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50 Fully Funded PhD Positions for at University of Naples Federico, Italy

50 Fully Funded PhD Positions for at University of Naples Federico, Italy

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The Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM), affiliated with the University of Naples Federico II in Italy, has opened its call for applications for the 42nd cycle of its Doctoral Programs. A total of 50 fully funded PhD scholarships are on offer across ten distinct academic fields, ranging from ancient archaeology to space science, oncology, mathematics, law, and history. This is an excellent opportunity for graduates worldwide seeking a fully funded, prestigious PhD experience in Italy, with no restrictions based on age or citizenship. For more BS, MS,Phd, Postdoc Positions visit here.

Below is everything applicants need to know, simplified and organized for easy reading.

Key Details

  • Host Institution: Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM), in partnership with the University of Naples Federico II
  • Number of Scholarships: 50 across 10 Doctoral Programs
  • Program Duration: 4 years for each program
  • Academic Year: 2026/2027 (42nd cycle)
  • Scholarship Value: €19,000 per year, paid monthly
  • Application Deadline: 27 August 2026 at 14:00 CET
  • Reference Letter Deadline: 31 August 2026 at 17:00 CET
  • Course Start Date: 2 November 2026
  • Eligible Applicants: Graduates of any nationality and any age

About Scuola Superiore Meridionale

The Scuola Superiore Meridionale is a graduate school associated with the University of Naples Federico II, established to promote advanced research training across a wide array of disciplines. Its Doctoral Programs combine rigorous coursework in the first year with independent research activity throughout the remaining three years, and every enrolled student is expected to complete at least two semesters abroad at qualified foreign universities or research institutions during the course of their studies.

Available Doctoral Programs

Available Doctoral Programs

The SSM is offering 5 scholarships in each of the following ten Doctoral Programs. Details for each program, including the responsible coordinator, are listed below.

1. Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and Cultures (ACMA)

This program focuses on historical research, preservation, cultural heritage, management, and use within the field of ancient Mediterranean archaeology.

2. Clinical and Translational Oncology (CTO)

This program is designed for candidates interested in advancing clinical and translational research in oncology.

3. Cosmology, Space Science and Space Technology (SPACE)

This program covers research in cosmology, space science, and related space technologies.

4. Genomic and Experimental Medicine (GEM)

This program is centered on genomic research and experimental approaches within medicine.

5. Global History and Governance (GHG)

This program explores global historical processes and governance structures across different regions and periods.

6. Law and Organizational Studies for the Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion (LOSPD)

This program focuses on legal and organizational research aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly for people with disabilities.

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

This program is focused on mathematical and physical sciences applied to the development of advanced materials and technologies.

8. Modeling and Engineering Risk and Complexity (MERC)

This program addresses the modeling and engineering of risk and complex systems.

9. Molecular Sciences for Earth and Space (MOSES)

This program covers molecular science research relevant to both earth and space applications.

10. Texts, Traditions and Book Cultures: Italian and Romance Studies (TTCL)

50 Fully Funded PhD Positions for at University of Naples Federico, Italy
50 Fully Funded PhD Positions for at University of Naples Federico, Italy

Scholarship Value and Benefits

Selected candidates will receive substantial financial support throughout their four year program:

  • €19,000 per year, disbursed in monthly installments across all 4 years of the program
  • A 50% increase in monthly installments during authorized research stays abroad, for up to 12 months
  • An additional research fund equal to 10% of the yearly scholarship amount in the first year, and 20% in each of the remaining three years, to cover research related expenses
  • No tuition fees required, aside from the regional Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) tax that must be paid annually

Enrollment in the program is considered full time engagement and is not compatible with holding another job or attending another academic course simultaneously.

Eligibility Requirements

There are no restrictions on age or citizenship. However, applicants must hold one of the following qualifications:

  • A “laurea specialistica” or “laurea magistrale” (Italian Master’s degree) as defined under Ministerial Decree nr. 509/1999 and its later amendments
  • A 4 or 5 year “laurea” degree obtained under the older Italian degree system
  • An equivalent Master’s level degree obtained after a 5 year cycle from a foreign university

Applicants who have not yet completed their degree by the application deadline may still apply, provided they obtain the required qualification before enrollment begins. Candidates who already hold an Italian PhD, or who have previously received a scholarship for a PhD program in Italy, are not eligible to apply.

Required Documents

Every applicant must submit the following documents through the official application portal. Missing any of these will result in automatic exclusion:

  • A copy of a valid identity document (passport or ID card)
  • A curriculum vitae, prepared using the official SSM template
  • A copy of the master’s thesis, or a description of comparable research experience for those who completed their degree abroad without submitting a thesis
  • An abstract of the master’s thesis or comparable research experience, up to 1,000 words
  • Academic transcripts listing all exams, grades, and final marks, translated if not originally in Italian, English, French, Spanish, or German
  • A personal statement discussing research interests and motivation for applying, up to 1,000 words
  • Either a scientific report (for GEM, MERC, MOSES, MPHS, and SPACE programs) or a research proposal (for ACMA, CTO, GHG, LOSPD, and TTCL programs), up to 2,500 words
  • Up to 3 scientific publications by the applicant, if available
  • A signed Statement of Veracity, using the official SSM template

Applicants may also request up to two recommendation letters from academic referees, though these are optional and their absence will not lead to exclusion from the process.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official online portal. Applications submitted in any other format will not be accepted. Candidates who wish to apply for more than one Doctoral Program must submit a separate application for each program individually.

  • Application Portal: (link here)
  • Application Deadline: 27 August 2026 at 14:00 CET
  • Reference Letter Deadline: 31 August 2026 at 17:00 CET

Technical issues must be reported directly through the “Support” link on the application platform, and applicants should always include their application ID number when doing so. Please note that IT support is only available between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Selection Process

The selection process evaluates candidates on a maximum of 100 points, distributed as follows:

  • Up to 60 points for academic record, qualifications, and the scientific report or research proposal
  • Up to 40 points for the oral interview

Candidates must score at least 40 out of 60 points on their academic profile and written proposal to be shortlisted for interview, and must then score at least 30 out of 40 points on the interview itself to appear on the final ranking list. All candidates must demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language, and for several programs including GEM, GHG, LOSPD, MERC, MOSES, MPHS, SPACE, and CTO, a strong command of English is required, since interviews for these programs may be conducted entirely in English.

Important Dates to Remember

  • Application Deadline: 27 August 2026, 14:00 CET
  • Reference Letter Deadline: 31 August 2026, 17:00 CET
  • Shortlist Announcement: By 16 September 2026
  • Interview Schedule Published: By 7 September 2026
  • Oral Interviews: 17 September to 30 September 2026
  • Selection Process Concludes: By 30 September 2026
  • Ranking Lists Published: After 5 October 2026
  • Document Submission Deadline for Accepted Candidates: 31 October 2026
  • Course Start Date: 2 November 2026

Rights and Responsibilities of Enrolled Students

Once enrolled, PhD students are expected to treat the program as full time employment. This includes attending all scheduled courses and activities, submitting required reports, and fulfilling annual requirements set by their Doctoral Program’s board. Leave of absence may be requested for reasons such as maternity or paternity, serious illness, or civil service obligations. Students are also required to register with the INPS (Italian National Social Security Institute) under the “Gestione separata” scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there an age limit to apply for the SSM Doctoral Programs?
No, there is no age restriction. Candidates of any age and any nationality may apply.

Can I apply to more than one Doctoral Program at the same time?
Yes, but you must submit a separate, complete application for each program you wish to be considered for.

What is the value of the scholarship?
Each scholarship is worth €19,000 per year, paid monthly across all 4 years of the program, with additional research funding and increased payments during authorized research stays abroad.

Do I need to know Italian to apply?
Not necessarily. For programs such as GEM, GHG, LOSPD, MERC, MOSES, MPHS, SPACE, and CTO, English proficiency is sufficient, and interviews may be conducted entirely in English. However, ACMA and TTCL require a good command of Italian since research activities in these programs are conducted in that language.

What happens if I have not yet finished my master’s degree by the application deadline?
You may still apply, provided you obtain your degree before the date of enrollment. Failure to do so by that date will invalidate your admission.

Are there any tuition fees for the PhD program?
There are no tuition fees, though enrolled students are required to pay a regional tax known as the Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) each year.

How will I know if I have been shortlisted for an interview?
Results will be published on the official SSM website. No individual email or personal notification will be sent, so applicants should check the website regularly.

Can interviews be conducted online?
Yes, interviews can be conducted via video conference if requested by the candidate or required by the SSM.

What documents are mandatory for the application?
A valid ID, curriculum vitae, thesis or research experience description, thesis abstract, academic transcripts, personal statement, scientific report or research proposal, up to three publications if available, and a signed Statement of Veracity are all mandatory.

When does the PhD program actually begin?
Courses for the 42nd cycle will begin on 2 November 2026.

Official Call
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Hassan Naveed

My name is Hassan Naveed, founder of Fellowships Corner. I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree at Ondokuz Mayıs University on a fully funded scholarship in Turkey. During my undergraduate studies, I was selected for the prestigious Erasmus+ Programme, a fully funded exchange program supported by the European Union. Throughout my scholarship journey, I received 27 scholarship offers from institutions around the world. Based on my journey, I launched Fellowships Corner to help students access scholarships, fellowships, and exchange programs worldwide. I actively mentor those passionate about studying abroad and professional development. Read our Disclaimer Policy. Read About Us.

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