Scholarship for PhD in International Studies at the University of Trento, Italy

The School of International Studies at the University of Trento is now accepting applications for the 41st Cycle of its distinguished PhD Programme in International Studies. This fully-funded, merit-based program is for highly qualified candidates interested in exploring complex global challenges through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates political science, law, and economics.

The curriculum emphasizes strong theoretical foundations and mastery of empirical research methods while offering extensive international exposure and professional development opportunities.

Open to international applicants of all nationalities, the program covers study at the PhD level and prepares students for careers in international organizations, academia, and research institutions.

Brief Details

Scholarship Name: PhD Programme in International Studies (41st Cycle)
Host Institution: University of Trento
Study Level: PhD
Field of Study: International Studies (including Security, European Integration, Environment, and Human Rights)
Study Location: Italy
Funding Type: Fully funded scholarship
Application Deadline: 8 May 2025, 4:00 PM (CEST)
Program Start Date: 1 November 2025
Eligible Countries: All nationalities
Eligible Gender: Male/Female
Target Group: Graduates in International Studies or related fields
Field: International Relations, Economics, Law, Political Science, Sociology, History, Philosophy
Duration: 3 years
Medium of Instruction: English

Benefits of the PhD in International Studies

The PhD scholarship provides:

Annual stipend of approximately €16,290 gross for three years
There are no tuition fees (only a small student tax of about €150/year)
Subsidized accommodation for international students
Full-time academic support and residency at the University of Trento
International collaboration opportunities with the DESPEG Doctoral School at Université Côte d’Azur (France)
Professional development opportunities through workshops, guest lectures, and networking events

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

Open to candidates of any nationality, gender, or age.
Hold a relevant Master’s degree (or equivalent) in fields related to International Studies.
Conditional applications are allowed for students graduating by 29 August 2025 (degree proof required by 12 September 2025).
Must demonstrate strong academic achievements.
Hold a C1 level English proficiency certificate; accepted tests include IELTS (7+), TOEFL iBT (95+), and Cambridge C1 Advanced (B or above), PTE Academic (75), or Centro Linguistico Ateneo (CLA): CAE (C1 level)(test results valid for 5 years).
Applicants with an existing PhD can apply only if the new field differs and if they have not previously received a PhD scholarship.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

Research Proposal (max 2000 words)
Statement of Purpose
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
English language certificate (C1 level or equivalent)
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Copy of ID/passport
(Optional) Up to two letters of recommendation
(Optional) Additional documents demonstrating research capability
€30 application fee (non-refundable)

Selection Process

The evaluation process consists of:

Document screening to assess academic merit and alignment with the program
Shortlisting of candidates based on qualifications and research proposal
Interview (approximately 30 minutes, online or in-person) for shortlisted applicants
The final selection is per the combined scores from documents and interview performance

How to Apply?

Complete the online application form through the University of Trento’s portal (link below)
Upload all required documents
Pay the €30 application fee via the PagoPA system
Submit the complete application before 8 May 2025, 4:00 PM (CEST)
Incomplete or late submissions are not acceptable