If you’ve been dreaming of earning your PhD in Europe with full financial support, this is your opportunity.
The University of Palermo in Italy has officially announced 273 fully funded PhD scholarships for the 2025/26 academic year (Cycle XLI).
These prestigious doctoral programs are open to candidates from all countries and cover a wide range of research fields — from Agricultural Sciences to Political and Social Sciences.
Why Study at the University of Palermo?
Founded in 1806, the University of Palermo is one of Italy’s most renowned public research universities, located in the heart of the culturally rich city of Palermo, Sicily.
Known for its world-class academic programs, strong international research collaborations, and a vibrant student life, the university offers the perfect combination of academic excellence and cultural immersion.
Available PhD Research Fields
The 273 funded doctoral positions are distributed across 14 major academic areas:
- Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Mathematical and Computer Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Chemical Sciences
- Earth Sciences
- Medical Sciences
- Civil Engineering and Architecture
- Industrial and Information Engineering
- Sciences of Antiquity, Philological-Literary, and Historical-Artistic Sciences
- Historical, Philosophical, Educational, and Psychological Sciences
- Legal Sciences
- Economic and Statistical Sciences
- Political and Social Sciences
Whether your passion lies in AI research, medical innovation, environmental sustainability, ancient history, or economic policy, the University of Palermo offers a program tailored to your career goals.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful candidates will receive:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend (competitive by Italian standards)
- Access to advanced research facilities & laboratories
- Opportunities for international collaborations and conferences
- Networking with leading academics in your research field
Eligibility Criteria
- Master’s degree or equivalent (minimum 4 years of study) in a relevant field
- International qualifications must be equivalent to an Italian Master’s degree
- Candidates already holding a PhD may apply (without scholarship benefits)
- Final-year Master’s students can apply if they graduate before enrollment
Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out
- Write a clear, innovative, and well-structured research proposal
- Showcase your previous research experience and publications
- Obtain strong recommendation letters from academic referees
- Tailor your CV to the chosen research field
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can international students apply?
Yes — candidates from all countries are welcome.
2. Is Italian language proficiency required?
Not always — many PhD programs are in English, though basic Italian can enhance your experience.
3. What is the stipend amount?
The stipend is sufficient to cover living expenses in Palermo.
4. Can I work while studying?
Part-time work is possible, but the PhD workload is intensive.
5. Are travel grants available?
Yes — some programs include funding for conference travel and research stays abroad.
How to Apply
- Register on the University of Palermo Student Portal
- Log in to your Reserved Area
- Select New Practice under the PRACTICES menu
- Choose PhD Programs – Call for Applicants
- Complete the online application form and submit
Application Deadline: 18 August 2025 at 14:59 (Italian Time)
Interview Dates: 9 September – 10 October 2025
Official Links & Documents
- Call for Application Guide
- Application Guide
- PhD Courses Annexes 1–35
- Annexes A, B, C, D
- Unipa’s PhD Rules
Contact Information:
📧 Email: dottorati@unipa.it
📞 Phone: +39 09123893135 / +39 09123893345 / +39 09123899521 / +39 09123893127 / +39 09123893707 / +39 09123893139 / +39 09123893796 / +39 09123896205