Introduction: A Premier European Doctoral Opportunity
The University of Cagliari (UniCa), one of Italy’s esteemed public research universities, has officially opened its call for admissions to the 2025–2026 PhD cycle (Cycle 41). This announcement invites both national and international applicants to apply for a total of 151 PhD positions across a range of academic disciplines. The program offers extensive financial support, including 111 scholarships, with dedicated slots reserved for international scholars. This initiative is part of UniCa’s commitment to advancing global research, diversity, and innovation in collaboration with prestigious European research networks.
Discover an exceptional opportunity to pursue a fully funded PhD at the University of Cagliari, Italy. With 151 positions available across diverse disciplines and special scholarships for international applicants, this program supports global talent through financial aid, mobility options, and cutting-edge research under Europe’s prestigious MSCA framework.
Overview: 151 Doctoral Positions Available
The 2025 call for doctoral admissions offers a total of 151 PhD positions, divided as follows:
111 positions with scholarships
18 positions without scholarships
22 positions reserved for foreign degree holders, including:
18 with scholarships
1 under the FITNESS HORIZON-MSCA-2023 Doctoral Network Grant
The available
Global Health and Sustainability
Philosophy, History, and Literature
Engineering and Technology
Life Sciences and Neuroscience
Legal Studies and Public Policy
Cultural Heritage and Economics
These positions are designed to foster interdisciplinary expertise, collaborative research, and innovation in line with European and global development goals.
2Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following academic and administrative conditions:
Hold a Master’s degree (Second Cycle Degree) under the Italian higher education system (Ministerial Decrees 270/2004 or 509/1999), or an equivalent qualification from a recognized foreign institution.
Applicants expecting to graduate by October 2025 may apply conditionally. Final qualification must be submitted prior to enrollment.
Demonstrate a proficient level of English, as all doctoral programmes require reading and communication competence in English.
International applicants are highly encouraged to apply, and specific positions are reserved to ensure equitable global participation. This aligns with the university’s strategic direction of fostering a globally inclusive research community.
Financial Support and Scholarship Conditions
Scholarship holders will receive an annual gross stipend of EUR 16,243, which equates to approximately EUR 1,353 per
Additional financial benefits include:
A 50% stipend increase for research stays abroad (up to three months), subject to approval by the doctoral coordinator. This mobility support encourages international collaboration and exposure.
Students must ensure their annual income does not exceed the scholarship threshold, or they risk disqualification and repayment obligations.
These conditions provide a robust support system, enabling scholars to focus on high-quality research without financial burden.
How to Apply: Key Deadlines and Instructions
Call Opening Date: August 2025
Deadline to Apply: Mid-September 2025 (Expected – We will update soon)
Applications must be submitted via the PICA (Integrated Platform for University Competitions), which can be accessed through the University of Cagliari’s official admissions portal.
Application Checklist:
Valid passport or official photo ID
Certified academic transcripts and degree certificate
Language proficiency documentation (where applicable)
Specific documents requested for each PhD programme
Applicants are advised to follow the instructions carefully for each programme. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Program
Prestige: The MSCA-HORIZON Connection
A key feature of this call is the integration of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) under the European Union’s Horizon Europe program. The MSCA scheme is globally recognized for supporting early-stage researchers through highly competitive grants.
The inclusion of an MSCA-funded slot (via the FITNESS project) underscores UniCa’s reputation as a host institution for globally networked research. For scholars, this means direct access to international mentoring, project-based learning, and potential career pathways in academia and industry.
The collaboration reflects UniCa’s strategic alignment with European Research Area (ERA) objectives and enhances doctoral candidates’ profiles on a global scale.
Key Reasons to Apply to UniCa
Multidisciplinary Scope: Offers a broad range of doctoral programmes covering STEM, social sciences, and humanities.
International Inclusivity: Dedicated slots and support systems for global applicants.
Mobility Support: Financial incentives for research stays abroad.
EU Recognition: Embedded within Horizon Europe’s MSCA framework.
Quality of Life: Located in Cagliari, a Mediterranean city with vibrant research and cultural ecosystems.
UniCa combines academic excellence with quality of life, providing a competitive edge for scholars aiming to advance
Application Guidance & Internal Links
For a successful application:
Start preparing your documentation early.
Review each programme’s focus area before applying.
Stay updated via UniCa’s official PhD Portal.
For more scholarship and PhD opportunities in Europe, visit:
Conclusion: Take the Next Step in Your Research Career
Pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Cagliari offers more than just academic training—it opens doors to cross-border research, international mobility, and long-term career opportunities in high-impact domains. As part of the European Research Area and an MSCA partner institution, UniCa provides both the environment and resources needed for meaningful scholarly contribution.
The application window typically closes in mid-September, so start your preparation early to ensure a complete and competitive submission.
Summary Table: Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of Cagliari, Italy |
| PhD Positions | 151 (111 with scholarships) |
| International Quota | 22 positions reserved for international applicants |
| Scholarship Amount | EUR 16,243 gross annually |
| Additional Benefits | +50% top-up for ≤3 months international research stay |
| MSCA Opportunity | 1 position under FITNESS Horizon-MSCA-2023 |
| Application Platform | PICA (Online Submission) |
| Degree Requirement | Master’s (Italy or equivalent abroad) |
| Language Requirement | English (proficient level required) |
| Application Deadline | 15th September 2025 |
References:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Apply online through the PICA platform by completing the application form and uploading all required documents before the deadline.
Yes, the scholarship covers annual living expenses, with additional support for short international research stays up to three months.
International applicants must hold a recognized equivalent to an Italian Master’s degree and meet English language proficiency requirements.
No, most programs require English proficiency. Italian is not mandatory unless stated in the specific program requirements.
PhD students receive approximately EUR 1,353 per month before deductions, based on the annual gross scholarship amount.
Most doctoral programs at UniCa run for three years full-time, including research, coursework, and dissertation submission.
PhD students must not exceed the income threshold set by the scholarship to maintain eligibility for funding.
Yes, 22 positions are reserved for candidates with foreign qualifications, including 18 with full scholarships.
The deadline usually falls in mid-September. Exact dates will be updated on the university and EURAXESS websites.
Yes, the university offers MSCA-funded positions like the FITNESS project under Horizon Europe for international researchers.
