Are you passionate about economics, finance, and research? Are you looking to pursue a fully funded doctoral program at a prestigious European university? If yes, apply for the 41st cycle of the PhD Programme in Economics and Finance at the University of Trento. This program is available in partnership with the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano to international PhD candidates.

This 3-year program, entirely taught in English, combines intensive coursework, personalized supervision, and extensive international collaboration. With nine (9) fully funded scholarships and support, it is an excellent opportunity for a successful academic or professional research career. The program will start on November 1, 2025.

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Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: May 21, 2025 – 4:00 p.m. (Italian time)
• Start of Academic Year: November 1, 2025
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Host Institutions: University of Trento and Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
• Eligible Countries: All nationalities
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Graduates holding a Master’s degree (or equivalent)
• Field: Economics and Finance
• Study Level: PhD
• Degree Required: Master’s Degree or equivalent (by October 31, 2025)
• Number of Opportunities: 9 PhD positions
• Duration: 3 years
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Italy

Scholarships and Benefits

The selected candidates will benefit from this PhD program as follows:

• Full scholarship for all nine candidates chosen, with a total of €18,345 per year:
  • 6 funded by the University of Trento
  • 3 funded by the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
• One supernumerary position for eligible candidates
• Possibility of additional scholarships or funding from other bodies
• Rights and support services for PhD students

 Research Topics and Areas

Following is the list of research topics and focus areas:

• Behavioral Economics
• Applied Economic Analysis
• Financial Markets
• Quantitative Methods

Study and research topics

• Market microstructure
• Economic development and institutions
• Monetary and fiscal policies
• Economic choices and energy transition
• Financial markets
• Financial risk management
• Enterprises and international markets
• Investment tools and optimization
• Evaluation of public policies
• Big data
• ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and sustainable finance

Eligibility Criteria

Prospective candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Candidates of any gender, age, or nationality with an Italian Master’s degree, a second-level degree from an Italian AFAM institute, or a foreign Master’s degree equivalent to the Italian Master’s.
• Candidates graduating by October 31, 2025, must submit proof of graduation by November 7, 2025, or be excluded.
• Applicants must provide all required documentation, especially if the degree is from a non-Italian system.
• The Admissions Committee may request further documents.
• Applicants with a previous PhD may apply if it’s in a different field.
• Previous PhD scholarship holders cannot receive another scholarship.

Required Documents

Below is the list of mandatory and optional application supporting documents:

• Copy of identity document (ID card for EU citizens or passport for non-EU citizens).
• Academic degree documentation:
  • Italian degrees: self-declaration with exams, dates, grades, and credits (or date of graduation for UniTrento graduates).
  • Foreign degrees (already obtained): degree certificate, Master’s transcript with grades/credits, grading scale; Bachelor’s transcript if applicable; unofficial English or Italian translation if not in either language.
  • Foreign degrees (to be obtained): enrollment certificate with transcript and grading scale; statement from thesis supervisor confirming graduation by Oct 31, 2025; unofficial English or Italian translation if not in either language
• Curriculum vitae et studiorum, including research skills and academic qualifications
• Short research proposal in English (~3,000 words + abstract) on a relevant research area.
• Statement of purpose in English (max. 500 words) explaining motivation to pursue the PhD.

Optional Attachments:

• C1-level or higher English language certificate (for non-native speakers without an English-medium BA/MA).
• List of scientific publications (if applicable).
• Other qualifications (e.g., GRE, international exams)
• Documents demonstrating relevant skills (awards, scholarships, research experience, and more)
• Up to 2 reference letters (in English or Italian); referees will be contacted automatically.

Selection Process and Criteria

The selection process has several steps, as follows:

1. Admissions Committee:
   The Rector appoints an Admissions Committee after consulting the Doctoral Programme Committee. It includes at least three experts (Italian or international) in the field, and up to two additional experts from research institutions may also join.
2. Selection Process:
   • Applicants are first shortlisted based on their submitted documents.
   • Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in English to assess their knowledge, research abilities, and motivation. If no C1-level English certificate is provided, the students must pass the language skills test during the interview.
3. Interview Focus:
   The interview will cover:
   • Key topics of the doctoral program
   • Candidate’s research proposal
   • Past experiences and qualifications
4. Topic-Specific Grants:
   • Applicants must express interest in these grants when they apply online.
   • If more grants are available later, candidates can still opt-in by informing the Committee as instructed.
   • Candidates applying for specific grants will be evaluated on related subject knowledge.
5. Scoring:
   The interview is worth 100 points. A minimum of 60/100 is needed to be ranked.
6. Results:
   Interview lists and final rankings will be posted on the selection webpage.
7. Interview Options:
   • In-person at the University of Trento (bring a valid ID).
   • Online via video call (must use a webcam and submit ID).
     Missing the interview or failing to provide ID will result in disqualification. The university is not responsible for technical issues.
     Interview details, including any schedule changes, will be published on the selection webpage at least 20 days in advance.

How to Apply?

Follow these steps to complete your applications:

• Submit Your Application Online by May 21, 2025 – 4:00 p.m. (Italian time)

Apply here

• Choose how to Log In using one of the following:

• • SPID or CIE: For those with an Italian ID and Tax Code.
  • UniTrento account: If you already have a UniTrento email.
  • Guest account: This is for international applicants without an Italian ID. Create here.

• Pay the Application Fee of €30 (non-refundable) through the pagoPA system during the online application.
• Submit and confirm your application completely. Look for a confirmation email. If you don’t get one, your application isn’t complete.
• Conditional Admission: All applications are accepted conditionally, pending checks on your documents and eligibility.
• Document Verification: If your degree or information doesn’t meet the requirements, you can be excluded at any time, even after being admitted.
• Special Assistance: If you have a disability or learning difficulty, request support or extra time in your online form.
• Self-Certification: By applying, you’re self-declaring the accuracy of your personal info and academic background.

Further details and information regarding this scholarship are available on the official University of Trento website.

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