- ~75 PhD scholarshipsPlaces per cycle
- ~EUR 16,000-18,000 (est.)Annual stipend
- 4 yearsFunding duration
- Founded 1810Institution history
- Full tuition waiverCoverage scope
- Board and lodging subsidyLiving support
At a glance
full
Funding
€18k
Max amount
Aug 31, 2026
Deadline
All countries (open to Italian and international applicants)
Country
Scuola Normale Superiore
Provider
The Scuola Normale Superiore (SNS) PhD Scholarships fund four-year doctoral study at the SNS in Pisa, Italy, an institution founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1810. The SNS awards about 75 four-year PhD scholarships each cycle to Italian and international students across humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, classics, art and archaeology, and interdisciplinary programmes such as cognitive science and data science. The scholarship is full coverage: tuition fees are waived, and scholarship holders receive an annual stipend of roughly EUR 16,000 to EUR 18,000 (est.) toward living costs, plus a subsidy for board and lodging. All doctoral students can also access additional funding to support research activities, including projects carried out abroad. The standard duration is 4 years. Admission is based on academic record, research potential, and motivation, assessed through transcripts, a research proposal, references, and an interview. Required documents include the application form, transcripts, a motivation letter, a CV, 2 recommendation letters, and proof of English where relevant. Because the stipend amount, the number of places, and the closing date are reset each cycle, confirm the current-cycle figures and the 2026/2027 deadline on the official SNS page before you apply.
What's covered
- Tuition fees — Full waiver of PhD tuition fees for the four-year programme at the Scuola Normale Superiore.
- Annual stipend — A living-cost stipend of roughly ~EUR 16,000 to EUR 18,000 (est.) per year.
- Board and lodging subsidy — A subsidy toward accommodation and meals during the doctoral programme.
- Research funding — Additional funds to support research activities, conferences, and fieldwork, including projects conducted abroad.
- Mobility support — Support for international research periods and study visits at partner institutions, with funding of ~EUR 2,000 (est.) per mobility period.
- Academic environment — Access to the SNS libraries, laboratories, research seminars, and supervision by SNS faculty in Pisa.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the official SNS admissions portal during the annual call, before the published deadline.
- Create an account — Register on the official SNS website and select the PhD programme you wish to apply to.
- Complete the online form — Fill in the application form with your personal details, academic qualifications, and chosen field of study.
- Prepare your research proposal — Write a research proposal and motivation letter aligned with the SNS faculty and the doctorate you are targeting.
- Upload supporting documents — Attach transcripts, your CV, 2 recommendation letters, and proof of English where required.
- Submit and prepare for interview — Submit before the deadline and, if shortlisted, attend the admissions interview or examination.
Eligibility
NationalityOpen to Italian and international students.
QualificationA bachelor's and/or master's degree from a recognised university in a field relevant to the chosen PhD programme.
Academic recordA strong record with high grades and, where available, awards, honours, or other achievements.
Research potentialEvidence of research potential such as prior research experience or publications.
LanguageProficiency in English or Italian depending on the language of instruction of the specific PhD programme.
Specific degree and age requirements vary by PhD programme; check the call for the individual doctorate you are applying to for the current cycle.
Eligible countries
All countries (open to Italian and international applicants)
Deadlines
2026/2027 PhD intake~31 August 2026 (est.)
Selection
Admission committees assess each candidate's academic record, the quality and feasibility of the research proposal, demonstrated research potential, and fit with SNS faculty. Shortlisted applicants are usually invited to an interview or written examination, after which scholarships are offered on merit up to the number of places available for each PhD programme.
Verified sources
- Scuola Normale Superiore PhD admissions (official)sns.itofficial
About the provider
The Scuola Normale Superiore is an Italian higher-education and research institution based in Pisa, founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1810. It offers undergraduate, master's, PhD, and postdoctoral programmes across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary research.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What level of study does this scholarship fund?
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It funds four-year PhD (doctoral) study at the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, Italy.
How many scholarships are available?
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The SNS awards about 75 four-year PhD scholarships per cycle across its disciplines. Confirm the exact number on the official call.
Can international students apply?
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Yes. All SNS PhD programmes are open to both Italian citizens and international students.
What does the scholarship cover?
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Tuition is fully waived, and you receive an annual stipend of roughly EUR 16,000 to EUR 18,000 (est.) plus a board and lodging subsidy and access to extra research funding.
How long is the funding?
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The standard duration is 4 years, matching the length of the PhD programme.
Can I get extra money for research?
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Yes. All doctoral students can access additional funding to support research activities, including projects carried out abroad.
What qualifications do I need?
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You need a bachelor's and/or master's degree from a recognised university in a field relevant to your chosen PhD programme, with a strong academic record.
What language do I need?
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You need proficiency in English or Italian, depending on the language of instruction of the specific PhD programme.
What documents are required?
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Typically the application form, transcripts, a motivation letter, a CV, 2 recommendation letters, an English test where relevant, and any honours or publications.
Is there an interview?
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Yes. Shortlisted applicants are usually invited to an interview or written examination as part of the selection process.
When is the deadline?
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Calls usually close in late summer; the 2026 deadline is expected around ~31 August 2026 (est.). Confirm the exact date on the official SNS page.
Where will I study?
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You will study at the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, Italy, an institution founded in 1810.