European University Institute (EUI), Italy
The European University Institute (EUI) was established in 1972 and has a broad-ranging focus from the early-modern European period onward, with a specific focus on comparative and transnational themes. Students form part of a vibrant, international community of academics and postgraduate researchers.
Who can go?
Postgraduate research students in the School of History. (At present, Medieval History students cannot participate in this exchange programme.)
There is currently a limit of one postgraduate research student per academic year for a period of one semester
How to apply
Interested students must check that there is an academic at the EUI who can act as their host supervisor.
PhD students interested in applying to studying at the EUI need to submit the following:
- cover letter
- CV
- description of the proposed research (maximum 500 words)
- supporting letter from their supervisor to the School of History study abroad coordinator.
In the event of multiple applicants for this exchange, the School of History’s postgraduate committee will decide which application to prioritise. Further information is also available from the postgraduate secretary in History (pghist@st-andrews.ac.uk).
The successful candidate must also fill in an application form for the EUI.
Current students can contact study abroad coordinators to find out more.
Your studies
The academic year at the EUI is split into three semesters:
- Semester 1: early September to late December
- Semester 2: early January to mid-April
- Semester 3: mid-April to June.
Upon arrival, students must register with Academic Services and their host department. Orientation is provided in the form of a meeting with your EUI supervisor.
Students are granted access rights to the library, seminars, and the canteen for the period of their stay. The library has excellent inter-library loan and acquisition services.
The main working language of the institute is English. However, this exchange provides an excellent opportunity to be in a multilingual environment. The Language Centre provides a number of language courses.
Passports and visas
You should ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your trip, and for at least six months after you return to the UK. You should scan your passport and keep a copy for your records.
If you are a European Union national, you will not require a visa and may enter the European Union countries with your passport or national identity card. Please note that you may have to comply with legal obligations, such as registering your address with the local authorities.
If you are an international student who has a visa to study in the UK, and you have any questions about the implications of studying or working abroad whilst matriculated at St Andrews, you should consult Student Services by emailing advint@st-andrews.ac.uk. You can also check the passports and visas page for further information.
About the University
Based in the Tuscan hills overlooking Florence, the EUI was established in 1972 to provide advanced training for doctoral researchers and to promote doctoral and postdoctoral research in economics, law, history and civilisation, and the political and social sciences.
The EUI is home to the Historical Archives of the European Union (HAUE). Furthermore, its impressive library offers a wealth of resources. Regular speakers at the EUI include heads of states, leading politicians and academics in a rich calendar of events involving conferences, workshops, lectures, seminars, and summer schools.
Finance
As an exchange student, you will not pay tuition fees to your host university, and will only be liable for your normal St Andrews tuition fees.
Research Council students should make sure that they have their funding body’s permission to study abroad, notifying them particularly for any mobility grants that they may be receiving.
The EUI also provides information about average expenses for living in Florence.
Accommodation
The EUI does not provide university accommodation on a short-term basis. However, the EUI Housing Office can assist in providing information, granting access to a housing database, and posts adverts and housing requests on their webpage.
Private furnished accommodation rent can vary and may include utility costs.
Students should also check the notice boards at Florence University cafe and the Paperback Exchange bookshop.
As an alternative to Florence, some students choose to live in the nearby town of Fiesole.
Travel and transport
The nearest airport to the EUI is Florence Airport which is located 5km west of the city. A half-hourly bus service connects to Florence’s central railway station, Santa Maria Novella, and takes approximately 25 minutes.
Alternatively, Pisa International Airport is 70km west of Florence. From Pisa Airport, there is a direct train to Florence which has a journey time of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. The train runs until 10pm, and students arriving after this time can get a local bus to Pisa’s main railway station for further travel onto Florence.
The EUI also has its own travel agency which provides travel tickets, hotel bookings, restaurant reservations and local transport hire.
Student support
The EUI provides a variety of support to students through its Academic Services. This includes information on academic matters such as development and code of ethics through to wellbeing and practical advice.
The EUI also provide detailed information on academic life, rules and policies for new researchers.
Contact
Global Office
University of St Andrews
A11
Bute Building
Westburn Lane
St Andrews
KY16 9TS
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2245
Email: studyabroad@st-andrews.ac.uk