The European University Institute (EUI) in Florence (Italy) is an international postgraduate and post-doctoral teaching and research institute established by European Union member states to contribute to cultural and scientific development in the social sciences, in a European perspective. By statute, the EUI is an intergovernmental organisation. The doctoral programme covers studies in Economics; History and Civilization; Law and Political and Social Sciences. Every year, some 140 recent graduates are enrolled for the four-year doctoral grant. Students who have completed and successfully defended their thesis before an international academic examining board are awarded a research doctorate. Since 1984 the European University Institute offers law students a one-year programme leading to the degree of Master in Comparative, European and International Law (LL.M. degree level). The EUI has several post-doctoral fellowships in social science: The EUI is one of the leading social science research institutions in Europe, and with around 1,000 researchers at various levels in their careers also one of the largest graduate schools.