
- Travel reimbursement up to €1,200 for relocation, plus visa fee coverage up to €250.
- Health insurance under EUI’s group policy, unless you provide proof of equivalent coverage.
- Teaching opportunities: Fellows in Economics and Political & Social Sciences may take up a paid part-time teaching contract in the second year (~€850 net per month).
Together, these benefits ensure that fellows can focus entirely on their academic and professional growth while based in Florence.
Eligibility Criteria
The program is open to all nationalities and designed for early-career scholars. The key requirements are:
- You must have been awarded your PhD between 1 September 2021 and 1 September 2026, or be officially scheduled to defend by 31 December 2026.
- A strong command of English at C1 level is necessary.
- Current EUI researchers or employees are not eligible, but former EUI members may apply after at least one year away.
- Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged, with the program valuing diversity, inclusivity, and interdisciplinary research.
Apply: https://www.eui.eu/apply?id=max-weber-fellowships
Why Apply for the Max Weber Fellowship?
Beyond financial support, the fellowship offers a transformative professional experience. Fellows join a thriving academic community in Florence, benefit from mentoring by senior scholars, and participate in training tailored to early-career academics. The international cohort provides unparalleled networking opportunities, which often lead to collaborative research and career advancement.
For those aiming for a career in academia or policy, the Max Weber Fellowship is not just a funding opportunity—it is a career accelerator.
For the 2026–27 intake of the Max Weber Fellowships, the application deadline is set for 15 October 2025 at 14:00 CEST. Successful candidates will officially begin their fellowship on 1 September 2026, marking the start of their postdoctoral journey at the European University Institute in Florence.
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