Overview
PhD (Doctoral Degree)
Description
PhD (Doctoral Degree)
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent (Italian or non-Italian)
Degree must be obtained within five years of the relevant call deadline
Final-year Master’s students eligible if degree is completed
Must not already hold a PhD
Must not have previously received an Italian PhD scholarship
Open to candidates regardless of citizenship
Additional Information
Degree Level
PhD (Doctoral Degree)
Available Subjects
Faculty of Sciences
Chemistry (3 places)
Quantum Technology and Nanoscience (4 places – including 1 IIT-funded position)
Neuroscience (2 places)
Faculty of Humanities
Philosophy (5 places)
Italian Studies and Modern Philology (5 places)
Classics (6 places)
History (6 places – including 1 place with University of Catania)
History of Art (6 places)
Romance and Italian Philology in the Digital Turn – FROID (7 places, including multiple partner-funded positions)
Faculty of Political and Social Sciences
Political Science and Sociology (9 places, including 1 scholarship funded by the University of Catania)
Benefits
Students admitted to the Scuola Normale Superiore PhD programs receive:
Full PhD scholarship
Financial support for accommodation
Free meals at the School canteen
No registration or tuition fees
Refund of regional student tax
Additional research funding for activities in Italy and abroad
Travel expense reimbursement for in-person oral interviews
Reserved PhD places for graduates from foreign universities
Eligible Nationalities
Open to all nationalities
Note: Italian and international students are equally eligible
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent (Italian or non-Italian)
Degree must be obtained within five years of the relevant call deadline
Final-year Master’s students eligible if degree is completed
Must not already hold a PhD
Must not have previously received an Italian PhD scholarship
Open to candidates regardless of citizenship
Application Procedure
Choose your Faculty and PhD programme
Apply online through the official SNS application portal
Submit academic qualifications and required documents
Shortlisted candidates undergo oral interviews
Final ranking lists are published after evaluation
Successful candidates are admitted with full funding
Each faculty follows its own application deadlines and interview schedules, with selections conducted in one or two sessions depending on the discipline.
Travel Expense Refund Oral Interview
Candidates attending in-person oral interviews may request reimbursement of travel expenses.
Deadline to submit reimbursement form and original travel documents: 15 November 2025
Why Choose Scuola Normale Superiore
Ranked among Europe’s top elite institutions
Fully funded PhD programs with exceptional academic support
Strong international research environment
Collaboration with leading universities and research institutes
Ideal for students seeking high-impact academic careers
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
Is the Scuola Normale Superiore PhD fully funded? Yes, all admitted PhD students receive a fully funded scholarship, including accommodation support, meals, research funding, and zero tuition fees.
Can international students apply for the SNS PhD programs? Yes, international students from all countries are eligible. SNS also reserves PhD places specifically for graduates of foreign universities.
Do I need to know Italian to apply for the SNS PhD? No, many PhD programs are conducted in English, especially in Sciences and Political & Social Sciences. Language requirements depend on the specific program.
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Card
Funding
Fully Funded
Organization
Scuola Normale Superiore
Degree
PhD
Subjects
All Subjects
Nationality
International Students
Country
Italy
Source
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