Max Weber Fellowships 2026 – Call for Applications

Max Weber Fellowships 2026 | Fully Funded Postdoctoral Program in Italy

If you are a recent PhD graduate seeking to advance your academic career, the Max Weber Fellowships 2026 at the European University Institute (EUI), Florence, Italy, present an unparalleled opportunity.

This prestigious fully funded postdoctoral program provides fellows with the time, resources, and intellectual environment to strengthen their research, engage in interdisciplinary dialogue, and prepare for academic careers worldwide.

With a monthly stipend of €2,500, research/travel support, and no application fee, this fellowship is one of Europe’s most competitive opportunities for postdoctoral scholars.

The application deadline is October 15, 2025.

Table of Contents

• About the Max Weber Fellowships
• Why Choose the Max Weber Fellowship?
• Fellowship Benefits
• Fields of Study
• Eligibility Criteria
• Application Timeline
• Step-by-Step Application Guide
• Required Documents
• Selection Process
• Tips for a Strong Application
• Life at the European University Institute
• Career Prospects for Fellows
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• How to Apply
• Conclusion

About the Max Weber Fellowships

The Max Weber Programme (MWP) is the largest postdoctoral program in the social sciences and humanities in Europe. Established in 2006 at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy, the program is named after Max Weber, a pioneer in modern social sciences.

It is designed for early career scholars who have received their PhD within the last five years. Each year, around 50–60 fellows are selected from a global pool of applicants.

The fellowship provides not just financial support, but also an academic community where interdisciplinary dialogue, advanced research, and professional development are encouraged.

Why Choose the Max Weber Fellowship?

The Max Weber Fellowship is unique because it combines:

• Financial security with a competitive stipend and research support.
• Academic training with workshops, seminars, and mentorship.
• Teaching opportunities in EUI departments and partner universities.
• Career development resources, including job market training.
• Networking with global scholars, policymakers, and experts.

This makes it one of the most career-transformative postdoctoral programs in the world.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive a comprehensive funding package, including:

• Monthly stipend of €2,500 (sufficient for living in Florence).
• Travel reimbursement for relocation.
• Research funding for conferences, publications, and fieldwork.
• Access to EUI facilities – libraries, archives, and seminars.
• Language courses and academic writing support.
• Teaching opportunities for career development.

This generous support ensures fellows can focus on publishing, networking, and advancing their research agendas.

Fields of Study

The fellowship is open to scholars in:

• Humanities
• Social and Political Sciences
• Economics
• Law
• History and Civilization
• Interdisciplinary Studies

The interdisciplinary environment fosters collaboration across departments, making it ideal for comparative and cross-national research.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Max Weber Fellowships 2026:

• Applicants must have completed a PhD within the last 5 years (after September 1, 2021).
• Candidates of all nationalities are welcome.
• PhD must be in a relevant field (social sciences, law, history, economics, or related).
• Applicants must demonstrate research excellence and academic potential.
• Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of other European languages is a plus.

Application Timeline

• Applications Open: Summer 2025
• Deadline: October 15, 2025
• Results Notification: Early 2026
• Fellowship Start Date: September 2026
• Duration: 12–24 months

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Register Online at the EUI Fellowship portal.
2. Fill Personal and Academic Information.
3. Upload Required Documents (see below).
4. Choose Duration (12 or 24 months).
5. Submit Before Deadline.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Academic CV.
• Copy of PhD certificate or letter of completion.
• Research proposal (2–3 pages).
• List of publications.
• Motivation letter.
• Two academic reference letters.
• Proof of identity (passport).

Selection Process

The selection is highly competitive and based on:

• Quality of research proposal.
• Publication record and academic potential.
• Fit with EUI research environment.
• Letters of recommendation.

Each year, only 50–60 fellows are selected from thousands of applicants.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Develop a clear, innovative research proposal aligned with EUI strengths.
• Highlight publications and academic achievements.
• Emphasize interdisciplinarity—the program values cross-field perspectives.
• Secure strong reference letters from established scholars.
• Show career motivation—explain how MWP will advance your goals.

Life at the European University Institute

The EUI is located in Florence, Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Fellows enjoy:

• A vibrant international community of scholars.
• Access to EUI’s world-class library and archives.
• Seminars, workshops, and conferences with leading academics.
• Cultural immersion in one of Europe’s most historic cities.
• Opportunities to travel across Europe for research.

Career Prospects for Fellows

Alumni of the Max Weber Fellowship go on to:

• Tenure-track faculty positions at top global universities.
• Research roles in think tanks and policy institutes.
• Positions in international organizations (UN, World Bank, EU).
• Government and legal advisory roles.

The fellowship acts as a launchpad for academic and research careers worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there an application fee?
No, applying is free of charge.

2. What is the stipend?
Fellows receive €2,500 per month.

3. Do I need to speak Italian?
No, the program is in English, but Italian language support is available.

4. Can I apply if I haven’t defended my PhD yet?
Yes, if you will complete your PhD before the fellowship starts.

5. How many years after PhD can I apply?
Within five years of PhD award.

How to Apply

Apply via the official EUI fellowship portal:
Max Weber Fellowships – European University Institute

Submit all documents before the October 15, 2025 deadline.

Conclusion

The Max Weber Fellowships 2026 offer an exceptional opportunity for recent PhD graduates in the humanities, social sciences, economics, and law to advance their academic careers in a world-class research environment.

With generous funding, professional training, and interdisciplinary collaboration, this fellowship is the perfect stepping stone to a successful future in academia and beyond.

Don’t miss the deadline—apply before October 15, 2025.