The University of Trieste, one of Italy’s leading research universities, offers an outstanding opportunity for highly motivated international students seeking to pursue a fully funded PhD degree in Italy. The university provides a wide range of fully funded PhD scholarships across multiple disciplines. These scholarships aim to foster academic excellence, research innovation, and professional development while strengthening ties between higher education, regional industries, and global research communities.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the University of Trieste Fully Funded PhD Scholarships, including available fields of study, funding details, eligibility criteria, and the application process.

About University of Trieste (UniTS)

Founded in 1924, the University of Trieste (Università degli Studi di Trieste – UniTS) is a public research university located in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy. Known for its commitment to high-quality research, international collaboration, and academic excellence, UniTS offers a conducive environment for advanced studies and innovative research.

The university has consistently attracted international students due to its dynamic research culture, modern facilities, and strategic collaborations with global academic and industrial partners.

Overview of the Fully Funded PhD Scholarships

Scholarship Type: Fully Funded PhD Scholarship

University: University of Trieste (UniTS)

Country: Italy

Degree Level: PhD

Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded (Tuition Fees, Monthly Stipend, Research Support)

Funding Sources:

• University of Trieste Scholarships
• Scholarships funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)

Fields of Study Offered

The University of Trieste offers a broad range of PhD programs across different academic disciplines within the social sciences, humanities, technology, science, life sciences, and health sciences. The available fields for PhD studies include:

1. Social Sciences and Humanities

• Circular Economy
• History, Philosophy, and Political-Social Studies

2. Technology and Science

• Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Chemistry
• Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture
• Earth Science, Fluid-Dynamics, and Mathematics: Interactions and Methods
• Industrial and Information Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Physics

3. Life and Health Sciences

• Environmental Life Sciences
• Molecular Biomedicine
• Neural and Cognitive Sciences
• Personalized Medicine and Innovative Therapies

Each program is carefully designed to address contemporary research challenges while promoting academic excellence and practical innovation.

Scholarships Funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)

One of the most significant aspects of the University of Trieste PhD Scholarships is the financial support provided through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). The Friuli Venezia Giulia region allocates substantial resources from the ESF+ Operational Programme 2021/2027 to fund these PhD scholarships.

Objectives of ESF+ Funded Scholarships:

• Enhance skills and provide flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities, particularly in digital and technological fields.
• Anticipate labor market changes and skill requirements.
• Facilitate career transitions and professional mobility.
• Promote cooperation between PhD candidates, companies, and research institutions in the region.
• Support technology transfer of processes, products, and research outcomes.

PhD students awarded ESF+ funded scholarships are expected to actively engage in research collaborations with regional industries or research institutions. These collaborations contribute to the development of practical solutions and innovations that align with local and global market demands.

Benefits of the University of Trieste Fully Funded PhD Scholarships

The PhD scholarships offered by the University of Trieste provide comprehensive financial and academic support, enabling international students to focus entirely on their research and professional development.

Key Benefits Include:

• Full coverage of university tuition fees.
• A generous monthly stipend to cover living expenses in Italy.
• Additional financial support for research activities, conference participation, and international mobility.
• Opportunities for research collaboration with companies and research institutions.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratories.
• Participation in specialized training programs and workshops.
• Enhanced career prospects through collaboration with industries and technology transfer projects.

Duties and Obligations of Scholarship Holders

PhD candidates awarded scholarships funded by the ESF+ are required to fulfill specific duties and obligations as outlined in the university’s regulations and scholarship notices. These may include:

• Participation in collaborative research projects with regional companies or research institutes.
• Regular reporting on research progress and activities.
• Engagement in knowledge transfer activities.
• Compliance with the university’s academic and research policies.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the University of Trieste Fully Funded PhD Scholarships, applicants must meet the following general criteria:

General Requirements:

• Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification recognized by the university.
• Demonstrate a strong academic record.
• Provide a research proposal aligned with the PhD program of interest.
• Meet any specific requirements set by the individual PhD program.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the English language (or Italian for some programs).

Application Process

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Applicants should first visit the official website of the University of Trieste and navigate to the specific PhD course of interest.

Step 2: Review Scholarship Information

Carefully read all information about the available scholarships, including funding details, eligibility criteria, and duties of scholarship holders.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Typical documents required include:

• Completed online application form.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• Research proposal.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Letters of recommendation.
• Language proficiency certificate (if applicable).

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applications must be submitted online via the official application portal within the specified deadline.

Official Application Link