PhD Scholarships in Economics, History, Law and Political and Social Sciences
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Opportunity Overview
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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PhD in Economics
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PhD in History and Civilisation
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PhD in Law
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PhD in Political and Social Sciences
Webinars
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16 November 2026
Webinar
Communications Service
PhD Prep Talk: DNK, NOK and SWE
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16 November 2026
Webinar
Communications Service
PhD Prep Talk: EST, FIN and LVA
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17 November 2026
Webinar
Communications Service
PhD Prep Talk: FRA and IRL
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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
Eye-opening, interdisciplinary and long-lasting: Diana Natermann's PhD journey
Diana Natermann is an EUI PhD alumna in History (2011-2015). She is Assistant Professor in European Political History at Maastricht University and returned to the EUI to join its 50th anniversary celebrations.
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Eye-opening, interdisciplinary and long-lasting: Diana Natermann's PhD journey
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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EUI ranks first in the EU for political sciences in 2026 ShanghaiRanking
From law research to EU customs policy: Alumnus George Papaconstantinou's path
George Papaconstantinou, EUI Law PhD (2015 2019), reflects on his years at the EUI, the academic freedom that shaped his thinking, and how high-level exchanges influenced his path from private legal practice to EU policymaking.
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From law research to EU customs policy: Alumnus George Papaconstantinou's path
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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Staying connected after graduation: Sarah Auster s memories from the EUI
#WhyEUI
Testimonials from current EUI researchers
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."
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"
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."
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
The Adam Smith Fellowship in Economics
The Jacob Burckhardt Fellowship in History
The Hans Kelsen Fellowship in Law
The Hannah Arendt Fellowship in Political and Social Sciences
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PhD Scholarships in Economics, History, Law and Political and Social Sciences
European University Institute
Deadline for applications:
15 January 2027 (14:00 CET)
The European University Institute (EUI) offers four-year fully-funded PhD programmes in
,
,
, and
. Approximately 130 grants are available for entry in September 2027, covering tuition and providing a monthly grant.
Our well-structured PhD programmes include closely supervised dissertation work, courses on methods and theory, topical workshops as well as academic and professional training.
Apply online
For further information and to apply before the 15 January deadline, please visit:
Why choose the EUI?
A community of peers and support
With top-tier faculty, structured supervision, and an inspiring environment, the EUI is dedicated to your success. You ll collaborate with practitioners, access unparalleled resources, and enjoy continuous training, allowing you to thrive in your PhD journey.
Critical thinking and multidisciplinary approaches
EUI offers a unique environment where multidisciplinary collaboration is central. Our PhD programmes empower researchers to address pressing social challenges by combining diverse perspectives and expertise.
Social impact beyond academia
At the EUI, your research extends far beyond academic circles. We prepare scholars to engage with the world, engaging politics and society. Research at EUI is relevant, outward-looking, and designed to shape sustainable futures.
Intellectual freedom and academic integrity
The EUI upholds high standards of academic freedom and ethical research. Here, scholars explore and defend their work confidently, contributing responsibly to European and global debates.
Research opportunities across Europe and beyond
Rooted in Europe, the EUI's vision is global. Whether exploring European history, international law, or global political issues, the institute provides opportunities to make European impact.
Access to an international network
Our alumni hold posts in academia (66%), international organisations (8%), the private sector (5%), other research institutions (4%), European Union (3%), law firms (3%), central banks (3%), national administration/government (2%), museums/archives/libraries (1.5%) *.
*Alumni Surveys
About the EUI
The European University Institute is an international postgraduate teaching and research institute. Its aim is to provide advanced academic training for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers and to foster research in fields that are of particular interest for the development of Europe. The Institute is composed of four departments Economics, History, Law, and Political and Social Sciences; the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies; the Max Weber Programme for Postdoctoral Studies; the School of Transnational Governance; and the Historical Archives of the European Union.
Grants and tuition fees for PhD candidates are covered by the national grant-awarding authorities of our contracting states.