Italy continues to attract talented researchers from around the world through its internationally recognized universities and generous research funding. If you are looking for a fully funded PhD opportunity in Europe, the latest call from the Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM), in partnership with the University of Naples Federico II, is one of the best opportunities available for the 2026 academic year.

The institution has announced 50 fully funded PhD scholarships for its 42nd Doctoral Cycle (2026/2027). These scholarships are available across ten specialized doctoral programs, covering disciplines ranging from archaeology and law to oncology, mathematics, engineering, and space science.

One of the biggest advantages of this scholarship is that there are no nationality or age restrictions. Graduates from any country can apply provided they meet the academic requirements. Successful applicants will receive an annual scholarship worth €19,000, additional research funding, financial support for overseas research stays, and access to world-class research facilities in Italy.

If you are planning to pursue a prestigious PhD in Europe without paying tuition fees, this guide explains everything you need to know about eligibility, benefits, available programs, required documents, deadlines, and the application process.

Why Study at the University of Naples Federico II?

The University of Naples Federico II is among Italy's oldest and most respected public universities. Through its partnership with the Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM), doctoral students benefit from advanced research training, international collaborations, and access to renowned academic experts.

Every doctoral program lasts four years and combines structured coursework during the first year with independent research over the remaining years.

A distinctive feature of these programs is that students are expected to spend at least two semesters abroad at partner universities or research institutions, allowing them to gain valuable international research experience.

Scholarship Overview

Here are the main details applicants should know before applying.

Available Doctoral Programs

Each doctoral program offers five fully funded scholarships, making a total of 50 funded positions.

Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and Cultures (ACMA)

Designed for students interested in archaeology, cultural heritage preservation, ancient civilizations, and Mediterranean history.

Clinical and Translational Oncology (CTO)

Ideal for researchers pursuing innovations in cancer treatment, clinical medicine, and translational oncology.

Cosmology, Space Science and Space Technology (SPACE)

Focused on astrophysics, cosmology, satellite technologies, and space exploration research.

Genomic and Experimental Medicine (GEM)

Suitable for applicants interested in genetics, molecular medicine, biomedical sciences, and laboratory research.

Global History and Governance (GHG)

Examines international history, political systems, governance, diplomacy, and global development.

Law and Organizational Studies for Diversity and Inclusion (LOSPD)

Concentrates on legal studies, organizational management, disability rights, and inclusive policy development.

Mathematical and Physical Sciences for Advanced Materials and Technologies (MPHS)

Designed for students researching applied mathematics, physics, advanced materials, and emerging technologies.

Modeling and Engineering Risk and Complexity (MERC)

Focuses on engineering systems, complex networks, artificial intelligence, and risk management.

Molecular Sciences for Earth and Space (MOSES)

Explores molecular sciences connected to environmental research, earth sciences, chemistry, and space applications.

Texts, Traditions and Book Cultures (TTCL)

A humanities-based program focusing on Italian studies, Romance languages, literature, manuscripts, and cultural heritage.

Scholarship Benefits

The SSM Doctoral Scholarships provide comprehensive financial support throughout the four-year program.

Successful applicants will receive:

• Annual scholarship of €19,000
• Monthly scholarship payments
• Scholarship funding throughout the full four-year PhD
• 50% increase in monthly scholarship during approved research periods abroad for up to twelve months
• Additional research funding worth:
  • 10% of the annual scholarship during Year One
  • 20% of the annual scholarship during Years Two, Three, and Four
• Access to international research collaborations
• Opportunities to study abroad during the program
• Tuition-free doctoral education
• Supervision by internationally recognized researchers

Students only need to pay the annual regional DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) tax required under Italian regulations.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants from all countries are welcome to apply.

To be eligible, candidates must possess one of the following qualifications:

• Italian Laurea Magistrale or Laurea Specialistica
• Five-year Italian Laurea under the previous university system
• Equivalent Master's degree from a recognized foreign university

Students who will complete their Master's degree before enrollment are also eligible to submit an application.

However, applicants who already hold an Italian PhD or who have previously received an Italian government-funded PhD scholarship are not eligible.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents before starting the online application.

Mandatory Documents

• Valid passport or national ID

• Curriculum Vitae using the official SSM template
• Master's thesis or equivalent research work
• Thesis abstract (maximum 1,000 words)
• Academic transcripts
• Personal statement (maximum 1,000 words)
• Scientific report or research proposal (up to 2,500 words depending on the chosen program)
• Signed Statement of Veracity
• Up to three research publications, if available

Optional Documents

Applicants may also submit up to two academic recommendation letters. These are optional but can strengthen an application.

English Language Requirements

Most doctoral programs accept applicants who demonstrate strong English proficiency.

Interviews for the following programs may be conducted entirely in English:

• GEM
• CTO
• SPACE
• MOSES
• MPHS
• MERC
• LOSPD
• GHG

Applicants interested in ACMA and TTCL should have a good command of Italian because these programs involve research conducted in Italian.

Selection Process

The admission process is highly competitive and consists of two evaluation stages.

Academic Evaluation

Applicants are assessed on:

• Academic performance
• Research experience
• Scientific publications
• Personal statement
• Research proposal or scientific report

Maximum score: 60 pointsCandidates must obtain at least 40 points to progress to the interview stage.

Oral Interview

Shortlisted candidates participate in an oral interview.The interview evaluates:

• Subject knowledge
• Research potential
• Communication skills
• Foreign language proficiency

Maximum score: 40 pointsApplicants must score at least 30 points during the interview to qualify for the final ranking.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official SSM online application portal.

Candidates applying for multiple doctoral programs must submit a separate application for each program.

Before submitting your application, carefully check that every required document has been uploaded correctly. Incomplete applications are automatically excluded from consideration.

Applicants experiencing technical problems should contact the support team through the application portal and include their application identification number.

Important Dates

Applicants should keep track of the following deadlines.

Why You Should Apply

This opportunity stands out among European PhD scholarships for several reasons.

First, applicants from every nationality are welcome.

Second, there is no age limit, making it accessible to recent graduates and experienced professionals alike.

Third, students receive generous funding while conducting research at one of Italy's leading universities.

In addition, the compulsory international research period allows scholars to build global academic networks and collaborate with researchers worldwide.

Whether your interests lie in medicine, engineering, archaeology, law, history, mathematics, or space science, these doctoral programs provide excellent academic training and career opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit?

No. Applicants of every age are eligible.

Can international students apply?

Yes. Applications are accepted from candidates worldwide.

Is the scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The scholarship covers a yearly stipend of €19,000, research funding, international mobility support, and tuition-free study apart from the mandatory DSU regional tax.

Can I apply before completing my Master's degree?

Yes. You may apply if you complete your degree before enrollment begins.

Can I apply for more than one PhD program?

Yes. However, a separate application must be submitted for each doctoral program.

Do I need IELTS?

The call does not specifically require IELTS. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient language proficiency for their chosen program.

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