30 Funded PhD Positions in Religious Studies at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy (2026)
If you are planning to pursue a fully funded doctoral degree in Europe, this opportunity from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE) deserves your attention.
Applications are now open for 30 funded PhD positions under the National PhD Program in Religious Studies (XLII Cycle) for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. The doctoral program runs for three years and welcomes applicants from around the world, regardless of nationality or age.
Successful candidates will receive financial support throughout the program while conducting advanced research in Italy.
Scholarship Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host University | University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE) |
| Country | Italy |
| Program | National PhD in Religious Studies |
| Academic Year | 2026/2027 |
| Cycle | XLII (42nd Cycle) |
| Duration | 3 Years (36 Months) |
| Number of Positions | 30 |
| Funding | €17,000 per year |
| Study Level | PhD |
| Start Date | November 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | August 25, 2026 (1:00 PM Italian Time) |
About the PhD Program
The National PhD Program in Religious Studies is a three-year doctoral program coordinated by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
The program is designed to develop advanced research skills in religious studies through interdisciplinary approaches. Students work under the supervision of experienced researchers while contributing to original academic research.
The program officially begins on 1 November 2026.
Research Areas
Applicants may conduct research across several academic disciplines related to religion and humanities, including:
- Ancient and Modern African Languages and Cultures
- Western and Central Asian Languages and Cultures
- Law and Religion
- Aesthetics and Philosophy of Language
- Historical Religious Studies
- Book and Document Sciences
- Interdisciplinary Religious Studies
These research fields allow candidates to approach religion from historical, philosophical, legal, linguistic, and cultural perspectives.
Funding Benefits
Selected doctoral candidates will receive several important benefits, including:
- Annual scholarship of €17,000
- Funding for the entire 36-month PhD program
- Opportunity to conduct research in Italy
- Supervision by leading academics
- Access to university research facilities and libraries
- Participation in an internationally recognized National PhD Program
- Academic collaboration with Italian research institutions
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to applicants from all countries.
There are no restrictions based on age or nationality.
Applicants must hold one of the following qualifications by 6 November 2026:
- Italian Laurea Magistrale
- Italian Laurea Specialistica
- Italian degree obtained before Ministerial Decree 509/99
- Equivalent second-level qualification from an AFAM institution
- Equivalent Master’s degree awarded by a recognized foreign university
International degrees are accepted provided they are considered equivalent.
Eligible Applicants
The scholarship is intended for:
- Recent Master’s graduates
- Early-stage researchers
- Researchers with up to four years of postgraduate research experience
Scholarship Duration
The doctoral program lasts:
36 months (3 years)
Program commencement:
1 November 2026
Selection Process
Admission is based on academic merit.
The selection procedure includes:
- Evaluation of academic qualifications
- Assessment of research achievements
- Interview
Candidates are ranked according to their overall performance and admitted based on the official merit list.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the documents requested in the official call. These typically include:
- Completed online application
- Academic degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research-related documents (where applicable)
Founded centuries ago, the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia is among Italy’s respected public universities with a strong reputation in research and international education.
The university offers:
- International academic environment
- High-quality doctoral supervision
- Modern research facilities
- Strong interdisciplinary collaboration
- Opportunities for international researchers
- Access to Italian and European academic networks
For doctoral candidates interested in humanities and religious studies, the program provides an excellent environment for advanced research.
Application Deadline
Deadline
25 August 2026
Time
1:00 PM (Italian Time)
Late applications will not be accepted.
How to Apply
Before starting your application, carefully read the official call, which contains detailed information about:
- Available research themes
- Admission requirements
- Evaluation criteria
- Interview procedures
- Competition rules
- Required documentation
- Call for application for admission to National PhD Programme in Religious Studies – 42nd cycle
- Document Declaration of priority and binding interest to compete for scholarships linked to a specific research topic
- Document Annex A
- Document Annex B
- Document Annex C
- Applications must be submitted through the University’s online admission portal: https://www.esse3.unimore.it/Home.do
- APPLICATIONS DEADLINE: 25 August 2026 at 1:00 p.m. (CET)
- Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid technical issues during the final hours.
University Information
University: University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE)
Country: Italy
City: Modena
Address: Via Università 4, 41121 Modena, Italy
Funding Type: Academic Institution
Contact Information
Email segr.dottorati@unimore.it
Telephone +39 059 205 6423
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Call Published | 7 July 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 25 August 2026 |
| Degree Completion Requirement | 6 November 2026 |
| PhD Starts | 1 November 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this PhD fully funded?
Yes. Selected candidates receive a scholarship of €17,000 per year for the full three-year duration of the program.
How many positions are available?
There are 30 funded PhD positions available for the 2026/2027 intake.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The competition is open to applicants of all nationalities.
Is there an age limit?
No. There is no age restriction for applicants.
What degree is required?
Applicants must hold a recognized second-level university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) by 6 November 2026.
How long is the PhD program?
The doctoral program lasts three years (36 months).
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted no later than 25 August 2026 at 1:00 PM (Italian Time).
How are candidates selected?
Selection is based on:
- Academic qualifications
- Research record
- Interview performance
Final admission depends on each candidate’s position in the merit ranking.
When does the PhD begin?
The program officially starts on 1 November 2026.
Discover more from Agristok
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.