Study in Italy | University of Bologna PhD Scholarships 2027 |...

Study in Italy | University of Bologna PhD Scholarships 2027

Posted 2026-05-26 10:00:06

Study in Italy | University of Bologna PhD Scholarships 2027

Doctoral applicants looking at Italy now have a major research route to watch. The University of Bologna is offering PhD places across dozens of fields for the 2026/2027 academic year. These positions come with scholarships carrying gross annual funding of up to €19,700.76.

The University of Bologna PhD Scholarships 2026/2027 target candidates who already hold, or are completing, a second cycle degree equivalent to an Italian Laurea Magistrale. The opportunity covers funded doctoral study through annual stipends. Programmes are available across science, engineering, medicine, law, economics, humanities, agriculture, and social sciences.

Why Bologna’s PhD Call Matters for Global Research Applicants

The University of Bologna ranks among Europe’s historic research universities. Its PhD structure is broad enough to attract applicants from very different academic backgrounds. For the 2026/2027 intake, doctoral programmes group themselves into six major areas:

Biological, Geological and Agricultural Sciences
Engineering Sciences
Medical and Veterinary Sciences
Humanities
Legal and Economic Sciences
Mathematical, Physical and Chemical Sciences

Most PhD programmes last three years. Some may follow a different duration depending on the specific doctoral track. Several programmes teach themselves in English. Others may use Italian or additional languages such as French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Chinese, or Russian, depending on the subject area.

Scholarship Funding: What Students Can Expect

The University of Bologna PhD funding is not a blanket “all expenses covered” package in the same style as some international government scholarships. Instead, selected PhD candidates receive annual scholarship funding. Gross amounts range from €16,982.64 to €19,700.76 per year for the 2026/2027 intake.

Each PhD call specifies two key details. First, how many positions are available. Second, whether the university funds them through university resources, external organisations, companies, or restricted topic research projects.

Some scholarships are open topic. This means candidates compete through the general merit ranking and later define their research project with academic supervision. Other scholarships are restricted topic positions. Here the research theme is already defined, and candidates receive assessment specifically for that project.

International candidates can apply for general scholarship positions. Some programmes may also include positions specifically dedicated to international applicants.

Who Should Consider Applying

This call mainly suits students who have completed, or are close to completing, a master’s level qualification equivalent to an Italian second cycle degree. Applicants should prepare for a competitive academic selection process. The evaluation focuses on research ability, subject knowledge, and the quality of your proposed academic direction.

The opportunity especially benefits candidates who already possess three qualities. You need a clear research interest. Also, you should have strong academic records. You must demonstrate the ability to work independently in a structured doctoral environment.

Each PhD programme has its own admission rules, language requirements, evaluation criteria, and research areas. Do not treat the Bologna PhD call as one single scholarship form. Instead, first identify your exact doctoral programme, then study its overview carefully.

Application Process and Required Documents

To apply for a PhD at the University of Bologna, you must pass a selection process. This process assesses your aptitude for scientific research and your preparation in the relevant subject area. Depending on your programme, the assessment may involve several components:

Academic documents
Research proposal
Curriculum vitae
Reference letters
Publications
Language evidence
Interviews or written evaluations

For PhD programmes starting in autumn 2026, the university planned two calls. The second call includes 46 PhD programmes for the 2026/2027 academic year and is currently online.

How to Apply

Click Here to Apply

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the University of Bologna PhD Scholarships 2026/2027 second call is 15 June 2026.

A Competitive Route, But a Serious One

For international applicants, the University of Bologna PhD call deserves serious attention. It combines a wide academic spread with funded doctoral positions in Italy. The key is not to apply casually across programmes. Instead, match your academic background with a specific research area, scholarship type, and selection method. In a competition where funding depends heavily on rankings and programme level evaluation, a focused application will always look stronger than a generic one. Visit the University of Bologna PhD portal today, review the second call programmes, and prepare your application before the June deadline. Your funded PhD in Italy awaits.