University of Cagliari Opens 128 Phd Scholarships 2027: Two Step Application Process

The University of Cagliari has opened applications for 128 scholarship-supported PhD positions in Italy for the 2026–2027 academic year. International graduates can compete for ordinary funded positions, while 19 scholarships are specifically reserved for foreign applicants holding qualifications awarded outside Italy.

This is not merely an admission announcement. The university has advertised 149 PhD places under Cycle 42, but applicants must choose carefully because 128 positions carry scholarships while 17 are unfunded.

What Will the University of Cagliari Scholarship Cover?

Successful scholarship recipients will receive €16,243 gross per year for three years, subject to satisfactory annual progress. Payments are issued in monthly instalments.

The scholarship amount can be increased by 50% during an authorized research or study period abroad. PhD students are also exempt from the university’s regular enrolment and attendance fees.

However, this should not be described as completely expense-free. Selected students must pay a €16 stamp duty when enrolling and may also owe a €140 annual regional education tax. Personal accommodation, visa, travel and living costs are not listed as separately covered benefits.

Which PhD Fields Are Available at University of Cagliari Under Scholarships?

The Cycle 42 competition includes opportunities across science, engineering, health, social sciences and the humanities. Available doctoral areas include:

• Data Science
• Physics
• Electronic and Computer Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Mathematics and Computer Science
• Civil Engineering and Architecture
• Molecular and Translational Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Personalized Medicine and Public Health
• Life, Environmental and Drug Sciences
• Earth and Environmental Sciences and Technologies
• Innovation Science and Technology
• Economics and Business
• Legal Sciences
• History, Cultural Heritage and International Studies
• Philosophy, Epistemology and Human Sciences
• Philological, Literary, Historical and Cultural Studies
• Research and Social Innovation
• Capacities Building for Global Health

A major part of the funding comes through STEP scholarships, supporting research in digital and deep technologies, biotechnology, and clean and resource-efficient technologies.

Can International Applicants Apply for Admissions at University of Cagliari?

Yes, candidates of every nationality may apply if they hold a suitable master’s-level or equivalent second-cycle university qualification that provides access to doctoral studies.

You may also apply if you have not yet completed your qualifying degree, provided you obtain it by 31 October 2026 and before enrolment. A bachelor’s degree alone will normally not qualify unless it forms part of a single-cycle qualification considered equivalent to the required Italian degree.

Foreign qualifications do not necessarily require prior formal recognition. The admissions committee can assess their suitability specifically for entry to the PhD competition.

Documents International Applicants Should Prepare

Your exact documents depend on whether you select an ordinary position or a place reserved for foreign-degree candidates. Applicants should generally prepare:

• Master’s degree certificate or provisional completion evidence
• Bachelor’s degree certificate where the programme followed two study cycles
• Complete transcripts showing subjects, grades, credits and grading scale
• Italian or English translations of foreign academic documents
• Academic CV
• Research proposal and programme-specific materials
• Relevant publications, certificates or research experience
• Valid passport whose validity extends at least six months beyond the deadline
• Up to three academic or research reference letters, where required

Applicants targeting reserved international positions must arrange for referees to send their letters directly to the university using its official template. Letters uploaded by the applicant will not be accepted.

Is There an Age Limit?

No, the University of Cagliari has not specified a minimum or maximum age for this PhD competition. Eligibility is determined by the applicant’s academic qualification, research suitability and performance in the selection process—not age. However, if two candidates receive the same final score, the official rules state that the younger candidate will receive priority in the ranking.

How to Apply for the University of Cagliari PhD Scholarships

First, open the official University of Cagliari PhD announcement and study the annex for your intended programme. Confirm its research themes, accepted qualifications, funded-position numbers and selection method.

Next, register through the PICA application platform, choose the correct PhD competition and position category, complete the online form, upload every required PDF and pay the non-refundable €26.80 selection fee.

If you apply to more than one PhD programme, you must submit and pay for each application separately. Shortlisted candidates will undergo programme-specific assessments between 1 and 23 October 2026. International candidates applying for reserved positions will be assessed through their CV, reference letters and interview.

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the University of Cagliari Cycle 42 PhD Scholarships for 2026–2027 is 28 September 2026 at 23:59 Italian local time. Referees supporting applications for reserved international positions must also submit their letters by the same deadline.