The Ca Foscari University of Venice invites applications for the 41st cycle of PhD programs for the academic year 2025/2026. The call covers a range of disciplines, including Sustainable Chemistry, Law, Economics, Philosophy, Computer Science, and Environmental Sciences.

Admission is based on a selection process that includes an evaluation of academic qualifications and written and oral exams.

The PhD programs typically end in three years, beginning in mid-September 2025 and ending in September 2028, with some courses extending to four years. Certain international PhD courses offer shared research objectives, mobility opportunities, and the possibility of earning a double or joint degree.

This competitive call is open to Italian and international students. It offers a variety of fully funded positions across multiple PhD programs.

With generous scholarships, innovative research opportunities, and a vibrant academic community, Ca Foscari provides an exceptional environment to pursue doctoral studies. Situated in the historic heart of Venice, this university combines a long tradition of excellence with a forward-looking international vision.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: May 7, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. (Italian time)
• Result Announcement Dates: May 14, 2025
• Study Duration:
• Three-year Doctoral Programs:
  • Start by mid-September 2025
  • End by the end of September 2028
• Four-year Doctoral Programs (Economics, Management, Science, and Management of Climate Change):
  • Start by mid-September 2025
  • End by September 2029
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Host Institution: Ca Foscari University of Venice
• Eligible Countries: All nationalities
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Graduates and professionals aiming to pursue PhD-level research
• Study Level: PhD (Doctoral Level)
• Degree Required: Master’s degree or equivalent
• Application Fee: €15
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Italy

Fields of Study

The following are the available PhD Programs for this call:

• Sustainable Chemistry
• Law, Market, and Person
• Economics
• Philosophy and Educational Sciences
• Computer Science
• Engineering Physics and Materials
• Italian Studies
• Modern Languages, Cultures, and Societies and Linguistics
• Management
• Science and Management of Climate Change
• Environmental Sciences
• Ancient Heritage Studies
• History of the Arts
• Asian and African Studies

Scholarships and Benefits

The PhD Scholarship details are as follows:

• The annual PhD scholarship is €16,243, paid in monthly installments, including social insurance, and is exempt from local tax and income tax (IRPEF).
• The scholarship is renewable annually if the holder completes the agreed-upon activities, verified by the PhD Faculty Committee.
• The scholarship may be increased by up to 50% for study periods abroad, with a maximum of 18 months for Joint Research PhD Thesis programs.
• PhD students with scholarships are entitled to an annual research budget of at least 10% of the scholarship amount.

Note:

• PhD scholarships cannot be combined with other research grants or scholarships, except those for study periods abroad.
• Previous scholarship holders are ineligible to receive the scholarship again.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

• Open to all nationalities.
• Applicants must have one of the following:
• A Master’s degree from abroad, equivalent to an Italian “Laurea Magistrale” and recognized for PhD admission.
• An Italian “Laurea Specialistica” or “Laurea Magistrale” (a second-level degree after 5+ years of study in Italy)
• An Italian degree from the old system (pre-1999)
• A second-level degree from AFAM institutions (Advanced Artistic and Musical Training)
• You can apply if you will receive your degree by November 15, 2025.
• A minimum B2 level in English is mandatory at the time of enrollment. You must submit your certification by December 31, 2025.
• Current students cannot be enrolled in another PhD program at Ca Foscari University or its partner institutions.

Required Documents

All applicants must submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (preferably in Europass format)
• PhD research proposal.
• Academic transcript and exam grades (translated to English/Italian)
• A Diploma Supplement or Declaration of Value (if outside the EU) or CIMEA Statement of Comparability for non-EU degrees
• Up to two letters of reference (optional)

Selection Committee and Criteria

The composition of the selection panel and criteria is as follows:

Admission Panels:

• Composed of 3-5 members (up to 9 for PhD programs with 3+ Italian universities) with considerable gender balance.
• Up to two experts from public/private research institutions may join, ensuring an odd number of members.
• Panels may meet online.
• The panels will discuss assessment criteria and weighting for qualifications and exams before the process begins.
• The applicants’ CVs are important during the qualification assessment.
• For multi-curriculum PhD programs, there is one Admission Panel, though tests may differ for each curriculum.
• The panel will ensure compliance with “Do No Significant Harm” (DNSH) and equal gender opportunities.

Final Shortlist:

• Eligible candidates are ranked and admitted to PhD programs based on the shortlist, which is published online.
• Programs with multiple curricula have one shortlist; activation of a curriculum depends on candidate ranking.
• Successful candidates will not receive individual notifications; their names will be published on the university webpage and Official University Register.
• PhD scholarships are allocated according to the shortlist, considering household income if candidates are equally ranked.
• Candidates ranked on multiple shortlists must choose one program.
• Scholarships linked to specific topics are assigned based on candidate qualifications and exam results. Candidates must focus on the specified research topic.
• If no suitable candidates are found for topic-specific scholarships, they may be “released” from the topic or additional requirements.

How to Apply?

Follow these two mandatory steps to have a proper application:

Step 1: Registration

• Register on the university website. For registration details and password recovery, visit the Registration and Password Recovery page.
• Tax Code: If you don’t have an Italian tax code, the system will generate one for you during registration. Keep it, as you’ll need it for Step 2.

Note: Registration does not mean you have applied. To apply, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

• Access the link for the PhD program you wish to apply to. Each program requires a separate application.
• Pay a €15 participation fee via PagoPA.
• Unique Application Code: You’ll receive an application code to track your status. Only successful candidates will have their names published on the university website.

Note: If applying for PhDs with different curricula, submit separate applications for each curriculum.

Apply Now

Important Reminder: Ensure your application is complete. After submission, the applicants will receive a confirmation email with their application receipt and a link to access and modify their application using their tax code and application code. Check your email spam if you don’t receive the email.

Further details and information regarding the PhD Scholarships are available on the official website of the Ca Foscari University of Venice.

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