This page provides detailed information about the Call for Applications for admission to the PhD programmes at the University of Pisa for the academic year 2025/2026 (41st cycle), including instructions for the online application process.
The programmes last three years and are scheduled to begin on 1 November 2025.
The Call for Applications
The Call for Applications, issued by Rectoral Decree no. 816, protocol no. 79852 of 18 June 2025, sets out:
- The admission requirements for PhD programmes;
- The procedures for participating in the Call;
- The selection criteria for the assignment of all available positions;
- The procedures for the publication of rankings and for enrolment, including deadlines and any reassignments;
- The available positions, including topic-specific positions and those reserved for candidates employed by affiliated institutions or recipients of a University of Pisa grant or research fellowship.
The Call is also published on the MUR and EURAXESS websites.
Download the Call
Admission requirements
To participate in the Call, applicants must hold one of the following degrees by 31 October 2025:
- A Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale);
- An equivalent foreign degree (Master’s Degree or other second-level qualification).
Foreign qualifications must be comparable in terms of level and content: the Examination Board will assess eligibility according to Italian and international regulations. It is therefore important to include supporting documentation (e.g. Diploma Supplement, declaration of value, ENIC-NARIC certificates, etc.) with the application.
Additional requirements for “Pegaso” grants
Pegaso Grants are funded under the PR ESF 2021/27 and are part of the Giovanisì project (www.giovanisi.it) promoted by Regione Toscana to support youth autonomy.
Applicants wishing to compete for a Pegaso Grant (funded by Regione Toscana) must also:
- Be under 35 years of age at the time of application;
- Demonstrate English language proficiency at least at B2 level (to be certified before enrolment);
- Be available to undertake research abroad (minimum of 6 or 12 months);
- Attend courses in Soft Skills, Data Science, and cross-cutting skills;
- In some cases, carry out training or research in an applied context.
All details are available in the individual programme descriptions attached to the official Call.
PhD grants
The gross amount of the grant for the academic year 2025/2026 is €16,243.00 per year, paid in monthly instalments. According to current legislation, PhD students are entitled to a budget equal to no less than 10% of the grant amount to support their research activities in Italy and abroad, as well as a 50% increase in the grant for a total period of no more than 12 months for research stays abroad.
Fees
PhD students are exempt from paying university tuition fees and are only required to pay the regional tax, amounting to €140.00 per year.
Application for the Call
To apply for the Call, candidates must:
- Register online through the Alice portal;
- Upload the required documentation (CV, research proposal if applicable, self-certification of degree, any documentation for foreign qualifications);
- Pay the application fee (€30.00) within the deadline;
- Print and keep the application receipt (including the pre-enrolment number);
- Request to take the interview via videoconference (if required).
Go to the application page
Selection procedure
The selection procedure include:
- CV assessment;
- Presentation and discussion of a research project (if required);
- Written examination (if required);
- Interview;
- Presentation of the research project (if required).
Examinations will take place between July and September 2025, according to the schedule that will be published on the following page.
Programme offering and active PhD programmes
The Call includes numerous PhD programmes, including:
- Programmes conducted with research institutions or other universities;
- Industrial PhDs and National PhDs;
- PhD programmes funded by Regione Toscana – through PR ESF 2021/27 resources – as part of Giovanisì (www.giovanisi.it), including the “Pegaso” PhD grants.
A full list of programmes and detailed descriptions is available in the attachments to the official Call.
Rankings, enrolment and reassignments
Rankings will be published by 30 September 2025. Eligible candidates must confirm their interest in participating in the reallocation of unassigned positions, otherwise they will be excluded from subsequent assignments. Multiple reassignment phases are planned until the end of December.
Contacts and support
- Online support: Virtual help desk
- Phone support: +39 366 3433211
Hours: Monday and Friday 9:00–11:00; Wednesday 11:00–13:00; Tuesday and Thursday by appointment (you can book based on the instructions on the website).
Regulations and transparency
The processing of personal data will comply with the GDPR.
University Privacy Policy pursuant to the European Regulation (GDPR) No. 679/2016.
Previous Calls and admission exams
To consult the Calls and admission exams from previous years, click here.
Info and Contacts:
Unit “Concorsi e carriere dottorandi”
T. +39 366 3433211
