Your research career can start before your PhD.
Study programme: Economic Policy and Public Administration
At European Research University (ERUNI), we believe that talented students should have the opportunity to become involved in academic research long before they begin doctoral studies. Our Master’s research fellowship is a selective, fully funded opportunity for exceptional Bachelor’s graduates who wish to combine advanced university studies with meaningful research experience.
Work alongside experienced academics, develop your own research interests and become part of an international research community — with individual mentoring and substantial financial support throughout your studies.
Up to EUR 72,000 in financial and research support from Foundation FOR THE FUTURE over two years. No tuition fees.
Funding & financial support.
Your potential should not be limited by your financial circumstances. Selected fellows receive financial and research support of up to EUR 72,000 over two years from Foundation FOR THE FUTURE. This support is designed to help you concentrate on your academic and research development and is subject to the Foundation’s funding terms and continued fellowship eligibility.
- EUR 2,000 monthly stipend: A monthly stipend provided by Foundation FOR THE FUTURE for up to 24 months, subject to continued eligibility and the conditions set out in your study agreement and the Foundation’s individual funding documentation.
- Up to EUR 20,000 individual research grant: Research funding provided by Foundation FOR THE FUTURE over two years for approved research activities and related expenses, subject to the Foundation’s funding terms and approval procedures.
- Up to EUR 2,000 annually for international academic activities: Funding provided by Foundation FOR THE FUTURE for approved international conferences, research workshops, summer schools and academic mobility.
- No tuition fees: No tuition fees are charged for the Master’s degree programme in Economic Policy and Public Administration in Prague, regardless of fellowship status.
- Additional scholarships for outstanding publications: Outstanding research publications may qualify for an additional extraordinary scholarship awarded by ERUNI under its applicable scholarship rules. These scholarships are separate from the Foundation’s financial support and are not included in the maximum funding package of EUR 72,000.
Total financial and research support from Foundation FOR THE FUTURE: up to EUR 72,000 over two years. Research grants and funding for international academic activities cover approved activities and expenses; they are not unrestricted personal allowances. Any additional publication scholarships awarded by ERUNI are provided separately.
About the fellowship programme.
At ERUNI, Master’s Research Fellows become involved in academic research from the early stages of their studies. Working with experienced researchers, you will learn to formulate research questions, evaluate academic literature, apply appropriate methodologies and develop your own contribution to scholarly discussions.
- Participate in ongoing research projects.
- Collaborate with experienced academics on research publications.
- Attend research seminars and workshops.
- Develop individual research projects and interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Present your work at academic conferences.
The fellowship helps you develop progressively from a talented student into an emerging researcher.
Individual academic mentoring.
Your academic development deserves individual attention. You will be assigned an academic mentor and develop an individual research development plan reflecting your interests, skills and ambitions. The plan will guide your fellowship activities alongside the requirements of your accredited Master’s degree programme. Your mentor will help you identify opportunities, develop methodological competence, evaluate your progress and prepare for further research.
You may also have opportunities to work with researchers affiliated with the European Research College (ERC), the decentralised international research network established by ERUNI. Our approach is based on close academic collaboration, individual responsibility and intellectual independence.
An international research environment.
Research without borders. Through ERUNI and its European Research College network, fellows can engage with researchers working across disciplines and international academic environments. With up to EUR 2,000 annually for approved activities, you can participate in conferences, workshops, summer schools and research visits while developing your own academic network.
Your first steps towards academic publishing.
Learn how research becomes scholarship. Academic publishing requires critical thinking, methodological rigour, intellectual persistence and clear communication. Fellows may contribute to collaborative publications and receive guidance in preparing manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals. We do not expect you to arrive with an established publication record. We are looking for the potential, curiosity and commitment needed to develop one.
Your Master’s dissertation.
An opportunity to make an original contribution. We encourage you to develop a dissertation addressing a meaningful research question and building on your interests and emerging expertise. Where appropriate, your dissertation may connect with ERUNI or ERC research activities and provide a foundation for future publications or doctoral proposals.
Academic progress and fellowship continuation.
Research excellence requires commitment, not immediate results. You will follow an individual research development plan, with formal progress reviews at the end of each semester. Reviews consider your research activity, academic development, engagement, collaboration and progress towards agreed objectives.
Meaningful research takes time, and not every project produces immediate or publishable results. Your progress is assessed primarily on engagement, effort and academic development, rather than publication counts alone. If progress falls below expectations, you will receive guidance and an opportunity to improve.
If the agreed requirements remain unmet, ERUNI may review your fellowship status under the applicable fellowship rules and your study agreement. Any resulting reduction or withdrawal of the Foundation’s financial support is determined by Foundation FOR THE FUTURE under its funding terms and your individual funding documentation, and applies prospectively. Any changes to extraordinary scholarships awarded separately by ERUNI are governed by the University’s applicable scholarship rules and individual scholarship decisions.
Withdrawal of fellowship status does not in itself terminate your enrolment in the degree programme. If you remain eligible to continue your studies, you may do so in Prague outside the fellowship programme, subject to the applicable study regulations and your study agreement. No tuition fees are charged for this degree programme, regardless of fellowship status.
Beyond your Master’s degree.
Preparing for doctoral research and an international academic career. The fellowship is designed for students considering a future in research. Graduates should develop stronger methodological, academic writing and collaborative research skills. Outstanding graduates may apply for doctoral programmes at ERUNI or other universities internationally, including ERUNI’s Doctoral Research Fellowship (PhD), subject to its admission and funding conditions.
Ideal candidate profile
We are looking for research potential, not an established academic career. Ideal candidates demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance during Bachelor’s studies.
- Intellectual curiosity, analytical ability and critical thinking.
- Genuine interest in research and collaboration.
- Commitment to continuous academic development.
- Potential for doctoral study or a research-oriented career.
Previous research publications are not required. We welcome applicants from different backgrounds who share our commitment to openness, intellectual independence and rigorous scholarship.
Admission Process.
All applicants to the English-taught Master’s degree programme in Economic Policy and Public Administration are automatically considered for the Master’s research fellowship as part of the standard admissions process. Applicants who do not wish to be considered should indicate this in their application.
Stage 1 — Application
Applicants must meet all standard admission requirements and submit the documents required under the applicable Rector’s Decree. To be considered for the fellowship, they must also provide:
- A curriculum vitae.
- An academic transcript.
- A brief statement of research interests (up to 1,000 words).
These materials are required in addition to the standard admission documents, including the 300–500-word essay on a current economic issue. The statement of research interests does not replace this essay.
Stage 2 — Entrance examination and fellowship assessment
The fellowship interview takes place as part of the entrance examination. In addition to the standard assessment for admission to the degree programme, it explores applicants’ research interests, intellectual curiosity, analytical ability, academic motivation and suitability for the available mentoring opportunities.
Stage 3 — Fellowship selection
Fellowships are awarded competitively. Admission to the degree programme does not guarantee a fellowship. Selected candidates receive an individual fellowship offer outlining the academic requirements and financial support provided by Foundation FOR THE FUTURE. The detailed terms are set out in the study agreement and the Foundation’s individual funding documentation. Any additional publication scholarships awarded by ERUNI are governed separately by the University’s applicable scholarship rules and individual scholarship decisions.
Fellowship application deadline: 31 January 2027
To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must submit their application for admission, including all additional fellowship materials, by this date. The standard degree application deadline is 31 March 2027.
Eligible Master’s programme: Economic Policy and Public Administration, taught in English
Number of fellowships: Limited
Find out more about the standard admissions process.
Apply and build your international research & academic career
Study locations & facilities.
A focused environment for serious research
Master fellows are provided with an individual workspace, ensuring suitable conditions for sustained research and academic work.
The programme is delivered across ERUNI locations, with a limited number of fellows based in Prague (typically 8–10).
This structure allows for a small, selective cohort while maintaining a consistent academic framework.