About the Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA)

CGA is a joint initiative of the University of Cologne Excellence Cluster CECAD, the University Hospital of Cologne, and the Max Planck Institutes for Biology of Ageing and Metabolism Research. With its interdisciplinary environment, CGA provides world-class training for PhD researchers aiming to understand ageing, lifespan, and healthspan at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels.

What the PhD Program Offers

Selected candidates will benefit from:

• Fully funded contracts of at least 3 years (German TV-L E13 65% scale or equivalent Max Planck Society contract).
• Access to 49 interdisciplinary research groups spanning biology, genetics, bioinformatics, and structural biology.
• Structured training in English with advanced coursework, seminars, and workshops.
• Thesis Advisory Committee supervision for personalized guidance.
• Career mentoring, methodology training, and soft skills development.
• Annual travel grants for international conferences.
• Comprehensive support for international students, including visa and relocation assistance.

Research Areas

CGA PhD researchers will explore cutting-edge topics, including:

• Developmental and evolutionary biology
• Genetics and epigenetics of ageing
• Structural and cell biology
• Molecular and biochemical pathways affecting lifespan and healthspan

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must:

• Hold (or be close to completing) an MSc or equivalent in Biology, Molecular/Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Bioengineering, Biophysics, Genetics, Medical Biology, Translational Medicine, or related fields.
• Have an excellent academic track record.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in ageing research.
• Possess very good English proficiency (C1 level) in both written and spoken communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the program open to international students?
Yes, students from all over the world are encouraged to apply. Visa, relocation, and integration support is available.

Q2: What is the working language?
The program is entirely conducted in English, including research, seminars, and coursework.

Q3: Can I apply before finishing my Master’s degree?
Yes, but you must have your degree before officially starting the PhD program.

Q4: Do I need to speak German?
No, German is not required for admission. However, basic German skills can be helpful for daily life in Cologne.

Q5: Are interdisciplinary projects encouraged?
Yes, CGA promotes collaboration across multiple institutes, integrating molecular biology with computational and clinical approaches.

Application Details

• Application Period: August 12 – November 3, 2025
• Apply Online: CGA Online Application Portal
• Contact Email: cga-coordination@uni-koeln.de
• More Information: CGA Official Website

CGA strongly encourages applications from women, international candidates, and underrepresented groups. Preference will be given to equally qualified applicants with disabilities.

Application Deadline: June 30, 2025 – 3:30 PM (Italian Time)
Program Start Date: November 1, 2025
Location: Modena, Italy
Funding Type: Fully Funded (tuition waiver + stipend)

Why Choose UNIMORE for Your PhD?

Ranked among Italy’s top universities, UNIMORE offers world-class research infrastructure, experienced academic mentors, and a vibrant international student community. This is an excellent opportunity to:

• Conduct high-level research with expert guidance
• Live and study in a culturally rich, historic European city
• Receive a monthly stipend and tuition waiver for the entire 3-year duration

List of Available PhD Programs

UNIMORE offers interdisciplinary research opportunities across multiple fields, including but not limited to:

• Agri-food Science, Technology & Biotechnology
• Clinical and Experimental Medicine
• Computer & Data Science for Technological and Social Innovation
• Health Innovative Products and Technologies (HIP-TECH)
• Humanities, Technology, and Society
• Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
• Civil, Environmental, and Materials Engineering
• Industrial Innovation Engineering
• Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering
• Labour, Development, and Innovation
• Mathematics, Physics, and Nanosciences
• Neurosciences
• Molecular and Regenerative Medicine
• Reggio Childhood Studies
• Legal Sciences
• Language, Literature, History, Philosophy, Digital Culture

More programs are available in the official call. Check for your area of interest!

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the UNIMORE PhD programs, you must:

• Hold a second-level Italian degree (Laurea Magistrale) or an equivalent international Master’s degree by October 31, 2025
• Be a student of any nationality
• Meet specific academic and program requirements listed in the official call

Selection Process

Admission to the PhD programs is merit-based and may include the following:

• Review of academic background and research experience
• Written test (if required)
• Interview (online/in-person)

Each program has a unique evaluation method. Shortlisted candidates will be ranked, and the top candidates will receive admission offers.

How to Apply

Deadline: June 30, 2025, at 3:30 PM (Italian Time)
Mode: Online submission only

Steps to Apply:

1. Visit the official application portal: UNIMORE PhD Admissions
2. Carefully read the official Call for Applications
3. Prepare all required documents (CV, degrees, transcripts, research proposal, etc.)
4. Submit your application before the deadline

Contact Information

• Email: segr.dottorati@unimore.it
• Phone: +39 059 2056423
• Address: Via Università, 4 – 41121 Modena, Italy
• Official Website: www.unimore.it

Final Thoughts

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic countries. These 184 fully funded PhD scholarships in Italy will empower you to become a global research leader.

Apply now and secure your spot in Italy’s top-tier academic environment

Looking to pursue a fully funded PhD in Europe in 2025?

Application Deadline: June 6, 2025 – 1:00 PM CET (Italian Time)

Why Study Your PhD at the University of Trieste?

Trieste is a world-renowned international research hub located near the Adriatic Sea. It offers an outstanding environment for doctoral students, with:

Over 600 PhD students from around the globe
Most PhD positions are fully funded through scholarships and projects
13 diverse PhD programmes across science, technology, humanities, and AI
A strong academic and innovation ecosystem in Italy
Partnerships with global research institutes like ICTP, SISSA, and AREA Science Park

PhD Programmes Available for 2025/2026 (41st Cycle)

The following fully funded PhD programmes are open for international and Italian students:

• Environmental Life Sciences
• Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Molecular Biomedicine
• Chemistry
• Circular Economy
• Physics
• Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture
• Industrial and Information Engineering
• Personalized Medicine and Innovative Therapies
• Nanotechnology
• Neural and Cognitive Sciences
• Earth Science, Fluid-Dynamics and Mathematics
• History, Philosophy, and Political-Social Studies

Eligibility Criteria for PhD Admission

To apply, you must hold by October 31, 2024:

• An Italian Laurea Magistrale / Specialistica, or
• A foreign Master’s degree equivalent in duration and academic level

The degree must qualify you for PhD studies in the awarding country.
Some programmes may have specific prerequisites. Always check the individual PhD programme pages.

PhD Admission Process – University of Trieste 2025

Admission is competitive and merit-based. The selection process includes:

• Academic qualifications evaluation
• (Optional) Research project proposal evaluation
• Online or in-person interview

Important:
All details regarding available positions, required documents, and selection procedures are listed in the official call (Bando).

Funding & Scholarships

• Most PhD positions are fully funded
• Scholarships are awarded based on ranking in the selection process
• Additional financial support is available for:
  • International mobility
  • Research collaborations abroad
  • Industry-linked research

How to Apply for PhD at University of Trieste 2025

Apply online via the ESSE3 Application Portal
Deadline: June 6, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. CET (Italian Time)
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Visit the Official Call for detailed guidelines and programme-specific instructions.

What Makes Trieste a Top Destination for PhD Students?

• Recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Science
• Home to prestigious research institutions: ICTP, SISSA, Elettra Sincrotrone
• Multicultural, bilingual environment (Italian & Slovenian)
• Affordable cost of living and high quality of life
• Beautiful coastal location with vibrant academic life

Student Testimonials

“Being a PhD student at Trieste has opened international doors I never imagined.”
— Mariam, PhD in Molecular Biomedicine

“The funding, supervision, and scientific community here are world-class.”
— Luca, PhD in Data Science

Start Your PhD Journey in 2025

Whether you’re passionate about AI, Circular Economy, Medicine, Humanities, or Nanotechnology, the University of Trieste offers a world-class research environment to shape your future.

Don’t Miss Out – Apply by June 6, 2025!
Start Your Application Today