The University of Palermo (UniPa) has officially announced its Call for Applications for the XLII PhD Cycle (Academic Year 2026/2027), offering 218 doctoral positions across a broad range of research disciplines. The call welcomes talented graduates from Italy and around the world, providing an excellent opportunity to pursue doctoral research at one of Italy’s leading public universities. Many positions are supported by fully funded scholarships, making this one of the most attractive PhD opportunities currently available in Europe.

Whether your interests lie in engineering, medicine, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, economics, humanities, or law, the University of Palermo offers a diverse portfolio of doctoral programs designed to prepare researchers for international academic and professional careers. The University of Palermo’s 2026/2027 PhD call represents one of the largest doctoral recruitment opportunities in Italy this year. With 218 available positions, numerous fully funded scholarships, and research opportunities spanning nearly every academic discipline, this call is an excellent option for graduates seeking advanced research training in Europe.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the specific requirements of their chosen doctoral program, prepare a competitive research proposal, and submit their applications before the official deadline. For researchers looking to build an international academic career, the University of Palermo offers a strong combination of research excellence, funding opportunities, and a globally connected learning environment.

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Overview

• University: University of Palermo (UniPa)
• Country: Italy
• Academic Year: 2026/2027
• PhD Cycle: XLII
• Total Positions: 218
• Funding: Funded and Non-Funded Positions
• Scholarship Value: Approximately €16,240 per year (for eligible funded positions)
• Application Fee: €50
• Application Mode: Online
• Application Deadline: 12 August 2026 (14:59 Italian Time)

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About the University of Palermo

Founded more than two centuries ago, the University of Palermo is among Italy’s oldest and most respected public universities. Located in the beautiful region of Sicily, the university has built a strong reputation for research excellence, international cooperation, and multidisciplinary innovation.

Every year, researchers from around the world choose UniPa because of its modern laboratories, experienced faculty, international partnerships, and vibrant academic environment. Doctoral candidates also enjoy the unique opportunity to live in one of the Mediterranean’s most culturally rich and historically significant regions.

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218 PhD Positions Available Across Multiple Research Fields

The 2026/2027 admission call includes 33 doctoral programs covering nearly every major academic discipline. Research opportunities are available in:

• Mathematical and Computer Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Chemical Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Biological Sciences
• Medical Sciences
• Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
• Civil Engineering and Architecture
• Industrial and Information Engineering
• Humanities
• Historical, Philosophical, Educational and Psychological Sciences
• Law
• Economics and Statistics
• Political and Social Sciences

This broad selection allows applicants from virtually every academic background to find a suitable research program.

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Featured PhD Programs

Among the doctoral programs offered this year are:

• Advances in Structure and Infrastructure Engineering
• Architecture, Arts and Planning
• Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics
• Chemical, Environmental, Biomedical, Hydraulic and Materials Engineering
• Economics, Business and Statistics
• Information and Communication Technologies
• Mechanical, Manufacturing, Management and Aerospace Innovation
• Molecular and Clinical Medicine
• Quantum Artificial Intelligence
• Earth and Marine Sciences
• Physical and Chemical Sciences
• Technology and Science for Human Health
• Ecological Transition
• Humanities Studies
• Studies of Gender
• Human Rights: Evolution, Protection and Limits

Each program has its own research priorities, available scholarships, admission requirements, and selection criteria.

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Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to candidates of all nationalities. Italy, AFRICA, EUROPE, OCEANIA, NORTH AMERICA, SOUTH AMERICA and ASIA. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent Italian qualification.
• Hold an equivalent foreign qualification recognized as suitable for doctoral admission.
• Be completing a Master’s degree before enrollment, provided the qualification is obtained before registration deadlines.

This makes the call especially attractive for international graduates seeking fully funded doctoral opportunities in Europe.

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Selection Process

Admission is highly competitive. Applicants will be evaluated through:

• Assessment of academic qualifications
• Evaluation of the proposed research project
• Oral interview

A strong research proposal that aligns with the objectives of the selected PhD program can significantly improve an applicant’s chances of admission.

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Scholarships and Funding

Many of the 218 positions include fully funded scholarships worth approximately €16,240 per year. Funding is provided through several sources, including:

• University of Palermo
• National research initiatives
• Regional funding programs
• European Union research projects
• Public institutions
• Private companies and industry partners

Some scholarships are linked to specific research projects funded by external organizations. Selected candidates are expected to carry out research within the objectives of those funded projects. The university also notes that additional funded positions may become available if new funding agreements are approved after the publication of the call.

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Why Study at the University of Palermo?

Choosing the University of Palermo offers much more than financial support. Doctoral students benefit from:

• International research collaborations
• Interdisciplinary research projects
• Modern laboratories
• Advanced research facilities
• Competitive scholarships
• Access to European research networks
• Experienced academic supervisors
• A welcoming environment for international students

Its location in Sicily also offers an exceptional quality of life, combining world-class education with rich cultural heritage and Mediterranean living.

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Required Documents

Before starting your application, prepare the following:

• Master’s degree certificate (or expected graduation documentation)
• Academic transcripts
• Research proposal
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Identity document or passport
• Any additional documents required by your chosen PhD program

Because every doctoral program may request different documentation, applicants should carefully read the individual program information before applying.

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Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the University of Palermo’s online Student Portal. The process includes:

Step 1: Register on the Student Portal.

Step 2: Complete the online PhD application.

Step 3: Upload all required documents in PDF format.

Step 4: Pay the mandatory €50 application fee (unless exempt).

Step 5: Submit the application before the deadline.

Documents:

• Call for application guide – EN
• Application guide
• PhD courses annexes 1-33
• Annexes  A, B, C, D
• Unipa’s PhD Rules
• Online Application form

Contact Information

For questions regarding the doctoral call, applicants may contact the University of Palermo: Email dottorati@unipa.it

Telephone

+39 091 238 93135

+39 091 238 93345

+39 091 238 61824

+39 091 238 96205

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Important Deadline

Application Deadline

12 August 2026

Time: 14:59 (Italian Time)

Late applications are generally not accepted, so applicants are encouraged to submit all documents well before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the University of Palermo PhD fully funded?

Many of the available PhD positions include fully funded scholarships worth approximately €16,240 per year. However, not every position is funded, so applicants should verify the funding status of their selected program.

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Can international students apply?

Yes. The University of Palermo welcomes applications from candidates of all nationalities who meet the academic eligibility requirements.

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How many PhD positions are available?

A total of 218 PhD positions are available for the 2026/2027 academic year.

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What qualifications are required?

Applicants generally need a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification recognized for doctoral admission. Students completing their Master’s degree before enrollment may also apply.

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Is there an application fee?

Yes. The standard application fee is €50, although certain applicants may qualify for exemptions.

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How are candidates selected?

Selection typically includes:

• Academic qualifications review
• Evaluation of the research proposal
• Oral interview

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What is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted by 12 August 2026 at 14:59 (Italian Time).

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Can I apply for more than one PhD program?

Applicants should consult the official admission rules, as eligibility and application procedures may vary between doctoral programs.

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Where will research be conducted?

Successful applicants will conduct their doctoral research at the University of Palermo in Sicily, Italy, with opportunities for international collaborations and participation in European research networks.