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Fully Funded PhD Scholarships 2026/2027 at the University of Trieste, Italy (42nd Cycle – Second Session)

PhD position

8/7/2026

The University of Trieste in Italy is accepting applications for the second session of its 42nd Cycle of PhD Programmes (Academic Year 2026/2027). This call offers fully funded, 3-year doctoral positions across multiple disciplines in science, engineering, life sciences, health, and social sciences. The opportunity is open to applicants of all nationalities, including international students.

Position Snapshot

  • Institution: University of Trieste (Università degli Studi di Trieste), Trieste, Italy

  • Programme: 42nd Cycle PhD Programmes (Academic Year 2026/2027) – Second Session

  • Level: PhD / Doctorate (3-year full-time programmes)

  • Funding: Fully funded PhD scholarships with an annual stipend of €16,243 gross (paid in monthly instalments), plus research and mobility support

  • Programmes: 15+ doctoral programmes in areas such as:

    • Applied Data Science & Artificial Intelligence

    • Chemistry

    • Physics

    • Civil, Environmental & Architecture Engineering

    • Industrial & Information Engineering

    • Nanotechnology

    • Earth Sciences & Mathematics

    • Biodiversity & Evolution

    • Molecular Biomedicine

    • Personalized Medicine & Innovative Therapies

    • Neuroscience & Cognitive Sciences

    • Circular Economy

    • Philosophy, History & Political Studies

    • Advanced Interdisciplinary Legal Studies

    • Transculturality, Literature & Translation

  • Start date: 1 November 2026

  • Application window (Second Session): 31 July 2026 – 31 August 2026

  • Deadline: 31 August 2026 at 1:00 PM (Italian time)

  • Application portal: University of Trieste Esse3 online system – https://esse3.units.it/Home.do

  • Application fee: €30 (non-refundable; some applicants from low-income countries may be exempt)


About the PhD Programmes (42nd Cycle – Second Session)

The University of Trieste’s 42nd Cycle offers a wide range of doctoral programmes spanning STEM, life and health sciences, engineering, and social sciences/humanities. The second session (31 July – 31 August 2026) allows candidates to apply for funded positions across these programmes, with each programme specifying its own curricula, available positions, and any defined research topics.

Examples of available PhD areas include:

  • Science & Engineering: Applied Data Science & AI, Chemistry, Physics, Civil/Environmental/Architecture Engineering, Industrial & Information Engineering, Nanotechnology, Earth Sciences & Mathematics

  • Life & Health Sciences: Biodiversity & Evolution, Molecular Biomedicine, Personalized Medicine & Innovative Therapies, Neuroscience & Cognitive Sciences

  • Social Sciences & Humanities: Circular Economy, Philosophy/History/Political Studies, Advanced Interdisciplinary Legal Studies, Transculturality/Literature/Translation

Each programme’s official annex details the number of positions, whether they are funded, any specific research topics, and selection criteria. Candidates can apply for open-topic positions or, where available, positions tied to specific projects or external funding.

Funding and Financial Support

Selected candidates will receive fully funded PhD scholarships with the following features:

  • Annual stipend: €16,243 gross per year for up to 3 years (before social security contributions payable by the recipient), paid in monthly instalments

  • Duration: 3 years, with annual confirmation subject to satisfactory academic progress

  • Tuition: No tuition fees for PhD students at the University of Trieste; the scholarship effectively covers the cost of doctoral study

  • Research & mobility support: Additional funds are typically allocated to support research activities, conference participation, short-term research visits abroad, and other doctoral activities (exact amounts and conditions are defined in the official call and programme regulations)

  • Social security & benefits: Scholarship holders are subject to Italian social security contributions; health coverage is generally ensured through the Italian system and/or residence-permit arrangements for international students

This funding model makes the positions accessible to both Italian and international candidates, provided they meet the eligibility and income criteria specified in the call.

Who Should Apply

The 42nd Cycle call is open to Italian and international applicants who hold (or will hold by the enrolment deadline) a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification that grants access to doctoral studies in Italy.

Academic Background

Eligible candidates should have a Master’s degree in a field relevant to the chosen PhD programme. Typical eligible backgrounds include:

  • STEM & Engineering: Computer Science, Data Science, AI, Chemistry, Physics, Civil/Environmental/Architecture Engineering, Industrial/Information Engineering, Nanotechnology, Earth Sciences, Mathematics

  • Life & Health Sciences: Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Genetics

  • Social Sciences & Humanities: Economics, Philosophy, History, Political Science, Law, Literature, Translation Studies, Cultural Studies


Skills and Attributes

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

  • Strong academic record and genuine interest in research within the chosen programme’s thematic areas

  • Ability to work independently, manage a multi-year research project, and produce high-quality written outputs (thesis, articles, reports)

  • Good written and spoken English (and/or Italian, depending on the specific curriculum and supervisor requirements)

  • Motivation to pursue a research career in academia, industry R&D, public sector, or international organizations

Prior research experience (e.g., Master’s thesis, research assistantships, publications) is highly desirable.

Application Materials

Applications must be submitted online only via the University of Trieste Esse3 portal. Incomplete applications will be excluded.

Required documents typically include:

  • Copy of an identity document (passport or national ID)

  • Academic CV detailing education, research experience, skills, and any publications or relevant projects

  • Certified copies of degree certificates and transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s or equivalent), with official translations if not in Italian or English

  • Research proposal / statement of purpose tailored to the chosen PhD programme and curriculum (and specific research topic if applicable)

  • Motivation letter explaining your interest in the programme, alignment with the chosen curriculum/topic, and career goals

  • Language certificates (if required by the specific PhD programme; e.g., English or Italian proficiency)

  • Contact details of referees (if requested by the specific PhD programme or curriculum)

  • Any additional documents specified in the official call or programme-specific annexes (e.g., portfolio, specific forms)

An application fee of €30 applies (non-refundable). Applicants from low-income countries on the specified list are exempt from paying the registration fee.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

  1. Identify your PhD programme and curriculum

    • Review the official 42nd Cycle call document (available on the University of Trieste website) and the detailed annexes for each PhD programme to find the best match for your background and research interests.

    • Note whether you are applying for a “standard” position or a position with a specific research topic tied to a funded scholarship.

  2. Prepare your documents

    • Update your CV, draft your research proposal and motivation letter, and gather certified copies of your degrees and transcripts (with official translations if needed).

    • If your programme requires language certificates or other specific documents, ensure these are ready in the required format.

  3. Access the online application portal

  4. Complete the online form

    • Select your chosen PhD programme and, where applicable, the specific curriculum and scholarship(s) you are applying for.

    • Fill in all required fields and upload your documents as instructed.

  5. Pay the application fee

    • Follow the instructions to pay the €30 non-refundable application fee via the online system (PagoPA or equivalent). Applicants from low-income countries on the specified list are exempt.

  6. Submit before the deadline

    • Ensure your application is fully submitted no later than 31 August 2026 at 1:00 PM (Italian time).

    • The system will automatically close at the deadline; late submissions are not accepted.


Deadlines and Timeline

  • Application window (Second Session): 31 July 2026 – 31 August 2026

  • Application deadline: 31 August 2026 at 1:00 PM (Italian time)

  • Referee letters deadline (if applicable): 3 September 2026 at 1:00 PM (Italian time)

  • Selection process: Conducted by Examination Commissions for each PhD programme, typically involving evaluation of CV, research proposal, academic record, and possibly interviews or written tests (details in the official call)

  • Expected start date: 1 November 2026

Given the end-of-August deadline, candidates should aim to submit their applications well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues or document-verification delays.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

The University of Trieste’s 42nd Cycle PhD scholarships offer a compelling combination of:

  • Fully funded, salary-type support for 3 years, with a clear stipend (€16,243/year) and research/travel budget

  • Structured doctoral programmes across a wide range of STEM, life/health sciences, engineering, and social sciences/humanities, allowing candidates to join established research groups at a public Italian university

  • International mobility and research support, including funds for conferences, research visits, and collaboration with national and international partners

  • A vibrant academic environment in Trieste, with access to interdisciplinary collaborations, European networks, and strong departmental research activity


For candidates seeking a fully funded PhD in Europe with broad disciplinary options and solid financial support, the University of Trieste’s 42nd Cycle (Second Session) is one of the most attractive opportunities currently open in Italy.

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