Are you looking to pursue a fully funded PhD in Italy at one of the top technical universities? The Politecnico di Torino PhD Scholarship 2026 (41st Cycle) offers a fantastic chance for international students and researchers to study at Italy’s oldest and prestigious technical university with full financial support. This blog covers everything you need to know about the 41 Cycle Politecnico di Torino PhD Scholarship including eligibility, benefits, application process, and why you should apply.
Basic Information about the 41 Cycle Politecnico di Torino PhD Scholarship 2026
Application Sessions
- First session: 19 Feb 2025 – 30 Apr 2025 (2 PM CET) → PhD start: 1 Nov 2025
- Second session: 15 Oct 2025 – 14 Nov 2025 (2 PM CET) → PhD start: 1 Mar 2026
- Accepting an offer in one session excludes participation in later sessions.
- Host University: Politecnico di Torino, Italy
- Degree Level: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Number of Scholarships: At least 96 fully funded scholarships
- Application Deadline: November 14, 2025 (Second session)
- Location: Turin (Torino), Italy
- Start Dates: November 1, 2025 (first session), March 1, 2026 (second session)
- Language of Instruction: English and Italian (depending on program)
About Politecnico di Torino
Founded in 1859, Politecnico di Torino is Italy’s oldest technical university. It consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide in engineering, architecture, and technology. With strong ties to industry and global research networks, it offers cutting-edge education and international exposure. Their PhD programs emphasize innovation, research excellence, and practical impact.
Types of Positions
- Ordinary positions:
- Fully-funded (own topic)
- Fully-funded (predefined topic)
- Apprenticeship format
- Without scholarship
- Reserved positions:
- For students funded by governments/public bodies
- For Research Fellows
- Under PoliTo for Refugees Project
- For candidates in international programmes
Scholarships & Updates
- Minimum of 96 PhD scholarships funded for the 41st cycle.
- Positions distributed across two sessions.
- Updates on available positions: every Tuesday & Friday.
- Final list of positions published 6 days before oral interviews.
Examples of Available Positions (as of 3 July 2025, First Session)
- Architecture – 6 positions
- Bioengineering & Medical-Surgical Sciences – 22 positions
- Design & Technology – 6 positions
- Energetics – 24 positions + 5 reserved
- Electrical, Electronics & Communications Eng. – 41 positions + 10 reserved
- Computer & Control Eng. – 19 positions
- Urban & Regional Development – 17 positions + 2 reserved
- (Other programmes also listed with varying positions).
41 Cycle Politecnico di Torino PhD Scholarship Benefits
- Gross annual scholarship amount: €18,854.52 (~$20,500 USD) including social security contributions
- Net monthly stipend: Approx. €1,386 (~$1,507 USD)
- Exemption from local income tax and personal income tax (IRPEF)
- Additional 50% stipend increase during international research periods
- Access to university resources, labs, and international networks
- Research funding supplement equal to 10% of the scholarship value
- Opportunity for apprenticeship-based PhD positions with companies
- Fully funded tuition and fees
What Benefits Are Not Included?
- Travel expenses to/from Italy are generally not covered
- Health insurance costs might need separate arrangements unless otherwise specified
- Accommodation and personal living expenses are not covered by the scholarship
Eligibility Criteria for the 41 Cycle Politecnico di Torino PhD Scholarship
- Applicants from all nationalities are eligible
- To be eligible for a PhD program, you must have a Master’s degree or an equivalent credential.
- Demonstrated proficiency in English (usually B2 level or above)
- Academic excellence with a good GPA (Italian equivalent of 25/30 or higher)
- Compliance with all admission rules set by Politecnico di Torino
Required Documents for Application
- Valid identification document (Passport/ID)
- Master’s degree certificate and academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (SoP) outlining research interests and motivation
- Abstract of Master’s thesis
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Recommendation letters (usually two academic references)
- Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
- Research proposal or topic (if applying for own research topic scholarships)
- Any publications or other supplementary materials (optional)
Step-by-Step 41 Cycle Politecnico di Torino PhD Scholarship Application Process
- Check Eligibility – Review the specific PhD program requirements and eligibility criteria on the official Politecnico di Torino website.
- Prepare Documents – Compile all required documents noted above.
- Choose PhD Program – Select your preferred program or research topic from the list of offered programs.
- Register on Apply@polito – Create an account on the official application portal to start your online application.
- Submit Application – Complete the application form and upload all required documents before the deadline (Nov 14, 2025).
- Pay Application Fee – Pay the non-refundable fee as required by the admission process.
- Shortlisting & Interview – Applicants may be invited for an interview or further selection steps.
- Admission and Scholarship Award Notification – Results published on the university website and via email.
- Enrollment – Successful candidates complete enrollment procedures and start the program on the announced dates.
Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application
- Start your application early to meet all deadlines comfortably.
- Tailor your Statement of Purpose clearly highlighting your research goals and how they align with the university’s strengths.
- Choose a research topic thoughtfully or show strong interest in the offered PhD positions.
- Obtain strong recommendation letters from academic or research supervisors who know your abilities well.
- Proofread all documents and ensure they meet all formatting and submission requirements.
- Demonstrate your research experience or any publications if available.
- Prepare well for interviews if shortlisted.
- Stay updated with the official announcements from Politecnico di Torino.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Turin (in USD)
- Accommodation: $350 – $700 (shared apartments or university dormitories)
- Food and Groceries: $250 – $350
- Local Transport: $40 – $70
- Utilities and Internet: $50 – $100
- Miscellaneous (books, leisure, phone): $100 – $150
- Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $790 – $1,370
Why Choose the Politecnico di Torino PhD Scholarship?
- Fully Funded Opportunity – Comprehensive financial support covering tuition, monthly stipend, and research costs.
- Prestigious University – Ranked among top engineering schools globally with strong industry connections.
- Diverse Research Areas – Wide range of PhD programs in engineering, design, architecture, and sciences.
- International Exposure – Chance to collaborate with global research institutions and companies.
- Tax Exemptions – Scholarship recipients are exempted from local and personal income taxes in Italy.
- Career Advancement – Excellent platform for building an academic or research career in Europe and worldwide.
- Supportive Academic Environment – Access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can international students apply for this scholarship?
Yes, students from all nationalities can apply.
Q2: Is proficiency in Italian mandatory?
No, many programs are offered in English, but basic Italian might help socially.
Q3: Can I apply if I am currently completing my Master’s degree?
You must have completed your Master’s before starting the PhD program; check specific admission requirements.
Q4: How long does the scholarship last?
The scholarship is renewable annually for up to 36 months based on satisfactory progress.
Q5: Are there age limits for applicants?
There are generally no age restrictions for admission.
This detailed guide should assist prospective applicants in understanding and preparing for the 41 Cycle Politecnico di Torino PhD Scholarship 2026 in Italy, one of the best-funded research scholarships available in Europe.