If you are searching for a fully funded PhD in Italy, the UNIVPM PhD programs 2026 might be exactly what you need. Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM), based in Ancona, has opened its call for applications for the XLII Cycle of Doctoral Research Programs, covering academic years 2026/27, 2027/28, and 2028/29.
The university offers scholarships, research funding, and international support across ten academic fields, making it a strong option for graduates who want to pursue advanced research in Italy. This guide breaks down everything you need to know: eligibility, deadlines, required documents, scholarship value, and the exact steps to apply through the Esse3Web portal. For more BS, MS,Phd, Postdoc Positions visit here.
About Università Politecnica delle Marche:
UNIVPM is a public university in the Marche region of Italy, known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, economics, and biomedical sciences. The university is a member of the UNIVPM COARA IT coalition, which supports reformed research assessment practices, and it follows the European Charter for Researchers along with the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
Available PhD Programs (XLII Cycle):
Candidates can apply to one of the following doctoral programs. Each program may include specific curricula, so applicants should check the official call to confirm which curriculum applies to their interests.
- Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
- Economics
- Management and Law (including Business Economics and Management, and Economic Law)
- Civil, Environmental, Building Engineering and Architecture
- Information Engineering (including Biomedical, Electronics, Telecommunication Engineering and Nanotechnology, and Informatics, Management and Automatics Engineering)
- Industrial Engineering (including Mechanical, Energy, and Materials Engineering)
- Human Health
- Biomedical Sciences
- Food Science and Human Nutrition
- Life and Environmental Sciences (including Marine Biology and Ecology, Biomolecular Sciences, and Civil and Environmental Protection)
Candidates who wish to apply for more than one program must submit a separate application for each one, since the chosen program cannot be changed after submission.
Who Can Apply:
Admission is open to candidates who meet the following requirements.
- Hold a master’s degree (“laurea specialistica or magistrale”)
- Hold a degree qualification granted under legislation in force before Ministerial Decree 509/99
- Hold an equivalent academic qualification awarded by a university outside Italy
- Are set to graduate no later than October 31st, 2026, with a self certification submitted by November 6th, 2026
Candidates who graduated at a university abroad must submit complete documentation to confirm their eligibility. Foreign citizens must also provide a copy of their Permit of Stay or proof that one has been requested from the local municipal registry office.
Application Timeline:
Getting the dates right is one of the most important parts of this process, since missing a deadline can result in exclusion.
- Application window: July 7th, 2026 at 1:00 PM CET, to August 11th, 2026 at 1:00 PM CET
- PhD programs officially begin: November 1st, 2026
- Final ranking lists published: by September 30th, 2026
- Deadline for admitted candidates to apply for enrolment: October 9th, 2026
Applications are only accepted through the online Esse3Web portal. No paper documents are accepted by mail or in person.
How to Apply Step by Step:
Step 1: Choose your PhD program
Review the full list of PhD programs offered by UNIVPM and select the one that matches your academic background and research interests.
Step 2: Read the call for applications
Review the official call carefully, along with the relevant annexes, since they contain the research topics, scoring criteria, and selection methods for each program.
Step 3: Register or log in to Esse3Web
If you already hold Esse3Web credentials as a graduate or current student of UNIVPM, log in directly. If not, register through the dedicated online procedure using your Fiscal Code, or by ticking the box for foreign students without an Italian Fiscal Code.
Step 4: Complete the online application
Fill in your personal data, select your program and curriculum, and upload the required documents, including a valid ID and any academic qualifications relevant for evaluation.
Step 5: Pay the participation fee
A fee of €30 is required for each application submitted. This amount cannot be refunded under any circumstances, even if a candidate does not attend the examination.
Step 6: Submit and wait for confirmation
Once submitted, application data can no longer be edited. Candidates can print a receipt as confirmation of submission.
Documents You Will Need:
Prepare these documents before starting your application to avoid delays.
- A valid, scanned ID document
- Curriculum Vitae et Studiorum, signed by the candidate
- List of university exams taken and grades achieved
- Declaration of any research grants held
- Additional qualifications, such as certificates or language proficiency
- Publications, if applicable
- Research project proposal, required for specific programs such as Management and Law, Human Health, Biomedical Sciences, and Life and Environmental Sciences
Candidates who graduated at a foreign university and want their degree assessed for eligibility must also attach a degree certificate, list of courses attended, an Italian translation, and authentication from an Italian consular representative.
Scholarship Value and Benefits:
Selected candidates who receive a scholarship benefit from generous financial support throughout their doctoral studies.
- Annual scholarship amount: €16,243, which includes social security charges paid by the student
- Scholarships increase by 50 percent during authorized periods spent abroad, for a minimum of 30 days and up to 12 months, or up to 18 months for joint supervision programs
- An annual research budget is also provided to all doctoral candidates, equal to at least 10 percent of the scholarship amount
- Enrolment fee upon acceptance: €156, covering regional university fees and virtual stamp duties
The Interview and Selection Process:
Selection is based on academic qualifications and an interview. Candidates who submit a complete application are admitted to the interview regardless of their qualification score, except for the Life and Environmental Sciences program, which requires a minimum qualification score of 15 out of 100.
Applicants residing or domiciled abroad may request to take the interview remotely through Microsoft Teams. For the Life and Environmental Sciences and Food Science and Human Nutrition programs only, candidates may freely choose between an in person or remote interview. Remote requests must be submitted together with the application.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is the deadline to apply for UNIVPM PhD programs 2026?
Applications open on July 7th, 2026, at 1:00 PM CET, and close on August 11th, 2026, at 1:00 PM CET.
How much is the UNIVPM PhD scholarship worth?
The scholarship is worth €16,243 per year and increases by 50 percent for authorized periods spent conducting research abroad.
Can I apply for more than one PhD program at UNIVPM?
Yes, but you must submit a separate application for each program, and you cannot switch your chosen program after submission.
Is there an application fee for UNIVPM PhD programs?
Yes, a fee of €30 is required for each application, and it cannot be refunded under any circumstances.
Can international candidates take the interview online?
Yes, candidates residing or domiciled abroad may request a remote interview through Microsoft Teams, submitted along with the application.
When do the PhD programs officially start?
All accepted PhD programs begin on November 1st, 2026.
Who can I contact for questions about the application?
Candidates can reach the PhD Office at concorsi.dottorato@sm.univpm.it for clarifications regarding the call or technical issues.
