The University of Trento invites applications for the 41st Cycle 2025/2026 of its PhD Programme in Civil, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering. This PhD program trains young researchers and blends advanced coursework and original research in engineering, architecture, and applied sciences.

It aims to develop innovative solutions to pressing environmental challenges while improving global research collaborations and practical applications.

There are 10 fully funded PhD positions available across three specialized curricula:

• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Mechanics-Materials-Chemistry-Energy
• Modeling and Simulation

Each scholarship is for a specific research topic supported by prestigious institutions such as Eurac Research, the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), Fondazione Bruno Kessler, and Hydro Dolomiti Energia.

You may also check the following opportunities from the University of Trento:

• University of Trento PhD in International Studies Scholarships – 41st Cycle 2025/2026
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• University of Trento PhD in Cognitive and Brain Sciences – (41st Cycle, Fully Funded)
• University of Trento PhD Program in Economics and Finance 2025-26 in Italy (Fully Funded)
• The University of Trento 41st PhD Cycle in European Cultures (fully funded)
• Italy Trento PhD Program in Comparative and European Legal Studies (Fully Funded)
• University of Trento PhD Program in Forms of Cultural Exchange and Textuality (Fully Funded)

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: May 15, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. (Italian time)
• Program Start Date: November 1, 2025
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Host Institution: University of Trento
• Eligible Countries: All nationalities
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Graduates with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant fields
• Field: Civil, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering
• Study Level: PhD (Doctoral Studies)
• Degree Required: Master’s Degree or equivalent (Italian Laurea Magistrale or similar)
• Number of Opportunities: 10 scholarships
• Duration: 3 years
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Italy

Scholarship Benefits

Applicants may apply to up to 2 Curricula and two scholarships per Curriculum, each tied to a specific research project requiring specialized skills.

Curriculum A: Civil and Environmental Engineering (5 scholarships)

• A1 – River sediment regimes and ecosystem evolution
  Funded by: MUR (Italian Ministry of University and Research)
• A2 – Seismic analysis of cross-laminated timber systems
  Funded by: University of Trento, Dept. of Civil, Environmental & Mechanical Engineering
• A3 – Seismic risk mapping for Trentino
  Funded by: University of Trento & PAT
• A4 – Climate scenarios for Alpine water resources
  Funded by: University of Trento & Eurac Research
• A5 – Snow cover forecasting using ML in mountain terrains
  Funded by: University of Trento & Hydro Dolomiti Energia Srl

Curriculum B: Mechanics, Materials, Chemistry, and Energy (1 scholarship)

• B1 – Revenue optimization in PV-BESS systems
  Funded by: Eurac Research

Curriculum C: Modelling and Simulation (4 scholarships)

• C1 – AI-based models for wireless structural health monitoring
  Funded by: MUR
• C2 – Choice between:
  • Seismic protection of nuclear facilities
  • 2D ultra-strong materials
    Funded by: MUR
• C3 – Deep learning for high-resolution meteorological data
  Funded by: FBK
• C4 – 3D nano printing of bioinspired materials
  Funded by: University of Trento & IIT

Important:

• Only applicants who select specific reserved topics will be considered for those scholarship positions.
• Additional positions may be available through international mobility programs linked to the University of Trento.

Research Topics and Areas

Students can choose one of four tracks:

• Civil and environmental engineering
• Mechanics, materials, chemistry, and energy
• Modeling and simulation
• Architecture, landscaping, and planning

Scientific Disciplinary Topics:

• Physics of the circumterrestrial medium and the Earth
• Hydraulics
• Hydraulic and marine constructions and hydrology
• Sanitary and environmental engineering
• Highways, railways, and airports
• Topography and cartography
• Geotechnics
• Structural mechanics
• Structural engineering
• Building design
• Architectural and urban design
• Landscape architecture
• Drawing
• Architectural history
• Architectural restoration
• Urban and regional planning
• Materials science and technology
• Fundamentals of chemical engineering
• Electrical power systems
• Electromagnetic fields
• Mathematical Physics
• Numerical analysis

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Open to applicants of any nationality, gender, or age with one of the following qualifications:
  • Italian Laurea Magistrale/Specialistica (per Ministerial Decrees 509/1999 and 270/2004)
  • Degree from an Italian AFAM institution
  • A recognized foreign Master’s degree valid for PhD admission in its issuing country
• Final-year students may apply if they graduate by October 31, 2025. The proof of graduation submission deadline is November 7, 2025.
• Applicants with unrecognized foreign degrees must submit documents for equivalency review; the committee may request additional documentation.
• Those holding a previous PhD may apply if the field is different.
• Applicants who received a PhD scholarship previously are not eligible.

Required Documents

All applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

Compulsory Attachments:

• Copy of identity document: ID card (EU citizens) or passport (non-EU; only ID pages).
• Copy of university degree or relevant documents, depending on degree type and country.
• For applicants with an Italian degree: self-declaration with degree details and exam list.
• For Italian applicants graduating by July 16, 2025: certificate of enrolment and thesis supervisor letter.
• For applicants with a foreign degree: degree certificate with graduation details and score
• Academic transcript (Master’s) with credits and grades; Bachelor’s degree and transcript if applicable.
• Translation into English or Italian if the original documents are in another language.
• If available: original diploma, Diploma Supplement, Declaration of Value, or Statement of Comparability (CIMEA).
• If a foreign degree is already recognized in Italy, attach the official equivalence provision.
• For foreign applicants graduating by July 16, 2025: certificate of enrolment with transcript and supervisor letter.
• Certificate of language proficiency (English, French, German, or Spanish) at a minimum B2 level.
• Accepted proof: certificate from a recognized institute, university-issued certificate, or degree taught in one of the four languages
• Native speakers of one of the four languages must declare their status in the application.
• One research project proposal including:
  • Title (max 500 characters)
  • Abstract (max 1,500 characters)
  • Aims (max 5,000 characters)
  • Originality (max 8,000 characters)
  • Methodology and timing (max 3,000 characters)
  • Annotated bibliography (max 5,000 characters)

Optional Attachments:

• Certificates proving knowledge of other foreign languages (not among English, French, German, or Spanish as listed in mandatory attachments)
• Any additional documents to be submitted after the application closure must be sent via email to [email protected] before the deadline, with the subject line:
  “Application ID – Candidate’s Surname and Name – PhD Programme in Comparative and European Legal Studies – 41st cycle – supplement to application”.

Selection Process and Criteria

• The Rector appoints the Admissions Committee, which is made up of at least three experts (professors/researchers), possibly including up to two additional experts from public/private research organizations.
• The selection assesses the candidate’s foundational knowledge and research aptitude in the chosen scientific field.
• Evaluation criteria include:
  • Assessment of the research proposal (clarity, methodology, coherence, critical reasoning, bibliographic references, and legal comparison)
  • Knowledge of any additional foreign languages
  • An interview assessing knowledge, prior research, motivation, and thesis work (conducted in Italian or English).
• Candidates must declare in the application if they wish to compete for the topic-specific grant and submit a relevant project.
• To compete for topic-specific scholarships announced later, candidates must inform the Admissions Committee before the qualifications are assessed.
• Expressing interest in a specific scholarship indicates a preference for that scholarship over others.
• The maximum score is 120 points, divided as follows:
  • 35 points for the research project evaluation.
  • 5 points for additional language knowledge.
  • 80 points for the interview.
• To be eligible for the interview, candidates must score at least 25/40 in the research project and additional language assessment.
• A minimum of 45/80 is required to pass the interview.
• Evaluation outcomes will be published on the selection website.
• Interview modalities:
  • In-person at the University of Trento (valid ID required; absence results in disqualification).
  • Via videoconference (webcam and valid ID required; technical issues or absence resluts in disqualification)
• The interview date, time, and location (if in person) will be announced on the competition website at least 20 days in advance.
• Any changes to the interview schedule will also be published on the same website.

How to Apply?

• Applications must be submitted online by 4:00 p.m. (Italian time) on May 15, 2025, via the Doctoral Programmes Application Portal (active within three working days of the call).
• Login options:
• SPID/CIE: This is for applicants with an Italian tax code and ID.
• UniTrento account: Use existing credentials or reset the password if needed.
• Guest account: This is for those without an Italian tax code or UniTrento login. You may log in here.
• A non-refundable fee of €30 is payable via the PagoPA system during the online application.
• You can edit your application until final submission; once submitted, they are legally binding self-declarations.
• Applicants may apply for up to 2 Curricula and select up to 2 reserved scholarships per Curriculum, indicating a preference order.

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

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