The University of Cagliari PhD Scholarships 2026/2027 offer 150 doctoral positions across 19 research programmes, with funding of €16,243 per year for up to 36 months. Applications close on 28 September 2026.
The University of Cagliari PhD Scholarships 2026/2027 are now open under the university’s 42nd PhD cycle (Cycle 42), providing a major opportunity for prospective doctoral researchers interested in pursuing a PhD in Italy.
The official University of Cagliari announcement confirms that the admission competition for the 2026/2027 academic year was published on 7 August 2026, with applications accepted until 28 September 2026 at 23:59 local time.
The competition covers a broad selection of disciplines, including Data Science, Physics, Engineering, Medicine, Neuroscience, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Law, Humanities and Social Sciences. Official records indicate 150 annual positions, while the standard doctoral fellowship is listed at €16,243 per year for up to 36 months.
For international applicants looking for funded PhD opportunities in Europe, this call is particularly relevant because the university accepts candidates with an equivalent degree awarded outside Italy and has provisions for international candidates within its doctoral programmes.
University of Cagliari PhD Scholarships 2026/2027: Key Details
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| University | University of Cagliari |
| Country | Italy |
| Academic year | 2026/2027 |
| PhD cycle | Cycle 42 |
| Positions | 150 |
| Annual scholarship | €16,243 |
| Maximum duration | 36 months |
| Application opening | 7 August 2026 |
| Application deadline | 28 September 2026, 23:59 local time |
| Application platform | PICA/CINECA |
| Research mobility | International mobility required in the call records |
| Eligible nationality | International applicants may be considered, subject to programme requirements |
The official Italian Ministry of University and Research database records the 150 annual allocations, €16,243 annual amount and 36-month maximum scholarship duration.
What PhD Programmes Are Available?
The University of Cagliari’s Cycle 42 competition covers 19 doctoral programmes according to the university’s official programme annex page.
The programmes include:
- Capacities Building for Global Health
- Data Science
- Philosophy, Epistemology, Human Sciences
- Physics
- Civil Engineering and Architecture
- Electronic and Computer Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Molecular and Translational Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Personalized Medicine and Public Health
- Research and Social Innovation
- Life, Environmental and Drug Sciences
- Earth and Environmental Sciences and Technologies
- Innovation Sciences and Technologies
- Economics and Business
- Legal Sciences
- History, Cultural Heritage and International Studies
- Philological and Literary, Historical and Cultural Studies
This breadth makes the call relevant to applicants from both STEM and non-STEM backgrounds, including researchers interested in artificial intelligence, computing, engineering, health, environmental research, economics, law, culture and the humanities.
How Much Is the University of Cagliari PhD Scholarship?
The standard doctoral fellowship is €16,243 per year (gross) and can continue for a maximum of 36 months, subject to the conditions governing continuation of the doctoral programme.
The University of Cagliari’s doctoral information also states that the fellowship can be increased by 50% during an authorised period of study abroad.
This means that the scholarship can provide financial support throughout a standard three-year doctoral period, while approved international research periods can carry an enhanced fellowship rate.
Applicants should consult the official competition documents for the precise financial, administrative and renewal conditions applicable to the specific position.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is designed for applicants seeking admission to University of Cagliari doctoral programmes for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The university states that admission to a PhD normally requires a second-level degree, such as an Italian Laurea Magistrale or equivalent qualification awarded abroad.
This makes the opportunity potentially suitable for graduates who have completed a master’s-level qualification or an equivalent international degree.
However, eligibility and selection requirements can differ according to the doctoral programme. Candidates should therefore review the relevant Cycle 42 programme annex before submitting an application.
International Students Can Apply
The University of Cagliari’s doctoral information explicitly states that applicants can hold an equivalent foreign degree and that there are no nationality limitations for at least the Earth and Environmental Sciences and Technologies doctoral programme.
The official Ministry of University and Research listing also identifies the candidate nationality and residence categories as OTHER, rather than restricting the competition to Italian applicants.
International applicants should nevertheless check the specific programme requirements, including requirements relating to foreign qualifications, documentation, language and selection procedures.
What Is the Selection Process?
The selection process is governed by the official competition notice and the individual annexes for each doctoral programme. The university specifically directs applicants to these programme-specific documents for the applicable selection criteria.
For example, the University of Cagliari’s Earth and Environmental Sciences and Technologies programme explains a selection process involving:
- CV evaluation
- A research project proposal
- An interview
It also indicates that international candidates can have interviews conducted remotely through Microsoft Teams for reserved international positions.
Because selection arrangements can vary, candidates should not assume that every Cycle 42 programme uses exactly the same evaluation structure.
International Mobility and Research Experience
A notable feature of these doctoral programmes is the international research component.
The official Ministry database indicates that international mobility is required for the Cycle 42 opportunity.
The university’s doctoral information further explains that PhD programmes include research and study periods abroad as well as laboratory activities.
This can make the programme attractive to candidates seeking doctoral research experience that combines study in Italy with international academic exposure.
How to Apply for the University of Cagliari PhD Scholarships
Applications must be submitted online through the PICA digital platform.
The university states that the Cycle 42 application window opened on 7 August 2026 at 18:00 and closes on 28 September 2026 at 23:59 local time.
Application process
Step 1: Review the official Cycle 42 competition notice.
Step 2: Select a doctoral programme aligned with your academic background and research interests.
Step 3: Read the programme-specific annex carefully because each programme can have different requirements and selection criteria.
Step 4: Prepare the required application documents, including academic and research materials where applicable.
Step 5: Access the PICA application platform.
Step 6: Complete the online application and upload the required documentation.
Step 7: Review your information and documents before final submission.
Step 8: Submit the application before 23:59 on 28 September 2026.
University of Cagliari Cycle 42 PhD application information
PICA/CINECA application platform
Documents Applicants Should Prepare
The exact documents depend on the chosen doctoral programme, so applicants should rely on the official programme annex rather than a generic checklist.
In preparing an application, prospective candidates should be ready to provide relevant academic records and research documentation where requested. Some programmes may require a research project proposal, CV assessment and an interview.
International applicants should also carefully review any instructions concerning qualifications obtained outside Italy and supporting documentation.
Why Consider a PhD at the University of Cagliari?
The University of Cagliari offers doctoral programmes spanning a wide range of academic disciplines, allowing prospective researchers to pursue research in both established and emerging areas.
The programme portfolio includes fields such as Data Science, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Neuroscience, Personalized Medicine, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Innovation Sciences, Economics and Business, alongside humanities and social sciences.
For researchers planning academic or research-intensive careers, a doctoral programme can provide advanced experience in research design, methodology, scientific communication and specialist knowledge.
The combination of doctoral training in Italy and international mobility can also provide valuable experience for candidates seeking internationally oriented research careers.
Important Deadline for 2026/2027 Applicants
The most important date to remember is:
28 September 2026 at 23:59 local time
The University of Cagliari has confirmed that online applications and supporting-document uploads must be completed by this deadline.
Applicants should avoid leaving the submission until the final hours, particularly where documents, translations or research proposals still need to be prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many PhD positions are available at the University of Cagliari?
The official Ministry database records 150 annual allocations for the Cycle 42 competition.
How much is the PhD scholarship?
The standard fellowship is €16,243 per year gross for up to 36 months.
Can international students apply?
International candidates can be eligible where they meet the requirements of the relevant programme. The university accepts equivalent foreign degrees, while specific rules vary by programme.
What fields are covered?
The Cycle 42 competition covers 19 doctoral programmes spanning health, science, technology, engineering, economics, law, humanities and social sciences.
Where are applications submitted?
Applications are submitted online using the PICA platform.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 28 September 2026 at 23:59 local time.
Final Thoughts
The University of Cagliari PhD Scholarships 2026/2027 provide a significant opportunity for graduates and early-stage researchers seeking funded doctoral study in Italy. With 150 annual positions, a standard fellowship of €16,243 per year, and doctoral programmes covering 19 research areas, the Cycle 42 competition offers opportunities across a particularly broad academic spectrum.
The key deadline is 28 September 2026 at 23:59 local time, and applications must be submitted through the university’s PICA application process.
Candidates should carefully review the official competition notice and the annex for their chosen programme before applying, because admission criteria, selection methods and available funded positions can differ between programmes.
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