The call for applications for the PhD Programme in International Studies academic year 2025-2026 is now closed.
The next Call for Applications is expected to be published in March - April 2026.

Overview

Candidates joining our Doctoral Programme will participate in a comprehensive and multidisciplinary curriculum combining rigorous methodology and disciplinary insights. Our programme is specifically designed to develop skills essential for academic excellence and career advancement, including training in soft skills and academic writing. All PhD students who enrol will receive a scholarship consistent with Italian legislative standards.

Our School specialises in select areas within International Studies; therefore, we encourage prospective students to align their research interests with our faculty and the research ethos of the School. We also recommend that interested applicants should then present a proposal that is in line with the research profile and activities of the School of International Studies, consulting the research profiles of the Faculty and the Programme Committee.

Research activities at SIS revolve around four main topics:  

• International Security;
• European Studies and Integration;
• Global Environmental Problems;
• Human Rights and International Relations

The PhD Programme has established a scientific cooperation agreement with the doctoral school DESPEG – Université Côte d’Azur (France). This partnership is aimed at strengthening multidisciplinary research and teaching activities and may offer additional opportunities for international collaboration and academic mobility.

Admission Requirements

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, or nationality. Applicants should hold an M.A. degree, or an Italian Laurea Magistrale or a four-year Italian laurea (vecchio ordinamento), or equivalent in disciplines related to International Studies (e.g., economics, history, law, political science, political philosophy, sociology) with excellent marks. Projects from other disciplines may be considered if they engage with the field of International Studies.

Language Proficiency

The programme is conducted entirely in English. Proof of English proficiency at a C1 level or higher, as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), is required for admission.

​These certificates and tests are acceptable proof if they have been issued within the last five years: IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 7 or above; Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) minimum grade B or Cambridge C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE); TOEFL IBT minimum score of 95; Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic minimum score 75; Centro Linguistico Ateneo, CLA - CAE (C1).

Non-native speakers are also encouraged to learn Italian to enhance their experience living and studying in Italy.

Application Checklist

Ensure your online application includes:

• Research Proposal (max 2000 words)
• Statement of Purpose
• CV
• C1-level English certification or equivalent
• Academic transcripts and degree documentation
• Copy of ID/passport

Optional:

• Up to two letters of recommendation
• Any additional documents demonstrating research capabilities

A non-refundable application fee of €30 must be paid through the PagoPA system as part of the online application process. Instructions for payment are provided within the application platform. Only complete applications for which the fee has been correctly paid by the deadline will be considered valid.

Admission Process

The admission process is twofold. It starts with a review of submitted materials by our admissions committee to shortlist candidates, followed by a thirty-minute interview for those shortlisted. Interviews can be conducted via video conference. The final rankings will be published after the interviews.

Scholarships

Each PhD student admitted with a scholarship will receive annual financial support amounting to approximately €16,290 gross per year, for three years, subject to satisfactory academic progress and compliance with programme regulations.

Tuition Fees

The scholarship is free of tuition fees, though students must pay a yearly student tax of about €150.

Residence Requirement

The PhD is a full-time commitment, and students are expected to reside locally. A limited number of subsidised apartments are available for international students. The programme begins on 1 November, 2025.