PhD Call 2026/2027 (42nd Cycle) – Sapienza University of Rome Italy
About Sapienza University of Rome
Applications are open for the Sapienza University PhD Call 2026/2027 Italy (42nd Cycle). With over 100 fully funded doctoral programs across medicine, engineering, AI, social sciences, law, and humanities, Sapienza offers one of Europe’s most comprehensive PhD recruitment opportunities. Founded in 1303, Sapienza University of Rome is one of Europe’s oldest and most respected research institutions. Sapienza consistently ranks among Europe’s leading universities, offering a remarkable breadth of doctoral opportunities across medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence, social sciences, law, humanities, and natural sciences. The university provides access to world-class supervision, international research networks, and a vibrant academic environment in the heart of Rome.
Scholarship Overview
Research Fields Covered
The 42nd Cycle call spans nearly every major academic discipline:
STEM and Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity
- Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy and Space Science
- Chemistry, Engineering (Aerospace, Environmental, Structural, Geotechnical, Industrial, Management)
- Environmental Science, Agricultural Sciences
Health and Life Sciences
- Medicine, Neurosciences, Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology, Genetics, Precision Medicine
- Public Health, Biomedical Technologies
Social Sciences and Economics
- Sociology, Psychology, Political Science
- Economics, Demography, Communication Sciences, Educational Sciences
Humanities and Arts
- Philosophy, History, Literature, Linguistics
- Religious Studies, Archaeology, Architecture
- Music and Performing Arts
Law and Public Policy
- Public Law, Comparative Law, International Law, Labor Law, Human Rights Studies
Selected PhD Programs Available
| Program Name |
|---|
| Artificial Intelligence (Intelligenza Artificiale) |
| Data Science |
| Cybersecurity |
| Informatics (Informatica) |
| Computer Engineering (Ingegneria Informatica) |
| Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Science |
| Biochemistry (Biochimica) |
| Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (Bioinformatica e Biologia Computazionale) |
| Genetics and Molecular Biology (Genetica e Biologia Molecolare) |
| Experimental Medicine |
| Molecular Medicine (Medicina Molecolare) |
| Network Oncology and Precision Medicine |
| Clinical-Experimental Neurosciences and Psychiatry (Neuroscienze Clinico-Sperimentali e Psichiatria) |
| Digital Cardiovascular Medicine |
| Aerospace Engineering (Ingegneria Aeronautica e Spaziale) |
| Energy and Environment (Energia e Ambiente) |
| Environmental and Hydraulic Engineering (Ingegneria Ambientale e Idraulica) |
| Structural and Geotechnical Engineering |
| Industrial and Management Engineering (Ingegneria Industriale e Gestionale) |
| Mathematics (Matematica) |
| Physics (Fisica) |
| Chemistry (Scienze Chimiche) |
| Earth Sciences (Scienze della Terra) |
| Economics (Economia Politica) |
| Political Studies (Studi Politici) |
| European PhD in Socio-Economic and Statistical Studies |
| Joint International Doctorate in Social Representations, Culture and Communication |
| Philosophy (Filosofia) |
| History, Anthropology, Religions (Storia, Antropologia, Religioni) |
| Art History (Storia dell’Arte) |
| Archaeology (Archeologia) |
| Architecture (Architettura Teorie Costruzione) |
| Psychology (Psicologia e Scienza Cognitiva) |
| Law (Diritto Pubblico, Comparato e Internazionale) |
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
Sapienza’s 42nd Cycle PhD call represents one of the most comprehensive doctoral recruitment opportunities in Europe. With over 100 doctoral programs, the university offers competitive scholarships and funded positions, research opportunities in English and Italian, access to state-of-the-art laboratories and libraries, participation in European and international collaborations, and a highly international academic community. Founded in 1303, Sapienza combines rigorous academic training with interdisciplinary collaboration and strong links to international laboratories, hospitals, public institutions, and industry. For ambitious students seeking a funded PhD in Italy, this call offers a pathway to advanced research at a globally respected institution.
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | Master’s degree or equivalent qualification |
| Documents | Academic transcripts, CV, research proposal or statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, proof of language proficiency (if required), passport or identification documents |
| Additional Requirements | Some programs may require interviews, written examinations, or subject-specific assessments |
Selection Process
The selection procedure typically includes:
- Evaluation of academic qualifications
- Assessment of the research proposal
- Review of publications or prior research experience
- Oral interview (often conducted online for international candidates)
Each doctoral program publishes its own ranking and selection criteria.
Funding Opportunities
Many PhD positions are accompanied by scholarships that cover living expenses during the doctoral period. Funding may come from:
- Sapienza University
- Italian Ministry grants
- European Union research initiatives
- Industry partnerships
- Specialized research projects
My Application Tips
- Start preparing documents early – The application deadline is June 17, 2026
- Tailor your research proposal to faculty interests – Research the specific program and supervisors
- Highlight publications and research achievements – Publications and prior research experience strengthen your application
- Ensure all translations are certified where necessary – Documents not in Italian or English need certified translations
- Monitor deadlines carefully – Late applications will not be accepted
- Prepare thoroughly for interviews – Many programs conduct oral interviews (often online for international candidates)
Why Study for a PhD in Italy
Italy has become increasingly attractive to doctoral candidates because of its combination of strong research institutions, affordable living costs relative to many Western countries, and growing support for international scholars. Studying at Sapienza offers internationally recognized qualifications, access to European research funding, rich cultural heritage, and opportunities for academic and non-academic careers.
How to Apply
PhD Call Announcement: https://phd.uniroma1.it/web/BandoOrdinario42.aspx
University Official Website: https://www.uniroma1.it/it/
Application Deadline: June 17, 2026 at 14:00 UTC
Useful Links
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