Are you planning to pursue a PhD in Europe? The University of Parma PhD Call for Applications 2026-2027 (42nd Cycle) is now open for both Italian and international students. The university is offering admission to a wide range of doctoral programmes across humanities, engineering, science, medicine, economics, and many other disciplines. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to conduct research in one of Italy’s leading public universities while benefiting from generous financial support.
Many of the available PhD positions are fully funded and include a monthly scholarship, while additional funded positions may become available if the university secures extra financial support. The doctoral programmes will begin on 1 November 2026 and run for three years. Some scholarships are linked to specific research projects, while others allow students to work on broader research themes within their chosen programme.
Founded in 962 AD, the University of Parma is one of Italy’s oldest and most respected public universities. Located in the historic city of Parma in northern Italy, the university is recognized internationally for its excellence in research and teaching. It consistently ranks among the leading universities in Italy and welcomes thousands of students from around the world, creating a diverse and multicultural academic environment that attracts researchers seeking high-quality doctoral education.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Open to applicants of all nationalities.
- Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent second-cycle qualification) recognized for PhD admission.
- Applicants completing their Master’s degree may also apply, provided they graduate by 31 October 2026.
- Degrees obtained outside Italy must be considered equivalent to an Italian Master’s degree.
- Additional programme-specific requirements may apply depending on the selected PhD programme.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful candidates may receive the following benefits:
- Fully funded PhD scholarship.
- Annual scholarship of €18,752 (gross).
- Scholarship paid monthly.
- Full tuition fee exemption.
- Opportunity to conduct research in Italy.
- Access to modern research facilities and international collaborations.
- Additional funded PhD positions may be announced if new funding becomes available.
Available PhD Fields
The University of Parma is accepting applications in numerous academic disciplines, including:
- Advanced Research in Economics and Management
- Historical and Text Sciences
- Juridical Sciences
- Philosophical, Social, Cultural Heritage and Environmental Sciences
- Psychology
- Civil Engineering and Architecture
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technologies
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences
- Chemical Sciences
- Drug Sciences
- Earth Sciences
- Food Science
- Materials Science and Technology
- Microbiota and Health
- Physics
- Molecular Medicine
- Neurosciences
- Translational Medical and Surgical Sciences
- Veterinary Sciences
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport or national ID.
- Completed application form (Annex A).
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Master’s thesis abstract.
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates.
- Academic transcripts.
- Research proposal (where required).
- Additional supporting documents requested by the selected programme.
- English or Italian translations for documents issued in other languages.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit the online application is:
23 July 2026 (1:00 PM Italian Time).
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the University of Parma’s Esse3 Portal. Applicants should create or log into their account, complete the online application, upload all required documents in PDF format, pay the €30 application fee, and submit the application before the deadline. Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as incomplete applications or late payments will not be accepted.
