The University of Molise (UNIMOL) has officially announced applications for its 42nd Cycle PhD Programmes for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. The call offers excellent opportunities for graduates seeking advanced research training in Italy through fully funded and partially funded doctoral positions.

The university is inviting applications from both Italian and international candidates. With research programmes focused on sustainability, agriculture, environmental protection, and innovation, these PhD opportunities are ideal for students interested in building careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and industry. Most available PhD positions include scholarships funded by the University of Molise, the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), regional funding programmes, and third-party organizations.

The University of Molise PhD Scholarships 2026/2027 provide an excellent opportunity for aspiring researchers to pursue advanced doctoral studies in Italy. With strong financial support, internationally relevant research themes, and multidisciplinary programmes focused on sustainability, agriculture, and environmental sciences, these PhD opportunities are highly attractive for both domestic and international applicants. Interested candidates should prepare their application materials early, review the programme-specific admission requirements, and complete the online application before the 24 August 2026 deadline.

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About the University of Molise

The University of Molise is a public research university located in Campobasso, Italy. It is known for its multidisciplinary research environment and its commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, food systems, and scientific innovation.

Doctoral students benefit from close collaboration with research centres, public institutions, and industry partners while working under the supervision of experienced academic researchers. Institution Type: Public Research University

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Available PhD Programmes

Applications are currently open for the following doctoral programmes.

1. Agri-food Production Sciences

This doctoral programme prepares highly qualified researchers and professionals in agricultural sciences with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

Research areas include:

• Sustainable agricultural production
• Food systems
• Environmental sustainability
• Economic sustainability
• Social sustainability
• Primary agricultural production
• Agricultural innovation

Graduates develop advanced research skills to address global challenges related to food security, climate change, and sustainable agriculture.

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2. Protection and Sustainability of Environmental and Built Systems

This multidisciplinary PhD programme focuses on protecting natural ecosystems while promoting sustainable development of environmental and built environments.

Major research topics include:

• Applied ecology
• Biodiversity conservation
• Sustainable natural resource management
• Ecosystem restoration
• Environmental monitoring
• Territorial planning
• Environmental impact assessment
• Eco-sustainable architectural design
• Infrastructure protection
• Climate resilience
• Natural hazard mitigation
• Human-induced risk management

Students receive both theoretical and practical training using innovative research methodologies and advanced analytical technologies.

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Academic Research Fields

The call covers several Italian academic disciplines, including:

• Biological Sciences
• Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
• Civil Engineering and Architecture
• Historical, Philosophical, Educational, and Psychological Sciences

The programmes encourage interdisciplinary research that integrates science, engineering, environmental management, and sustainability.

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PhD Scholarships

Most doctoral positions are offered with financial support.

Scholarships are funded through several sources, including:

• University of Molise
• Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR)
• PR Molise FESR–FSE+ 2021–2027 Programme
• Public and private partner organizations

Some scholarships are linked to specific research projects or strategic regional development initiatives. Funding is awarded according to the conditions outlined in each doctoral programme.

Additional scholarship positions may become available if new funding is secured before the final approval of admissions.

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Who Can Apply?

Applications are welcome from candidates of all nationalities.

The call is open to applicants from Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania, and other international regions.

To be eligible, applicants must hold, or obtain by 31 October 2026, one of the following qualifications:

• An Italian Laurea Magistrale or Laurea Specialistica.
• A degree awarded under the previous Italian university system.
• A second-cycle AFAM qualification.
• A foreign qualification equivalent to a Master’s degree (EQF Level 7) that grants access to doctoral studies in the country where it was awarded.

International degrees will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee for equivalence based on Italian regulations and the Lisbon Recognition Convention.

Students who expect to graduate before 31 October 2026 may also apply and will be admitted conditionally until their degree is officially awarded.

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Admission Process

Admission is based on a competitive selection process that may include:

• Assessment of academic qualifications
• Evaluation of supporting documents
• Oral examination
• Programme-specific selection criteria

Detailed requirements, examination procedures, scoring systems, and interview schedules are provided in the programme annexes published with the official call.

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Scholarship Rules and Compatibility

Doctoral scholarships are subject to Italian regulations.

Applicants should note that:

• Scholarships generally cannot be combined with other research grants or scholarships, except for certain approved international mobility funding.
• Scholarship recipients must comply with all programme regulations.
• Specific compatibility rules apply for candidates enrolled in other academic programmes or medical specialization schools.

Applicants are advised to review the official regulations carefully before accepting an offer.

Funding Organization

Funding Bodies

• Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR)
• University of Molise
• PR Molise FESR–FSE+ 2021–2027
• Public and private research partners

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Important Dates

Application Deadline

24 August 2026

Closing Time

11:59 PM (Italian Time)

Programme Duration

1 November 2026 – 31 October 2029

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid technical issues during the online submission process. The University of Molise provides doctoral researchers with an outstanding environment for advanced research and professional development.

Key benefits include:

• Internationally recognized doctoral programmes
• Research in sustainability and environmental protection
• Modern research facilities
• Collaboration with industry and research institutions
• Competitive funded PhD scholarships
• Multidisciplinary research opportunities
• Strong focus on innovation and sustainable development

These advantages make the university an attractive destination for students seeking a research career in Italy and Europe.

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How to Apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the University of Molise’s online Student Portal. The application for admission to the selection process must be submitted exclusively through the
online procedure available on the Student Portal, which can be accessed from the homepage of
the website https://unimol.esse3.cineca.it/Start.do (“ Student Portal and Online Services ”). No
paper documentation needs to be sent to the offices. Read the call in English: https://titulus-unimol.cineca.it/albo/viewer?view=files%2F001216493-UNMLCLE-c9eaec5c-2fed-44fb-918f-55f60b80dc3a-002.pdf

Applicants should complete the online application, upload all required documents, and pay the mandatory non-refundable application fee of €20 for each PhD programme selected.

Before applying, candidates should carefully review:

• Programme admission requirements
• Scholarship availability
• Required documentation
• Evaluation criteria
• Oral examination schedule
• Programme annexes
• ANNEX_1_ENG_Domanda_di_ammissione_alla_selezione_pubblica_XLII Ciclo.pdf
• 3 self-certification_degrees_XLII_CICLO.docx.pdf
• Allegato 4 CV.pdf
• Allegato 5 Descrizione_del_progetto_di_ricerca.pdf

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

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University Contact Information

University of Molise

Via De Sanctis

86100 Campobasso

Italy

Email: settoredottorati@unimol.it

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the University of Molise PhD Programmes?

Applicants of any nationality may apply if they hold, or will obtain by 31 October 2026, a Master’s-level qualification or an equivalent degree that provides access to doctoral studies.

Are international students eligible?

Yes. The call is open to applicants from countries around the world, provided they meet the academic admission requirements.

Are the PhD positions funded?

Most doctoral positions include scholarships funded by the University of Molise, MUR, regional funding programmes, or partner organizations.

What is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted no later than 24 August 2026 at 11:59 PM (Italian Time).

How long do the PhD programmes last?

All doctoral programmes have a duration of three years, running from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2029.

Can I apply before completing my Master’s degree?

Yes. Final-year students may apply, provided they complete their qualifying degree by 31 October 2026.

Is there an application fee?

Yes. Applicants must pay a €20 non-refundable application fee for each PhD programme application submitted.

How are candidates selected?

Selection is based on the evaluation of qualifications, supporting documents, and oral examinations or other assessments specified by the individual doctoral programme.