The University of Palermo is now accepting applications for its 41st PhD Cycle for the 2025/26 academic year, offering fully funded doctoral scholarships for outstanding students worldwide. These scholarships are supported by the University of Palermo, the Sicilian Region, and various external organizations. The program focuses on cutting-edge research, innovation, and advanced training, aligned with Italy’s regional and national development strategies.
Whether you are aiming to study in Italy, pursue world-class research, or enhance your academic career, this opportunity provides full financial support, research mobility, and a diverse academic environment.
Summary of Key Details
- Host Institution: University of Palermo, Italy
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded PhD scholarships
- Number of Awards: 44 scholarships (including co-tutorship and national interest programs)
- Eligible Applicants: Open to all nationalities
- Application Deadline: 18 August 2025, 14:59 (Italian time)
- Duration: 3 years
- Program Language: English and Italian
- Fields of Study: 35 doctoral disciplines across Engineering, Architecture, Medicine, ICT, Social Sciences, Humanities, and more
- Funding Coverage: Annual stipend, research mobility allowance, tuition exemption, and tax benefits
About the University of Palermo PhD Scholarships
The University of Palermo invites highly motivated candidates to apply for its prestigious fully funded PhD programs for 2025-2026. A total of 44 standard doctoral scholarships are available, including:
- 22 co-tutorship scholarships in collaboration with leading research institutions.
- 15 Doctorates of National Interest, promoting multidisciplinary research.
- Additional positions funded by public or private entities (confirmed within six months of program start).
These scholarships aim to develop high-level researchers who contribute to knowledge-based, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable growth in Italy and beyond.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the University of Palermo PhD Scholarship will receive:
- Annual gross stipend of €16,243.
- 50% stipend increase for approved research/training periods abroad.
- Annual renewal based on satisfactory academic progress.
- Travel grants for non-scholarship PhD students conducting research abroad.
- Full tuition and fee exemption for students with disabilities (≥66%), MAECI scholarship holders, and foreign government scholarship recipients.
- Tax benefits under Italian regulations.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Qualifications:
- Master’s degree, specialist degree, or equivalent (as per Italian decrees).
- Foreign qualifications equivalent to an Italian master’s degree (minimum 4 years), with proper documentation.
- Special Notes:
- PhD holders may apply without scholarship funding.
- Final-year master’s students may apply, but must graduate before enrollment.
- Foreign degrees must include a degree certificate or Diploma Supplement (in Italian or English).
- Sicilian Region Scholarships:
- Open to graduates born or residing in Sicily.
- Applicants must be aged 35 or younger.
- Commitment to 8–12 months of study/research abroad.
- Application Fee: €50 via PagoPA (non-refundable), with exemptions for candidates with ≥66% disability or Sicilian Region grant applicants.
- Nationality: Open to all countries.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
- Europass-format CV.
- Research proposal with objectives and expected outcomes.
- Signed self-certification of degree and exam transcripts (for foreign qualifications, include Diploma Supplement).
- Proof of additional qualifications and any publications.
- Valid passport or ID copy.
- Medical certificate (for disability above 66%).
- For graduating students: exam transcript or equivalent proof.
Selection Process
The selection process involves three evaluation stages (maximum 100 points):
- Research Project Evaluation – 30 points (minimum 20 to pass).
- Originality (15 points)
- Relevance to chosen PhD program (10 points)
- Methodology and literature knowledge (5 points)
- Qualifications Assessment – 10 points (considered only if the research project passes).
- Online Interview – 60 points (minimum 20 to pass).
- Presentation of research proposal, research competence, and English proficiency.
- Conducted via Microsoft Teams.
Applicants may apply for more than one PhD program (separate applications required).
How to Apply
- Register on the University of Palermo Student Portal.
- Select “PhD Courses – Call for Applicants” and fill in the application.
- Upload all required documents in PDF format.
- Pay the €50 participation fee via PagoPA (unless exempt).
- Submit the application before the deadline and ensure status is marked as “BOLLETTINO PAGATO” or “CONSEGNATA”.
- Monitor the official university website for updates and interview schedules.
Application Deadline:
18 August 2025, 14:59 (Italian time)
Further details and information are available on the official call of the University of Palermo, or visit the official university website.
