Max Weber Programme EUI

Florence, Italy
65.0%
Acceptance Rate
1150
Avg SAT
24
Avg ACT
3.25
Avg GPA
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
65.0%
SAT Range
1050–1250
ACT Range
N/A
Avg GPA
3.25
Campus & Students
Size
N/A
Type
N/A
Student:Faculty
N/A
Setting
N/A
Outcomes & Cost
Graduation Rate
N/A
Retention Rate
N/A
Tuition (In-State)
N/A
Tuition (Int'l)
N/A

Student Life & Environment

Life as a Max Weber Fellow balances focused research time with community engagement and exploration of one of Europe's most celebrated cities. The EUI campuses occupy historic villas in the hills above Florence, providing extraordinary settings that combine scholarly atmosphere with Tuscan beauty. Daily life involves research in the well-resourced library, discussions with colleagues over coffee, and seminar participation that punctuates independent work. The fellow cohort typically includes 55-65 scholars representing dozens of nationalities and diverse disciplinary backgrounds. The shared experience of career transition creates community among fellows who understand each other's professional situations. Social events, both organized and informal, build relationships that often persist throughout academic careers. The intimacy of the programme enables genuine connection rather than superficial networking. Florence offers remarkable quality of life as a mid-sized Italian city with world-class cultural heritage. The Renaissance art and architecture provide constant inspiration, while the Tuscan lifestyle emphasizes quality of life alongside achievement. The food, wine, and cafe culture invite extended conversations that can be as intellectually productive as formal seminars. Accommodation is typically in Florence or surrounding hill towns, with many fellows living in the historic center and commuting to the Fiesole campus by bus. Rents in Florence are moderate by major European city standards but can challenge postdoctoral stipends if central locations are prioritized. The fellowship provides competitive stipends designed to enable focus on research without financial distraction.

Location & Surroundings

The European University Institute occupies several historic properties in and around Fiesole, the ancient town overlooking Florence from the north. The main campus at the Badia Fiesolana, a former abbey, houses the library and administrative facilities in a setting that combines medieval architecture with modern scholarly resources. Other villas host academic departments and residential facilities. Florence itself needs little introduction as one of the world's great cultural destinations. The birthplace of the Renaissance maintains extraordinary collections of art and architecture while functioning as a living Italian city with contemporary life beyond tourism. The compact historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, enables walking between cultural sites, excellent restaurants, and daily amenities. Climate features warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, with the transition seasons often providing the most pleasant weather. The surrounding Tuscan hills provide escape from summer heat while offering wine country exploration throughout the year. The position in central Italy enables weekend trips to Rome, Venice, the Italian coast, and numerous Tuscan hill towns. Transportation includes Florence's Santa Maria Novella train station with connections throughout Italy and to European destinations. Florence Airport offers European connections while Pisa Airport provides additional options approximately an hour away. Within the Florence area, buses serve Fiesole and the EUI campus, though many residents maintain bicycles or small vehicles.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Max Weber Fellowships provide stipends designed to cover living expenses in Florence, typically approximately EUR 2,500-3,000 monthly depending on family situation. Additional support may be available for research expenses, conference attendance, and professional activities. The fully-funded nature removes financial barriers that might otherwise limit access. The programme covers health insurance, office space, library access, and standard academic resources. Travel funding supports conference participation and research trips. The comprehensive support enables fellows to focus on research and career development without financial distraction. Career outcomes for Max Weber Fellows are strong, with the majority securing academic positions at universities in Europe, North America, and worldwide. The programme's explicit career preparation and the credential of EUI association strengthen job market competitiveness. The fellow network provides ongoing connections as cohort members progress to faculty positions at diverse institutions. The transition from fellowship to permanent employment remains competitive, with the academic job market in many fields challenging even for well-prepared candidates. The Max Weber Programme's career support acknowledges this reality while providing tools that improve positioning. Many fellows secure positions through job market processes during or shortly after the fellowship year.

Campus Location

Rankings
#100
QS World

See your match score for Max Weber Programme EUI

Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.

See your match score — Sign up free