International students looking to pursue a fully funded PhD in Italy have another opportunity to consider. The University of Milano-Bicocca has launched Session II of its 42nd-cycle doctoral admissions for the 2026/2027 academic year, opening a new round of scholarship-backed PhD positions for qualified candidates from Italy and around the world.
Unlike the university’s main doctoral competition, this second admission session has been introduced to accommodate additional scholarships secured after the publication of Session I. These new funding opportunities have been made available through partnerships with companies, external organizations, research institutions, and university departments.
Why This Admission Round Is Different
Many prospective applicants have seen references online to “130 Milano-Bicocca PhD Scholarships 2027.” However, applicants should note that Session II is not simply a reannouncement of previously advertised positions.
Instead, the university has opened a targeted competition featuring specific research projects that received funding after the first doctoral call was published. As a result, only the projects and doctoral programmes listed in the Session II documentation are available through this admission cycle.
Because many positions are linked to defined research topics and funding partners, academic fit becomes one of the most important selection factors. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their previous education, research experience, technical skills, and academic background align with the specific project they are applying for.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to both Italian and international applicants who possess:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent second-cycle qualification.
- A foreign degree recognized as suitable for doctoral admission.
- Academic qualifications that satisfy the requirements of the selected PhD programme.
Students who have not yet completed their Master’s degree may still apply, provided they obtain the qualifying degree by 31 October 2026.
Certain scholarship positions may also be reserved for:
- Graduates of foreign universities.
- Candidates residing outside Italy.
- Applicants with specific academic backgrounds relevant to the funded project.
Depending on the programme, eligible disciplines may include:
- Computer Science
- Physics and Astronomy
- Medicine
- Biotechnology
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Environmental Science
- Economics
- Statistics
- Education
- Other related research fields
Are the Scholarships Fully Funded?
Successful candidates awarded a scholarship can expect financial support based on the standard Italian doctoral funding framework.
Current doctoral scholarship guidance indicates funding of approximately:
- €16,243 gross per year
- Around €1,200 per month net (indicative)
However, scholarship conditions may vary depending on the source of funding. Some positions may be financed through:
- Industry partnerships
- Research grants
- External institutions
- Specialized research projects
Applicants should carefully review the funding details provided for each individual project before applying.
Documents Required for Application
The University of Milano-Bicocca requires applications to be submitted through its online admissions system.
Depending on the doctoral programme, applicants may be asked to provide:
- Academic Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Passport or identification document
- Research proposal
- Master’s thesis summary
- Motivation letter
- Academic publications
- Conference presentations
- Reference letters
- Evidence of research or professional experience
Applicants should ensure that all required documents are uploaded before final submission, as applications generally cannot be modified after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can International Students Apply?
Yes. International candidates are eligible to compete for funded doctoral positions, and some scholarships are specifically designed for applicants holding foreign qualifications.
Is IELTS Required?
Not necessarily.
Language requirements differ between programmes. Depending on the doctoral position, applicants may be able to demonstrate English proficiency through:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
- Previous English-language education
- Interview assessment
- Other accepted language evidence
Applicants should consult the specific programme requirements before applying.
Are Publications Mandatory?
No.
While academic publications can strengthen an application, many doctoral programmes evaluate candidates using a broader range of criteria, including:
- Master’s thesis quality
- Research proposal
- Technical skills
- Laboratory experience
- Academic references
- Interview performance
Are Interviews Conducted Online?
Many programmes allow international applicants to participate through video conferencing platforms. The exact interview format is specified in each programme’s information sheet.
Is Italian Language Knowledge Required?
Not always.
Several doctoral programmes are delivered partially or entirely in English. Nevertheless, basic Italian language skills can be helpful for everyday life, housing arrangements, healthcare access, and administrative procedures while living in Italy.
Application Strategy for Prospective Candidates
Applicants should avoid treating this competition as a general scholarship opportunity and instead approach it as a project-based research recruitment process.
The strongest candidates will typically be those who:
- Carefully study the project description.
- Demonstrate clear alignment between their background and the advertised research topic.
- Submit a well-structured research proposal where required.
- Highlight relevant technical and research experience.
- Prepare thoroughly for interviews.
A strong academic record alone may not be sufficient if the proposed research interests do not closely match the project’s objectives.
Final Deadline and Next Steps
Prospective doctoral researchers interested in studying in Italy should carefully review the Session II project listings and programme requirements before submitting an application.
Since many positions are tied to specific research projects and external funding arrangements, applicants are encouraged to apply early, prepare tailored application materials, and verify all scholarship conditions directly through the University of Milano-Bicocca’s doctoral admissions portal.
For international students seeking funded PhD opportunities in Europe, Milano-Bicocca’s latest doctoral competition offers another pathway into Italy’s growing research and innovation ecosystem.
