Max Weber Programme (MWP) at the European University Institute 2027-2028 (Funded)
Overview
The Max Weber Programme at the European University Institute is a postdoctoral fellowship scheme covering the historical, humanities and social sciences. The 2027-2028 round is highly selective, with an annual acceptance rate below 2%. A cohort usually numbers around 65 Fellows spread across the Institute's academic units: Economics, History, Law, Political and Social Sciences, the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies and the Florence School of Transnational Governance. Preference goes to candidates who have only just finished their doctorate and have not held a postdoctoral fellowship before.
What you get
The fellowship grant is currently 2,500 EUR per month, with family allowances where appropriate. Fellows also receive health insurance and mission and research funds. In the second year, qualifying Fellows may apply for a part-time assistant professor contract of 12 months, which involves some teaching and mentoring of PhD researchers and pays roughly 850 EUR net on top of the monthly grant. Fellows must live in the Florence area for the whole fellowship.
Who can apply
Candidates of any nationality may apply. Applicants need to have received their PhD within the past five years, or hold official approval to defend by the programme start on 1 September. For the 2027-28 round, the PhD should have been received or submitted between 01/09/2022 and 01/09/2027, with the defence taking place no later than 31/12/2027. The five-year limit can be extended for interruptions caused by parental leave, illness or mandatory military service. People currently enrolled, employed or hosted on a fellowship at the EUI are not eligible, although former members may apply after at least one year away in a full-time occupation or fellowship. English at CEFR level C1 is expected, with proof requested only from successful candidates.
How to apply
The application consists of a CV with a publication list, a one-page academic career statement, a two-page research proposal that includes a reflection on gender and diversity, and a passport copy. Applicants applying for 24 months should divide their proposal between the first 12 months and months 13-24. Documents must follow the EUI guidelines on responsible use of artificial intelligence, and GenAI should not write substantial parts of them. Applicants name two or three academic referees, and at least two reference letters must be submitted online by the referees themselves. References from current EUI professors are not accepted.
Key dates
The application deadline, including reference letters, is 16 October 2026 at 14:00 CEST. The programme starts on 1 September 2027.