Doctoral Programmes
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A PhD at the EUI

At the European University Institute (EUI), we are proud to offer one of the largest and most prestigious PhD programmes in the social sciences and humanities in Europe. Our dynamic, international academic community fosters cutting-edge research and offers unparalleled opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration.

The next call for PhD applications at the EUI will open in early November 2026.
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A world-class PhD experience built on excellence, support, and opportunity

  • Fully-funded, internationally recognised PhD
  • Structured programme with comprehensive support
  • Intellectual independence and cutting-edge research
  • World-class resources, welfare and wellbeing support
  • International mobility and continuous development

Available scholarships/year

130

Academic staff/researchers

1000+

Countries of origin

100+

PhD Alumni

4,000+

Excellent career prospects

EUI graduates enjoy excellent career prospects across Europe and beyond. Our alumni pursue diverse professional paths, holding positions in academia (66%), international organisations (8%), the private sector (5%), other research institutions (5%), EU institutions (3%), central banks (3%), law firms (3%), and national administrations and governments (2%), as well as in other sectors such as NGOs, media, and consultancy.

They form a global community of professionals and scholars contributing to European and international public life.

Alumni

EUI ranks first in the EU for political sciences in 2026 ShanghaiRanking

The EUI ranks first in the European Union for Political Sciences in the 2026 ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, placing 11th worldwide. The Institute also has the highest international collaboration score of any institution in the global top 11.

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Staying connected after graduation: Sarah Auster’s memories from the EUI

Sarah Auster is an EUI PhD alumna in Economics (2009–2014), supervised by Piero Gottardi. She is currently a professor at the University of Bonn and a CEPR Research Fellow. This past June, Sarah returned to the EUI and shared with us her experience both during and after her PhD.

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#WhyEUI

Testimonials from current EUI researchers

Portrait picture of Salvador Lima, PhD, HEC

Salvador Lima, PhD, HEC

Researcher

"The EUI provides researchers with a diverse range of seminars and an academic environment for feedback. This, along with a stimulating international community, has helped me grow as a researcher."

Portrait picture of Zuzanna Samson, PhD, SPS

Zuzanna Samson, PhD, SPS

Researcher

"What is great about the EUI is that the entire first year is dedicated to levelling up our skills, often with practical training in different methods"

Portrait picture of Pankhudi Khandelwal, PhD, LAW

Pankhudi Khandelwal, PhD, LAW

Researcher

"The resources and facilities provided by EUI have been instrumental in fostering my growth as a researcher. I have been constantly challenged to explore new perspectives and new research methods to delve deeper into complex issues."

Portrait picture of Allen Magsino, PhD, ECO

Allen Magsino, PhD, ECO

Researcher

"The network that the EUI has built over the years embraces many international top scholars from whom you can receive precious feedback on your own projects."

EUI Doctoral Fellowship