The European University Institute’s Department of Law enables you to study the challenges facing European law, public international law, and private law, with PhD opportunities across social, cultural, political and economic topics.
The University’s researchers create strong links during their time here, thanks to our outstanding levels of interaction between faculty and researchers. Close supervision, seminars that are open to all, and active working groups ensure a dynamic exchange of ideas and knowledge, which shapes your research and helps develop your intellectual independence.
The interdisciplinary nature of the University’s Department means that each year, world-famous scholars and leaders in their field visit to carry out research and to present and discuss their work. The University’s researchers further develop their skills and understanding through access to these experts.
How to Apply
You must submit your application and all required documents via the interactive online application form which will be available on 1 November.
The deadline for completing the application form and for the submission of references and all required documents is 31 January. Applications may be submitted until midnight (24:00 – CET) on that day.
There are two distinct phases in the application process:
- Register as early as possible
You are encouraged to register, inserting your personal and referee details as soon as possible after the application form will be activated on 1 November. This is important to allow sufficient time for your referees to submit the reference letters before the deadline. Reference letters will not be accepted after the deadline of 31 January (24:00 – CET).
- Complete and submit your application by the deadline of 31 January (24:00 – CET)
Once you have registered you may continue to work on your application (including required documents) until the deadline. Submit the application only when you have filled in all the information correctly and have successfully uploaded the final version of the required documents. References can be submitted at any time up until the deadline, before or after you submit your application.
By registering/submitting an application, you give your consent for processing the data as specified in the Privacy Statement for Application and Selection Procedures for EUI Post-Graduate Programmes and in accordance with the EUI’s Data Protection Policy outlined in the Decision of the President No. 10 of 18 February 2019 (EUI Data Protection Policy)
Selection process and schedule
- 1 November: Application procedure opens.
- 31 January: Deadline for applications and references. Applications are screened for completeness by Academic Service. Professors of the Department start to check the application files and to identify the most promising ones. Funding authorities start assessing the candidates’ eligibility for funding.
- Early March: National pre-selection committees composed of the funding authorities, EUI faculty and representatives of PhD students shortlist candidates for interviews for specific countries or groups of countries.
- Mid-March: Invitations for interviews for shortlisted candidates are sent by e-mail. Candidates who are not shortlisted are also informed by e-mail.
- 22-25 March: Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the Departmental panels.
- Early April: EUI’s ‘Entrance Board’ decides which applicants will be offered admission on the basis of the Departments’ proposals. Candidates are informed of the admission results by e-mail.
- May to July: Formal admission letters are sent by e-mail. Practical information for selected candidates is posted on the Academic Service’s web pages. Reserve candidates may be contacted during this period if selected candidates withdraw.
- End of August: Registration of new researchers.
- 1 September: Academic Year begins.
Please visit this website for detailed information about the programme.