Why Apply to the Max Weber Programme

The Max Weber Programme (MWP) at the European University Institute (EUI) is the largest and most innovative postdoctoral programme in the historical and social sciences in Europe.

The MWP is open to eligible applicants who are within 5 years from the completion of their PhD, from anywhere in the world, regardless of nationality and including non-EU citizens. Preference is given to applicants who have only just completed their doctorate and have not had a post-doctoral fellowship before.

The MWP is a global programme at a global institution located in Italy. Like the Fellows, Professors and Researchers at the European University Institute come from across Europe - from Portugal to Russia, and beyond it -  from Asia and the Antipodes to North and Latin America, contributing their different academic traditions to the distinctive mix of the Institute. The language of the programme is English.

The Programme is among the most selective – attracting circa 1200 applicants each year - in the fields of political and social sciences, economics, law and history for some 55-60 Fellowships.

The Programme awards 1, 2, and exceptionally 3 year long fellowships according to departments.

The Fellowship provides a grant of 2000 EUR per month plus - when appropriate - a family allowance. Fellows in the Department of Economics and Political and Social Sciences who stay on for a second year will have the possibility of applying for a Part-time professor contract (level PR9/1) for 12 months involving some teaching duties and mentoring Ph.D. researchers: net remuneration would be approximately 820 EUR in addition to the monthly grant.

The MWP operates a maternity leave policy.

In addition to the scholarships funded by the Max Weber Programme itself, there are additional grants available that are funded by governments/foundations in Australia, Finland, Poland, Slovenia and Japan to which nationals of these countries (and in some cases residents in these countries) may also apply. Suitable applicants of any nationality may also apply for a second year at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva (IHEID). 

NB the availability of special grants varies from year to year- in some years more countries and agencies may offer grants and in others fewer. Up to date details can be found here. We automatically consider eligible applicants for these opportunities. 

The Max Weber Fellows enjoy the superb research facilities of the European University Institute (including an outstanding library, a shared office space, and a personal research fund of 1000 EUR - 2000 EUR for second or third year Economics Fellows who are on the job market).

The MWP is unique among postdoctoral programmes in helping Fellows to become full members of a global academic community.

Fellows are given training and support in all aspects of an academic career – from publishing and presenting, teaching, applying for research grants and jobs. A particular focus is placed on communicating effectively in English to different kinds of academic audiences.

Its placement record is second to none: most Max Weber Fellows secure an academic position in the finest institutions around the world upon completion of the Programme.