The European University Institute (EUI), located in Florence, Italy, runs the distinguished Max Weber Fellowship program for postdoctoral students. Recent Ph.D. graduates in a variety of social scientific fields, including sociology, political science, economics, law, and history are eligible for the fellowship, which bears the name of prominent German sociologist Max Weber.
| Host Country | Italy |
| Host Institute | European University Institute |
| Level | Postdoc |
| Eligible Nationality | All |
| No. of Fellowships | 50-60 |
| Fellowship Type | Monthly Salary |
| Benefits | Family Allowance, Research fund |
| Duration | 1-3 years |
| Closing Date | 18 Oct. 2023 |
Join the Facebook Group for more Scholarship, Fellowship, Internship, and career updates
Table of Contents
The European University Institute (EUI)
The European University Institute (EUI) was founded by the member states to support the cultural and scientific advancement of the social sciences from a European perspective. It is an international postgraduate and postdoctoral teaching and research institute and a separate legal person within the European Union. An international organization is recognized as EUI. It is situated in Italy’s Fiesole, in the hills above Florence.
Max Weber Fellowship Program
The Max Weber Programme (MWP) of the European University Institute (EUI) is a one-of-a-kind postdoctoral program in the historical and social sciences in Europe. It is open to applicants who have less than five years till they complete their PhD, from any country in the world. With a 5% acceptance rate each year for a total of 55–60 Fellowships in the social and political sciences, economics, law, and history, the program is extremely selective. Those who have just earned their doctorate and have never held a postdoctoral position are given preference.
Successful applicants for the Max Weber Fellowship will have the chance to conduct their own independent research and take part in the academic programs offered by the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies at the EUI. The program is extremely competitive and draws applications from all over the world. A stipend is provided with the fellowship, which normally lasts one or two years, to help with living and research expenses while the fellow is residing at the EUI.
Benefits of the Max Weber Fellowship Program
Currently, the Max Weber Fellowship offers a payment of 2,070 EUR per month plus, if necessary, a family allowance. Those fellows who decide to carry on for a second year will have the option of applying for a Part-time Assistant Professor contract (level ASSPR6/3) for 12 months, which would involve some teaching responsibilities and mentoring Ph.D. researchers. In addition to the monthly grant, the net salary would be around 850 EUR. Parental leave is governed under MWP policy.
The exceptional research resources offered by the European University Institute are available to Max Weber Fellows, including an extraordinary library, shared office space, and a personal research budget of between 1000 and 2000 EUR for second- or third-year Economics Fellows who are actively seeking employment.
Duration of Max Weber Fellowship Program
Depending on the department, the program grants 1- and 2-year fellowships. The third year of a fellowship can only be added under exceptional circumstances.
Additional Scholarships
There are additional grants available that are funded by governments or foundations in Finland, Germany, Greece, Poland, Slovenia, and Japan, to which nationals of these countries (and in some cases residents of these countries) may also apply, in addition to the scholarships funded by the Max Weber Programme itself. The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva (IHEID) accepts qualified candidates of any nationality for a second year.
Eligibility
- Max Weber Fellowships are available to applicants of any nationality.
- By the start of the program on September 1st, candidates must either have gotten their Ph.D. within the last five years or have received official approval to defend their thesis. To apply for the 2024–25 academic year, candidates must have received or submitted their doctoral degree between September 1, 2019, and September 1, 2024, and the dissertation defense must take place no later than December 31, 2024.
- For applicants whose academic careers have been halted due to maternity or paternity leave, illness, or required military duty, extensions to the five-year norm are permitted. In the “Additional Notes” section of the application form, describe the circumstances. Candidates that are chosen will be requested for supporting documentation.
- The Max Weber Fellowship is not available to early-stage scholars who are on staff at the EUI at the time of the application deadline.
- The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level C1 is the minimum standard for English competence. A certificate in English is not required as part of the application process, but successful candidates will be asked to present one upon registration.
Deadline
The Max Weber Fellowship application period is open from the middle of July until the deadline on October 18, 2023.
Application Process
Candidates must submit a research proposal, a CV, academic transcripts, and recommendation letters in order to be considered for the Max Weber Fellowship. For fellowships beginning in the next academic year, the application process typically opens once a year, with the submission deadline set in the first few months of the year.
Applications have to be submitted through the Online Application Form. There are two distinct phases in the application process:
- Submit your application as soon as you can.
You are urged to register your application as soon as possible by entering your contact information and that of your references. It’s crucial to do this so that your referees have enough time to submit their letters of recommendation before the deadline. After the cutoff, references won’t be considered.
2. You must submit your application by October 18, 2023, at 14:00 CEST. Applications can be submitted up to 14:00 CEST on October 18, 2023.
Once your application has been registered, you may continue to edit the application information and any attachments up until the deadline of October 18, 2023 (14:00 CEST). Only submit the application once you’ve verified that all the information is accurate and that the attachments have successfully been submitted in their most recent iteration.
Apply now for Max Weber Fellowship or go for more details.
Join the Facebook group to findout more “Scholarship Opportunities” and “International Positions”
Documents Required
- Put together a PDF publishing list for your CV.
- Prepare a two-page PDF of your “Academic career statement.” It is your responsibility to explain in this statement how you believe the MW Programme, in particular the Academic Practice Activities, will benefit you. Your interests in, experience in, and plans for the future of teaching and research should be included.
- Create a two-page PDF of your “Research proposal.” The proposal needs to be well-organized and unambiguous, with goals that may be accomplished during the fellowship period that are specific and attainable.
- By the deadline of October 18, 2023 (14:00 CEST), applicants must supply the names of two to three academic referees, with a minimum of two letters of recommendation being provided online directly by the referees.
Related Posts:
Charles Bullard Fellowship in Forest Research at Harvard/Cambridge
Fully Funded TWAS-CSIR Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
Routledge-Round Table Commonwealth Studentships for PhD Students
