The University of Trento is now accepting applications for the 41st cycle of its PhD Programme in Sociology and Social Research for the 2025/2026 academic year. This fully English-taught program equips scholars with advanced theoretical, empirical, and interdisciplinary research skills, preparing them for careers in academia, research institutes, and beyond.

Eight positions are available, including seven scholarships funded by the University and one scholarship under the FIS2_Italian Science Fund for the project “Labor Unions, Migrant Workers and Ethnic Inequalities—LUMINE.” The program emphasizes rigorous methodological training—quantitative, qualitative, and computational—paired with theory-driven research. Doctoral students will engage in coursework, seminars, international mobility, and research stays abroad.

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Key Details and Dates

• Application deadline: May 15, 2025 (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 of Sociology and Social Research
• Field: Sociology and Social Research
• Study Level: PhD (Doctoral Studies)
• Degree Required: Master’s Degree or equivalent (Italian Laurea Magistrale or similar)
• Number of Opportunities: 8 scholarships
• Duration: 3 years
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Italy

Scholarship Benefits

This PhD Program will offer the following benefits:

• Eight full scholarships with a total of €18,345 per year are available:
  • 7 scholarships funded by the University of Trento
  • 1 scholarship funded by the Department of Sociology and Social Research under the FIS2_Italian Science Fund for the “Labor Unions, Migrant Workers, and Ethnic Inequalities (LUMINE)” project

Note:

• Topic-specific scholarships require relevant skills.
• Additional funding or positions may become available from external institutions before final selection.

Research Topics and Areas

The main research topics include:

• Analysis of social change
• Analysis of social networks
• Analysis of migratory processes
• Analysis of collective actions
• Change in value systems
• Demography
• Computational sociology
• Cultural sociology
• Sociology of communication and interaction studies
• Sociology of the family
• Gender studies
• Economic sociology and labor market studies
• Organizational and workplace environment studies
• Social stratification and inequality studies
• Political and electoral studies
• Welfare and social policy studies

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Open to candidates of any nationality, gender, and age.
• Must hold one of the following:
  • Italian Laurea Magistrale (Master’s degree)
  • Second-level university degree from Italian AFAM institutes
  • Equivalent foreign degree-granting access to PhD-level studies

• Applicants who will obtain their degree by October 31, 2025, may apply but must submit proof by November 7, 2025.
• Applicants must provide sufficient documentation, especially if their degree system differs from the Italian one.
• Candidates with a prior PhD can apply if the new program is in a different field.
• Applicants previously funded by a PhD scholarship in Italy (even briefly) cannot receive another scholarship.

Required Documents

All applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

Compulsory Attachments:

• A copy of the identity card (EU citizens) or passport (photo page, personal data, issue date, expiration date)
• Italian Academic Degree: Self-declaration detailing degree, issuing University, award date, grade, exams taken, dates, grades, and credits.
• Foreign Academic Degree:
  • Certificate attesting possession of a second-level qualification (type, award date, grade)
  • List of exams taken (academic transcript), including credits, marks, and rating scale; translation in Italian or English if documents are in other languages
  • Recognition of equivalence by Italian academic bodies (Rectoral Decree)
• For Applicants Still Completing a Degree:
  • Certificate of enrollment with exams passed, credits, marks, and expected award date
  • Letter from thesis supervisor confirming degree completion by October 31, 2025.
• Curriculum Vitae (including research skills and other academic degrees)
• Research proposal in English (about 3000 words, including title, abstract, and bibliography).
• Motivation letter in English (max. 1000 words) explaining reasons for undertaking the PhD and choosing the University of Trento.

Optional Attachments:

• English proficiency certification (C1 level or higher), if applicable.
• List of scientific publications.
• Any additional qualifications (e.g., GRE, awards, scholarships)
• Reference letters in English (max. 2).

Selection Process

The selection procedure highlights are as follows:

• The Rector appoints the Admissions Committee, which consists of at least three experts (including Italian and foreign professors and researchers), after consulting the Doctoral Programme Committee.
• The pre-selection phase includes:
  • Qualifications assessment and research project evaluation: This determines access to the next phase.
  • Multiple-choice test: This assesses candidates’ knowledge of theoretical and methodological approaches in sociology and social research.
• The selection committee interviews the shortlisted candidates in English to evaluate their theoretical, methodological, and research skills and motivation. If no certificate is provided, the committee tests English proficiency.
• Candidates seeking topic-specific grants must express their interest before the qualifications assessment. The committee evaluates these candidates based on the grant’s subject matter.
• The committee scores the interview out of 100. Candidates must score at least 60/100 to proceed.
• The committee publishes the final ranking and list of interview-admitted candidates on the selection webpage.
• Candidates can take the written test:
  • At the University of Trento (ID required) or
  • By videoconference (ID required).
• The committee provides test details (date, time, and location) at least 20 days before the interview.

Ranking:

• The committee creates a merit-based ranking based on the interview score.
• The committee awards scholarships based on ranking and candidate eligibility for topic-specific grants.
• Candidates awarded topic-specific grants must accept them. Renouncing the grant excludes the candidate from the PhD Programme.
• The committee posts the final ranking on the selection webpage. Candidates will not receive personal notifications.

How to Apply?

• Submit your application online only by May 15, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. (CEST) via the UniTrento portal.

Apply here

• Options for account access:
  • With SPID/CIE (Italian residents)
  • UniTrento student/staff account
  • Register as a “guest” (non-Italian candidates): Guest registration
• Pay the €30.00 non-refundable application fee via the PagoPA system.
• Ensure all required documents are uploaded before submission.

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

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