Luiss Guido Carli University in Rome has released its official call for applications for the PhD in Politics (Cycle XLII), opening a competitive pathway for international students seeking advanced doctoral research opportunities in Italy. This fully funded program is one of the most respected in Europe for political science and public policy studies, offering a rigorous intellectual environment and excellent academic resources. Applications will remain open until 23 January 2026, providing a defined window for motivated candidates to prepare and submit their materials.
This announcement explains the nature of the opportunity, the comprehensive funding provided, the eligibility conditions applicants must meet, and the key deadlines for the next academic cycle.
About the Opportunity
The PhD in Politics at Luiss Guido Carli is designed for students who aspire to engage in original research and contribute to the advancement of political studies. The program brings together a wide range of thematic areas within political science, including political theory, comparative politics, international relations, political economy, and public policy. It is structured as a full-time, research-intensive doctoral journey where students receive continuous academic guidance from faculty members with nationally and internationally recognized expertise.
Admission into this program is highly selective. Candidates undergo a comparative evaluation process that typically involves a detailed review of academic qualifications, a research proposal aligned with the program’s focus areas, and one or more examinations or interviews. The selection process ensures that only the most committed and capable applicants join the doctoral cohort, creating an intellectually vibrant academic community.
What the Scholarship Offers?
Luiss Guido Carli provides fully funded positions only, meaning every admitted student receives financial support to pursue their studies without tuition or enrollment fees. The funding package is comprehensive and designed to allow candidates to focus exclusively on their academic and research activities.
1# Annual Doctoral Scholarship (€16,243 for 2026)
Each admitted student receives an annual scholarship paid in monthly installments. This funding supports living expenses during the program and is renewed on a yearly basis, provided the student meets academic progress requirements. Renewal is linked to performance evaluations, ensuring that candidates stay on track with their research milestones.
2# Higher-Value International Scholarship (€22,171.88 per year)
A special scholarship tier is reserved specifically for international students. This enhanced award reflects the university’s commitment to attracting global talent and ensuring that students from outside Italy have the financial resources needed to thrive in Rome. This amount also includes contributions toward essential research and academic activities.
3# Dedicated Annual Research Budget
Beyond the main scholarship, each doctoral student is guaranteed a research budget set at a minimum of ten percent of the scholarship amount. This allocation supports academic needs such as attending conferences, participating in workshops, conducting fieldwork, accessing specialized databases, or traveling for research-related purposes. This ensures that students can engage fully in high-level scholarly work.
4# Additional Funding for Research Abroad
Doctoral candidates may apply to conduct part of their research at partner institutions or research centers abroad. When approved by the Academic Board, students can receive up to a 50 percent increase in their scholarship for up to twelve months, enabling them to expand their research networks and gather international experience. This benefit may extend to eighteen months in cotutelle (dual-supervision) arrangements.
5# Social Security Contributions Covered by the University
All scholarship recipients must register with Italy’s national pension and social security system. Luiss supports this by covering two-thirds of the required contributions, minimizing the financial burden on students while ensuring they comply with national requirements.
6# Opportunities for Teaching and Academic Engagement
As part of their academic formation, doctoral students may take on tutoring responsibilities or participate in limited teaching activities. These opportunities allow them to build pedagogical experience and strengthen their academic profile. Such activities are supervised by the Academic Board and may provide additional compensation.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the 2026–2027 cohort, applicants must fulfill all eligibility conditions stated by the university. These requirements ensure that incoming students have the academic foundation needed to succeed in an advanced research environment.
1# Academic Qualification Requirement
Applicants must hold a relevant academic qualification equivalent to a Master’s degree by 15 September 2026. Eligible degrees include:
- A Master’s degree (Laurea Magistrale)
- A specialized degree
- A degree obtained under Italy’s previous higher education system
- A foreign academic qualification officially recognized as suitable for PhD admission
Applicants who have not yet completed their degree may still apply, but they must provide proof of completion before the stated deadline. Failure to do so results in disqualification.
2# Required Documents and Application Materials
Applicants must upload all required documents through the online application portal. These typically include identification, academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a detailed research proposal, and any certifications or supporting documents that strengthen their application. The review committee relies heavily on the clarity and completeness of these materials.
3# Recognition of Foreign Degrees
International applicants must provide documentation confirming the comparability of their foreign degree to the Italian system. Accepted documents include a Diploma Supplement or an official comparability certificate issued by a recognized authority. This ensures a fair and transparent evaluation of international credentials.
4# Participation in Exams and Interviews
Candidates must be available to take part in the written examination and/or interview as stipulated by the program. A valid ID is required for verification. These assessments allow the admissions committee to evaluate candidates’ research potential, academic preparation, and motivation for pursuing doctoral studies.
5# Compliance with Ethical and Procedural Standards
Applicants must ensure all submitted information is accurate and truthful. Any false declarations or inconsistencies may lead to immediate exclusion from the selection process or removal from the program at a later stage.
Application Deadlines for the 2026-2027 Cohort
All online applications must be submitted no later than 23 January 2026 at 16:00 CET, as late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances. Candidates will then receive notification of their scheduled written examination or interview at least one week before the assessment date, with details provided both by email and through the university’s website.
Admission results and ranking lists will be published according to the dates outlined in the program’s official guidelines, and successful candidates will be informed directly via email with instructions for the next steps. Those admitted must confirm their intention to enroll within seven days of the ranking publication; failure to do so will result in the offer being withdrawn and the position allocated to the next eligible candidate on the waiting list.