The University of Trento is now accepting applications for the 41st cycle of its PhD Programme in Sustainability: Economics, Environment, Management and Society (SUSTEEMS). This interdisciplinary doctoral program equips professionals with the skills to analyze and develop sustainable economic and resource management models for businesses, public institutions, and non-profit organizations.

The program spans three years, starting on November 1, 2025, and is conducted entirely in English.

A total of 9 fully funded scholarships are available, including targeted grants focusing on ESG indicators in both corporate and public sectors and the role of AI in healthcare. Candidates can also benefit from research placements in Italy and abroad and tailored training paths.

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

• University of Trento PhD in International Studies Scholarships – 41st Cycle 2025/2026
• University of Trento PhD in Information Engineering and Computer Science– 41st Cycle 2025/2026
• 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)
• Trento PhD Scholarship in Civil, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering, Italy
• University of Trento PhD Program in Forms of Cultural Exchange and Textuality (Fully Funded)

Key Details and Dates

• Application deadline: May 28, 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 of Sustainability
• Field: Sustainability: Economics, Environment, Management and Society (SUSTEEMS)
• Study Level: PhD (Doctoral Studies)
• Degree Required: Master’s Degree or equivalent (Italian Laurea Magistrale or similar)
• Number of Opportunities: 9 scholarships
• Duration: 3 years
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Italy

Scholarship Benefits

This PhD Program will offer the following benefits:

• Seven full scholarships with a total of €18,345 per year are available:

• 6 scholarships funded by the University of Trento
• 1 scholarship funded by Provincia Autonoma di Trento on “Sustainability and ESG Indicators for Companies: Governance Focus”
• 1 scholarship funded by Provincia Autonoma di Trento on “Governance ESG Indicators for Public Administration.”
• 1 scholarship under the University Strategic Plan 2022–2027 on “Implications of AI in Healthcare: Decision-Making and Care Practices”

 Note:

• Topic-specific scholarships require relevant skills. Applicants must review detailed topics and criteria here.
• Additional funding or positions may become available from external institutions before final selection.

Research Topics and Areas

The main research areas include:

• Risk assessment and impact evaluation of climate change, green technologies, and social innovation
• Sustainability measurement and reporting
• Non-market evaluation methods for Sustainability
• Effects of regulations and standards on sustainable development
• Business models shaped by technological, organizational, and social change
• Sustainable management of businesses, organizations, and local areas, with a focus on tourism and culture
• Economic inequalities, women’s employment, and Sustainability
• Sustainable economic development, trade, and the design of sustainable cities and regions

Scientific Areas Include:

• Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
• Civil Engineering and Architecture
• Industrial and Information Engineering
• Law
• Economics and Statistics
• Political and Social Sciences

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 a valid ID/passport with personal details and issue/expiry info is required.
• Academic degree documents (self-declaration for Italian degrees or official certificates/transcripts for foreign degrees)
• Provisional applicants: thesis supervisor’s statement confirming graduation by October 31, 2025
• English or Italian translation of non-English degree documents (self-made translation acceptable)
• Optional equivalency documents (e.g., Diploma Supplement, Declaration of Value, or CIMEA comparability statement)
• Curriculum vitae detailing academic history and research skills
• Research proposal in English (about 1500 words plus abstract) tied to program themes or topic-specific grants.
• Statement of purpose in English (max 500 words) explaining motivation and research alignment with SUSTEEMS.

Optional Attachments:

• English proficiency certificate (C1+) if applicable.
• Master’s thesis (preferably in a European language).
• Up to 2 reference letters (English or Italian, submitted via automated system)
• List of publications, GRE results, awards, or other supporting documents.
• Additional documents can be emailed by the deadline using the correct subject format.

Selection Process

The selection procedure highlights are as follows:

• The Rector appoints the Admissions Committee, including at least three academic experts and up to two external researchers.
• The Committee shortlists candidates based on the qualifications assessed.
• Shortlisted candidates attend an interview in English to demonstrate their competencies, research skills, and motivation.
• If candidates don’t submit a C1-level English certificate, the Committee evaluates their English skills during the interview.
• The Committee assesses candidates on their knowledge of the PhD topics, research proposal, and academic/professional background.
• Candidates must indicate interest in topic-specific grants during the online application.
• Candidates can also express interest in grants added after the deadline by contacting the PhD Office and updating their preferences.
• The Committee evaluates topic-specific grant applicants on subject-specific knowledge and their Italian language proficiency (C1 level required).
• By choosing a topic-specific grant, candidates confirm it as their preferred scholarship.
• Candidates must score at least 60 out of 100 in the interview to qualify for admission.
• The University publishes the list of interviewees and final rankings (by application ID) on the selection webpage.
• Candidates may choose to attend the interview either in person at the University or online.
• Candidates must present a valid ID during the interview; failure to do so leads to exclusion.
• The University does not take responsibility for technical issues during remote interviews.
• The selection webpage will announce the interview schedule at least 20 days in advance.

Ranking

• The Committee ranks candidates solely based on their interview scores.
• It assigns scholarships based on ranking and eligibility for topic-specific grants.
• Candidates who receive a topic-specific grant must accept it, or they lose their place in the program.
• The University reduces the number of positions if no one accepts certain topic-specific grants.
• The final ranked list (by application ID) appears on the selection webpage.
• The published ranking serves as an official notification; the University will not send personal emails.

How to Apply?

• Submit your application online only by May 28, 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.

Check More Scholarships:

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