Summary
The University of Florence, Italy, has announced applications for the Pegaso PhD Programmes – 42nd Cycle (Academic Year 2026/2027). The scholarships are funded by the Regione Toscana under the PR ESF 2021–2027 programme through the Giovanisì initiative. Successful candidates will receive a fully funded three-year PhD scholarship, research funding, international research opportunities, and additional financial support for eligible international students. The application deadline is 6 August 2026 (12:00 PM Italian Time).
University of Florence Pegaso PhD Scholarships 2026-2027 (42nd Cycle) | Fully Funded PhD Opportunities in Italy
Scholarship Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Pegaso PhD Scholarships – 42nd Cycle |
| University | University of Florence |
| Country | Italy |
| Programme | PhD (Doctoral Programmes) |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Funding Agency | Regione Toscana (PR ESF 2021–2027 – Giovanisì Project) |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Application Deadline | 6 August 2026 (12:00 PM Italian Time) |
Designation
Pegaso PhD Scholar (Doctoral Candidate)
Research Area
Applications are invited across multiple PhD disciplines offered by the University of Florence. The available research areas, number of positions, scholarships, and programme-specific requirements are listed in Annex 2 of the official call. Research topics include both open research themes and predefined (set-topic) scholarships, depending on the doctoral programme.
Location
University of Florence
Florence, Italy
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:
- Hold one of the following qualifications:
- Master’s Degree (Italian system or equivalent)
- Second-level academic degree
- Four-year degree under the previous Italian system
- Equivalent foreign Master’s degree
- Candidates completing their qualifying degree before the programme begins may also apply.
- There are no nationality or citizenship restrictions for admission.
Additional Requirements for Pegaso Scholarships
Applicants seeking a Pegaso Scholarship must also:
- Be under 35 years of age at the application deadline.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to B2 level.
- Commit to:
- A minimum 6-month international research period during the PhD (12 months for international scholarship recipients, where applicable).
- Applied research/training (minimum 3 months) for specific-topic scholarships.
- Participation in soft skills and research/business training courses throughout the programme.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful candidates will receive:
- Annual scholarship of €16,243 (before applicable social security deductions).
- 50% increase in scholarship during approved research stays abroad (up to 12 months).
- Annual research budget of at least 10% of the scholarship amount.
- Opportunity for international mobility.
- Additional one-off financial support of up to €5,000 for eligible international students from non-EU countries.
- Access to advanced research facilities and doctoral training.
Job Description
Selected PhD scholars will:
- Conduct full-time doctoral research for three years.
- Participate in coursework and doctoral training.
- Undertake international research mobility as required.
- Complete complementary skills courses.
- Publish research outcomes and complete a doctoral thesis.
- Work under the supervision of University of Florence faculty members.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the University of Florence online application portal.
- Register and complete the online application.
- Select the desired PhD programme and scholarship.
- Upload the required academic documents and identification.
- Pay the €30 non-refundable application fee.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
Required documents generally include:
- Valid identity document
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates (or equivalent documentation)
- Thesis information
- Programme-specific documents listed in Annex 2
- Any additional supporting documents required for the selected programme.
Selection Process
The admission process consists of:
- Evaluation of academic qualifications
- Assessment of the research proposal
- Interview (in person or online, depending on the programme)
Final merit rankings are expected to be published by 30 September 2026.
Last Date to Apply
6 August 2026
Time: 12:00 PM (Italian Time)
Late applications will not be accepted.
