Are you dreaming of earning a fully funded PhD in Europe? The University of Messina (UniMe) in Italy is offering an incredible opportunity with 145 fully funded doctoral scholarships across 16 advanced research fields. Whether you’re passionate about quantum physics, psychology, biomedical sciences, or climate-smart agriculture, this is your chance to study in Sicily with no tuition fees and a generous stipend.
🔍 Quick Overview of the PhD Opportunity
- Host University: University of Messina (UniMe), Sicily, Italy
- Number of Positions: 145 fully funded PhD scholarships
- Application Period: June 13 – July 12, 2025 (23:59 CEST)
- Application Platform: Esse3 Portal
- Duration: 3 years
- Funding Includes: Monthly stipend, tuition waiver, research budget, and mobility allowance
- Eligibility: Open to all nationalities with a Master’s degree (or final-year students)
🌟 Why Choose the University of Messina?
Situated on the stunning Strait of Messina, UniMe is a top-tier research university combining historic academic excellence with state-of-the-art research infrastructure. Here’s why students from over 40 countries choose UniMe:
- 🧪 Research-Driven Campus: Active in EU-funded projects in AI, catalysis, biotechnology, and more
- 💰 Affordable Living: Messina’s cost of living is 30% lower than in Northern Italy
- 🌊 Mediterranean Lifestyle: Enjoy beaches, seafood, and sunshine – all just minutes from campus
- 🌍 Global Environment: 25% of PhD students are international; many programs are taught in English
🎓 What the Fully Funded PhD Scholarship Covers
- Stipend: Approx. €16,350/year (adjusted annually)
- Tuition Fees: 100% waived for all selected candidates
- Mobility Bonus: Up to +50% stipend for international research stays (max. 18 months)
- Research Support: Funding for lab expenses, travel to conferences, and publishing
- Student Perks: Health insurance, discounted meals, subsidized university housing
✅ Eligibility Criteria for UniMe PhD Admission 2025
- 🎓 Academic Requirements: Master’s degree or equivalent. Final-year students must graduate by October 31, 2025
- 🌐 Language Proficiency: B2 level in English (self-certification accepted); some programs may require Italian
- 🌎 Open to All: No age limit; candidates from all countries are encouraged to apply
- 📊 Merit-Based Selection: Evaluation based on academic performance, research proposal, and oral interview via Microsoft Teams
📝 Top Tips to Strengthen Your PhD Application
- Customize Your Proposal: Align it with UniMe faculty research interests – check each department’s website
- Secure Strong References: Recommendation letters can add up to 10 points
- Polish Your Pitch: Prepare a brief, clear explanation of your project for the oral interview
- Showcase Global Experience: International internships, research, or publications will strengthen your profile
🏡 Life in Messina as a PhD Student
Messina offers a perfect balance between academic focus and high-quality living:
- 🏠 Rent: Starting at €300/month for single-room apartments near campus
- 🚋 Public Transport: €22/month student pass for buses and trams
- 🍝 Culture: Ferries to Calabria, weekend trips to Taormina & Mount Etna, vibrant street food
💡 Bonus: Most PhD students live within walking distance of their lab—reducing commute time and boosting productivity.
📅 Key Dates for the 41st PhD Cycle – University of Messina
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Call Published | June 12, 2025 |
| Applications Open | June 13, 2025 |
| Deadline | July 12, 2025 – 23:59 CEST |
| Interview Schedule Released | From July 19, 2025 |
| Online Interviews (MS Teams) | July 22 – August 7, 2025 |
| Final Rankings Published | By August 29, 2025 |
| Enrollment Period | September 2–15, 2025 |
| PhD Courses Begin | November 1, 2025 |
🧪 List of Available PhD Programs – 2025 (41st Cycle)
| Program Name | Seats | Scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Catalytic Processes for Renewable Energy | 9 | 9 |
| Bioengineering Applied to Medical Sciences | 8 | 8 |
| Applied Biology & Experimental Medicine | 10 | 10 |
| Economics, Management & Statistics | 9 | 9 |
| Physics | 12 | 12 |
| Engineering | 14 | 14 |
| Mathematics & Computational Sciences | 8 | 8 |
| Psychology | 6 | 6 |
| Chemical Sciences | 12 | 12 |
| Cognitive Sciences | 6 | 6 |
| Public Administration Sciences | 8 | 8 |
| Legal Sciences | 10 | 10 |
| Political Sciences | 8 | 8 |
| Humanistic Sciences | 7 | 7 |
| Veterinary, Biotechnological & Agricultural Sciences | 9 | 9 |
| Translational Molecular Medicine & Surgery | 9 | 9 |
📝 How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide
- Register on Esse3 Portal:
- International applicants: create a new Esse3 account here
- Italian residents: log in via SPID
- Upload Required Documents:
- CV, academic transcript, thesis abstract, research proposal, passport, and certificates
- Pay Application Fee:
- €50 (waived for applicants from economically disadvantaged countries – see official call)
- Choose & Rank Programs:
- You can apply to multiple PhD programs and prioritize them
- Submit Application:
- Before July 12, 2025 at 23:59 CEST
✅ You will receive a confirmation email after submission—keep it safe for future reference.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the scholarship renewed yearly?
Yes, renewal is contingent on satisfactory academic progress.
Can I work part-time while pursuing my PhD?
Yes, minor roles like teaching assistantships are allowed with supervisor approval. External employment is restricted.
Do non-EU students need a visa?
Yes, a Type D Italian study visa is required. Apply after receiving the official admission letter in September.
📬 Contact & Support
For any issues with the Esse3 application portal, email UniMe support. Include:
- Full name
- Passport number or Italian fiscal code
- Screenshot of the issue
🚀 Apply Now to the University of Messina PhD Call 2025
This is one of the largest and most competitive fully funded PhD opportunities in Europe for 2025. If you’re aiming for world-class research training and a Mediterranean lifestyle, don’t miss out!
🗓 Deadline: July 12, 2025 | 🧪 Start Date: November 1, 2025
🔗 Apply via UniMe’s Esse3 Portal
📑 Read the Full Official Call Here