Who can apply?
The competition is open to any candidate, regardless of age or nationality, who as of October 31, 2026, holds an Italian degree obtained prior to D.M. 509/99 or an Italian second level degree (laurea specialistica, under D.M. 509/99 or laurea magistrale, under D.M. 207/04), or an equivalent academic qualification from a foreign University, that has to be validated by the Selection Committee, following the legislation in force both in Italy and in the Country where the qualification was issued and within the international treaties or agreements on the recognition of international qualifications, in the case where degrees in specific subjects are required for admittance to the Programme.
Selection Procedure
The selection procedure consists of an assessment of the candidate’s qualifications and an interview.
Deadlines
Applications: June 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. (italian time)
Enrolments: to be completed within 7 days of the publication of the results of the selection procedure
Number of places available
• Places with open-topic research areas: 5 (of which 4 are financed by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and 1 by external public and private institutions)
In the academic year 2026/2027 (XLII cycle) priority will be given to the research strands listed on the dedicated web page
• 1 Place reserved: covered by a three-year higher apprenticeship contract with Fondazione Ago Modena Fabbriche Culturali ETS (Fondazione Ago Modena Fabbriche Culturali ETS)
The amount of each bursary is € 17.000 per annum, and the amount may be increased by 50% for periods of study abroad, except in the student’s country of residence. In order to take a period of study abroad, students are required to apply for permission to the Doctoral Research Council
Calendar of the interviews
In-person interview: July 23th 2026, 9:30 a.m. If the number of applicants is particularly high, interviews will continue on 24 July 2026, starting at 9:00 a.m.
The examination will take place in Lecture Room of the Marco Biagi Foundation, Largo Marco Biagi 10, Modena.
Interview via Microsoft Teams (allowed only for candidates residing abroad): July 23th 2026, from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m.
List of documentation necessary for admission to the selection phase
Application XLII – Annex A (CV fac-simile)
Application XLII – Annex B (CV fac-simile)
Application XLII – Annex C (Statement of Research Interest)
Application XLII – Annex F (Research Project fac-simile)
Application XLII – Annex E (apprenticeship contract fac-simile)