Full Tuition & €1,350 Monthly Stipend: Italy Fully Funded PhD 2026-University of Bologna Guide
The University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum) has officially announced the launch of its 42nd doctoral cycle for the 2026/2027 academic year, headlined by the prestigious PhD in Political and Social Sciences. Founded in 1088, Bologna is recognized as the oldest university in the Western world and remains a global leader in social research.
University of Bologna now offering a fully funded package that provides international scholars with an €18,341 annual stipend. This four-year, English-taught program is designed for elite students who wish to conduct high-impact research in Italy’s most vibrant academic city with zero tuition fees.
Scholarship Highlights
- Total Value: €73,364 (Stipend over 4 years) + Full Tuition Waiver.
- Monthly Stipend: Approx. €1,350 net (Increased by 50% for research periods abroad).
- Open To: All International Students (Non-EU and EU).
- Duration: 4 Years (Full-time).
- Application Deadline: March 30, 2026 (11:59 PM CEST).
Benefits and Financial Coverage
The funding at Bologna University is comprehensive, covering all major costs associated with doctoral studies in Europe
| Category | Coverage Detail |
| Tuition Fees | 100% Waiver (No academic fees) |
| Living Stipend | €18,341.04 Gross per year (Approx. €1,350 net/month) |
| Abroad Research | 50% Stipend Increase while researching outside Italy |
| Research Budget | €1,800+ extra per year (From Year 2 onwards) |
| Enrollment Fee | Only a small regional tax (approx. €157) is required |
How to Apply
At the UniBo (University of Bologna), there is no separate application form for the scholarship. The process is completely integrated into the university admission portal. Your scholarship is awarded based on your rank in the entrance merit list—if you rank at the top, the scholarship is automatically yours.
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Go to the official Studenti Online University of Bologna Portal and click on “Register” to create your institutional credentials.
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Once logged in, click the “Admission Application” button. Under the PhD category, select “Political and Social Sciences (42nd Cycle)”.
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Fill out the required personal and academic details. This single form serves as both your application for the degree and your application for the €18,341 scholarship.
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You must upload:
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Curriculum Vitae (CV),highlighting your research experience.
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Research Proposal,a maximum of 3,000 words (excluding references) aligned with the program’s curricula.
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Degree Transcripts of both your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
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Pay the €10 Application Fee,your application is only valid once the non-refundable fee is paid through the portal via credit card or bank transfer.
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It is a Merit-Based Award,You do not need to “apply” for the money specifically. The Admission Board will evaluate your documents and interview performance. The highest-ranking candidates on the final list will be offered the fully funded positions automatically.
Why the University of Bologna?
The University of Bologna PhD in Political and Social Sciences is unique because it combines historic prestige with modern financial flexibility. Beyond the standard living grant, the university offers a “Mobility Increase”—your monthly stipend is boosted by 50% for any authorized research conducted outside of Italy (up to 12 months).
Additionally, the university provides a dedicated research budget starting from the second year (at least 10% of the scholarship value) to cover conference travel, books, and laboratory materials. This ensures that your research is not limited by your bank account.
Application Deadlines and Key Dates
The 2026 application of Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna cycle is strictly timed. Mark your calendar for these critical windows:
- Application Deadline: March 30, 2026 (11:59 PM CEST)
- Qualifications Evaluation: By April 15, 2026 (Results posted on Studenti Online)
- Oral Examinations (Interviews): April 22 – April 30, 2026 (Conducted via Microsoft Teams)
- Final Merit List Publication: May 15, 2026
- Program Start Date: November 1, 2026
Official Resource
For further details regarding the Bologna Uni Italy scholarship eligibility, award regulations, and the official call for applications, please visit the official page below:
Official University Source: University of Bologna PhD Political and Social Sciences Official Page
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the GRE or IELTS mandatory for University of Bologna scholarship ? No, the GRE is not required. While English proficiency is mandatory (as the program is in English), a formal IELTS certificate is often not required if you have previously studied in an English-speaking environment, though it is highly recommended to strengthen your file.
Q2: What is the age limit for this UniBo scholarship? For this specific PhD cycle, there is no strict age limit, though most candidates are under 30–35.
Q3: Does the Bologna University scholarship cover health insurance? International students are responsible for their own health insurance (approx. €150/year for the Italian National Health Service), but the stipend is more than enough to cover this.