University of Florence PhD Programmes 2026/2027 in Italy: Fully Funded Doctoral Opportunities with Scholarships, International Support, and Research Funding

The University of Florence has officially opened applications for its prestigious XLII Cycle PhD Programmes for the 2026/2027 academic year. Hosted in one of Italy’s most renowned academic institutions, these doctoral programmes provide exceptional opportunities for students and researchers from around the world to pursue advanced research across multiple disciplines while benefiting from scholarships, international mobility support, and access to a vibrant academic environment.

The call for applications includes several doctoral programmes headquartered at the University of Florence, with positions available both with and without scholarships. The programmes are scheduled to begin on November 1, 2026, and applications must be submitted before the official deadline of June 11, 2026.

For international students, especially those interested in pursuing doctoral studies in Europe, this is an outstanding opportunity to study in Italy while engaging in world-class research and academic collaboration.

About the University of Florence PhD Programmes

The University of Florence is one of Italy’s oldest and most respected universities, known for its strong research culture, international collaborations, and commitment to academic excellence.

The XLII Cycle PhD Programmes are designed to:

• Develop advanced research skills
• Promote scientific innovation
• Encourage international academic cooperation
• Prepare researchers for academic and professional careers
• Foster multidisciplinary and multicultural research environments

These doctoral programmes are governed by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and are subject to accreditation procedures in accordance with Ministerial Decree no. 226/2021.

Duration of the PhD Programmes

The duration of the doctoral programmes is:

• 3 years full-time

Planned start date:

• November 1, 2026

Students admitted to the programmes are expected to undertake continuous research and academic activities throughout the doctoral cycle.

Fields and Research Areas

The call covers multiple PhD programmes hosted by the University of Florence. The specific research areas, available scholarships, reserved positions, and admission procedures are outlined in Annex 2 of the official call.

Depending on the programme selected, candidates may engage in research areas such as:

• Engineering
• Sciences
• Humanities
• Social sciences
• Technology
• Health sciences
• Environmental studies
• Artificial intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Space research
• International studies
• Economics
• Arts and culture

Some scholarships are linked to specific research topics and funded by external organizations or public institutions.

Number of Available Positions and Scholarships

The University of Florence offers:

• Multiple doctoral positions
• Scholarship-funded positions
• Positions without scholarships
• Reserved positions for specific categories
• Additional positions that may become available later

The number of available positions may increase if additional scholarship funding becomes available before enrolment.

Some scholarships are funded by:

• Public institutions
• Private organizations
• Italian Space Agency (ASI)
• National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN)
• International research entities

Scholarship Benefits

The PhD scholarships offered by the University of Florence provide substantial financial support to selected candidates.

Annual Scholarship Amount

The annual scholarship amount is:

• €16,243 per year (before social security charges)

The scholarship is paid monthly in arrears.

Additional Financial Benefits

In addition to the annual scholarship, PhD students may receive several other financial advantages.

1. Research Abroad Funding Increase

Students conducting research activities abroad can receive:

• A 50% increase in scholarship funding

This support is available for:

• Up to 12 months abroad
• Up to 18 months for co-supervised international doctoral programmes

2. Research Budget

Each doctoral student receives:

• A research budget equal to at least 10% of the scholarship amount

This funding supports:

• Research activities
• Academic travel
• Conference participation
• Research materials
• Specialized training

3. One-Off Financial Support for International Students

To encourage international participation, the University of Florence, supported by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, offers:

• One-off financial support of up to €5,000

This support targets international doctoral students meeting specific criteria.

Who Can Receive the €5,000 International Support?

The one-off grant is intended for candidates who:

• Reside in a non-EU country
• Hold a foreign qualification for PhD access
• Are under 35 years old

Importantly:

• No separate application is required
• Beneficiaries are selected automatically
• The grant may be combined with scholarships

If funds remain available, the support may also extend to:

• EU residents studying abroad
• Candidates with degrees obtained outside Tuscany

Eligibility Criteria

The University of Florence welcomes applicants from all nationalities without age or citizenship restrictions for the main PhD competition.

Eligible applicants include candidates holding:

• A Master’s degree under Ministerial Decree 270/2004
• A Master’s degree under Ministerial Decree 509/1999
• A pre-509/1999 Italian degree lasting at least four years
• A second-level AFAM academic degree
• An equivalent foreign academic qualification

Applicants Completing Degrees Later

Students who will complete their degrees before the programme start date may also apply.

However:

• They must submit proof of graduation within 10 days after obtaining the qualification
• Failure to submit documentation leads to exclusion

Admission Process

Admission to the doctoral programmes involves a competitive selection procedure.

Depending on the programme, the selection may include:

1. Evaluation of academic qualifications
2. Assessment of research proposals
3. Written examinations
4. Oral interviews
5. Preliminary screening
6. Language proficiency assessments

Interview Options

For programmes allowing online interviews:

• Candidates may participate by videoconference
• This option must be selected during application

The interview may also assess:

• English proficiency
• Other foreign language skills
• Italian language knowledge for foreign applicants

Application Process

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online platform.

Official application portal:

University of Florence PhD Application Portal

Required Documents

Applicants must upload:

For Italian Degrees

• Identity document
• Self-declaration of academic records
• Thesis title and grades

For Foreign Degrees

• Bachelor’s and Master’s degree copies
• Academic transcripts
• Grading scale
• Thesis title and graduation score
• Certified translations into English or Italian

Additional documents may be required depending on the doctoral programme.

Application Fee

Applicants must pay:

• €30 non-refundable application fee

A separate fee is required for each doctoral programme application.

Important Application Deadline

Deadline:

• June 11, 2026 at 12:00 noon (Italian time)

The university strongly advises applicants to submit applications well in advance because the online system automatically closes at the deadline.

Important Dates

Application Opening

• May 12, 2026

Ranking Publication

• By July 31, 2026

Enrolment Deadline for Successful Candidates

• August 25, 2026

Programme Start Date

• November 1, 2026

International Student Information

International students from non-EU countries must:

• Register through the Universitaly portal
• Apply for an Italian study visa
• Provide translated and legalized academic documents

Accepted documentation may include:

• Declaration of Value
• CIMEA Statements of Comparability and Verification
• Diploma Supplement for EU degrees

Attendance Requirements

PhD students must:

• Attend full-time
• Conduct continuous research activities
• Participate in academic training
• Complete international mobility requirements
• Earn complementary skills credits

Intellectual Property and Research Publications

The University of Florence protects:

• Intellectual property rights
• Industrial property rights
• Research publication rights

Doctoral students may also be required to sign confidentiality agreements regarding research and institutional information.

Why You Should Apply

The University of Florence PhD Programmes provide a remarkable opportunity to:

• Study in Italy
• Conduct advanced international research
• Receive generous financial support
• Join a multicultural academic environment
• Build international research networks
• Access European academic opportunities
• Advance careers in academia, research, and innovation

For students seeking a prestigious European doctoral experience, this programme offers excellent academic, professional, and financial advantages.

Official Call and Information

Applicants can access the official programme details through the University of Florence website:

University of Florence Official PhD Call Page

Apply here

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here
• More global Scholarship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here