Fully Funded PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change in Italy

Introduction:

The University of Pavia through IUSS Pavia is offering 35 fully funded PhD positions in Sustainable Development and Climate Change for the academic year 2026–2027. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs for three years.

Program Overview:

The program combines two years of advanced coursework and seminars with a substantial research component. This structure allows students to develop deep expertise in both technical and policy aspects of sustainable development and climate change.

The program is open to students from various academic backgrounds who are passionate about sustainability, environmental protection, and climate action. You can check out more Internships, BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Fields of Study:

Students can choose from the following research areas:

• Renewable energy systems
• Sustainable agriculture and food security
• Climate adaptation and resilience
• Urban planning and sustainability
• Circular economy models
• Environmental governance and policy
• Disaster risk management
• Biodiversity conservation
• Sustainable infrastructure
• Carbon capture and storage technologies
• Water resource management
• Soil and water sustainability
• Environmental monitoring and assessment
• Community-based sustainable development
• Green technology innovation

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates must:

• Hold a master’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university
• Demonstrate strong academic performance in their previous studies
• Have a clear research proposal aligned with the program’s focus on sustainable development and climate change
• Show interest in interdisciplinary research combining science, policy, and practical solutions

Also Check: PhD, Postdoc & Professor positions at the University of Freiburg, Germany.

Deadlines:

Requirements for the Application

Candidates must submit the following documents:

• Detailed research proposal (minimum 5 pages)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts from previous studies
• Letter of motivation explaining why this program is the best fit
• Two letters of recommendation
• Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)

Important Dates

• Application opening: August 2026
• Application deadline: September 30, 2026
• First round of interviews: August 15 to September 30, 2026
• Final selection and result announcement: October 31, 2026

Also Check: Technical University of Denmark PhD and Postdoc Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

Financial Support:

The program provides full funding including:

• Monthly stipend of €1,800 per year
• Tuition fee waiver
• Research budget of €5,000 per year
• Health insurance and social security coverage

All selected candidates receive an annual award of €18,000–€20,000 for the entire duration of the PhD program.

Scholarship Duration

The scholarship lasts for three years, with the possibility of a four-year extension based on satisfactory progress.

Also Check: Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPR) Australia

Application Requirements:

Documents Required for the Application

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts
• Letter of motivation
• Two letters of recommendation
• Research proposal
• Proof of English language proficiency

Requirements for International Applicants

• Valid passport
• Documents translated into English (if required)
• Equivalence of degrees recognized by the Italian university system

How to Apply

1. Prepare all required documents in advance
2. Submit your application online through the university portal before November 15, 2026
3. Include a detailed research proposal as part of the application

Also Check: PhD, Postdoc & Professor positions at the University of Freiburg, Germany.