University of Pisa Joint PhD Scholarship 2026 in Italy is a prestigious, research-focused opportunity mainly offered under the CSC–UNIPI Joint Scholarship for PhD Programmes (40 funded places) for eligible Chinese applicants who want to pursue a full PhD at the University of Pisa for the 2026–2027 intake. The key deadline for UniPi pre-selection is 31 January 2026, after which selected candidates must apply to the China Scholarship Council (CSC) when its call is published.
Basic Information (with deadline)
- Scholarship name (official): CSC – UNIPI Joint Scholarship for PhD Programmes (often shared online as “University of Pisa Joint PhD Scholarship 2026”).
- Host country: Italy (University of Pisa / Università di Pisa).
- Number of scholarships: 40 scholarships each year for a full PhD programme at UniPi.
- Study level: PhD (Doctoral), full programme leading to a doctoral degree conferred by the University of Pisa after successful completion and dissertation defense.
- Intake / academic year: 2026–2027 at UniPi.
- UniPi application period opens: 1 November 2025 for the 2026–2027 academic year (as stated on the official CSC–UNIPI notice).
- UniPi pre-selection deadline (most important date): 31 January 2026 (submit the UniPi pre-selection form to receive a pre-acceptance letter/offer of admission).
- CSC application step: After UniPi notifies admission, applicants must apply for CSC funding “once published” under the CSC call.
- CSC selection timeline (official guidance): Between March and June 2026, CSC reviews applications and provides UniPi the final list of scholarship recipients; UniPi accepts only candidates who obtain the CSC scholarship.
- Primary SEO keywords to target: University of Pisa Joint PhD Scholarship 2026, CSC UNIPI Joint Scholarship, fully funded PhD scholarship Italy 2026, University of Pisa PhD programs 2026, PhD in Italy for Chinese students, UNIPI PhD scholarship deadline 2026.
- Total scholarships: 40 full PhD scholarships
- Target group: Chinese (PRC) students
- Degree awarded by: University of Pisa
University / Institution Details
- University name: University of Pisa (Università di Pisa), Italy.
- PhD structure at UniPi: UniPi PhD programmes are three-year programmes featuring hands-on research training complemented by specific training courses.
- General admission principle: Admission to UniPi PhD programmes is via a competitive call and typically requires a Master’s degree (or equivalent/recognized foreign qualification for admission purposes).
- International environment: UniPi encourages international participation and promotes interaction with the economic and social system to strengthen links between research and the productive world.
- Who manages this joint scholarship: The scholarship is based on an agreement between the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and the University of Pisa, running since 2015.
Study Areas (available PhD programme names)
- Official list of UniPi PhD programmes available for CSC–UNIPI application includes (as published by UniPi):
- Biology.
- Physics.
- National Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence for Society.
- Geosciences and Environment.
- High Performance Scientific Computing.
- Mathematics.
- Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences.
- Chemical and Materials Sciences.
- Business Administration and Management.
- Legal Sciences.
- Political Sciences.
- Computer Science.
- Energy, Systems, Land and Construction Engineering.
- Information Engineering.
- Industrial Engineering (curricula include: Aerospace Engineering; Chemical Engineering and Materials; Engineering of Vehicles and Transport Systems; Mechanical Engineering; Nuclear Engineering and Industrial Safety).
- Smart Industry.
- Clinical Pathophysiology (curricula include: Pathological Anatomy and Oncology; Bio-Psychological and Statistical; Cardiopulmonary; Surgical, Integrated Surgical and Anaesthesiological).
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bioactive Substances.
- Clinical and Translational Sciences (curricula include: Endocrinology, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases; Imaging, Simulation and Planning; Immunology and Microbiology; Neuroscience; Oncology and Molecular Medicine; Public Health).
- Veterinary Sciences.
- Linguistics, Foreign Literatures and Italian Studies (curricula include multiple language/literature and Italian studies tracks).
- Ancient Studies and Archaeology (curricula include: Anthropology of the Ancient World; Archaeology; Classical Philology).
- History.
University of Pisa Joint PhD Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition and registration fee waiver
- Thesis defense fee covered
- Access to labs, libraries, computers, and research facilities
- Integration into university research groups
- Free Italian language course
- Support for accommodation, visa, and banking
Benefits Not Included
- Non-CSC candidates not covered: Candidates applying to UniPi outside the CSC agreement must follow the regular admission procedure and should not assume these joint-scholarship benefits apply.
- Exact monthly stipend not stated on UniPi notice: The UniPi page describes tuition waiver/resources and support, but it does not specify a monthly stipend amount on the UniPi side.
- Flights/travel costs not specified by UniPi: The UniPi notice does not list airfare reimbursement; applicants should check the CSC call once published for any travel provisions.
- Insurance not specified by UniPi notice: Health insurance coverage is not detailed on the UniPi joint scholarship page, so applicants should confirm requirements via CSC and Italy visa rules.
Eligibility Criteria for University of Pisa Joint PhD Scholarship
- Must be a citizen of the People’s Republic of China
- Must complete Master’s degree by 31 December 2026
- Must have strong English proficiency
- Selection structure requirement: Candidates must pass UniPi pre-selection and then be selected for CSC funding; UniPi will accept only candidates who obtain the CSC scholarship.
- General PhD context at UniPi: UniPi PhD admission is competitive and generally requires a Master’s degree or equivalent recognized qualification (as described on UniPi’s PhD overview page).
Required Documents (for UniPi pre-selection)
- CV (Curriculum Vitae).
- Research project.
- Master’s degree certificate with English translation (if already obtained).
- Transcripts/marksheet with English translation.
- Copy of a valid passport with English translation.
- Motivation statement (signed) – optional.
- Reference letter(s) – optional, but if submitted, must be on university letterhead with stamp and professor’s signature.
- English language knowledge certificate.
University of Pisa Joint PhD Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-step)
Step 1: UniPi Pre-selection
- Apply online to UniPi by 31 January 2026
- Submit:
- CV
- Research proposal
- Master’s certificate & transcripts (English translation)
- Passport copy
- English language certificate
- Motivation letter & reference letters (optional)
Step 2: CSC Selection
- After UniPi admission, apply separately for CSC funding
- CSC makes the final scholarship decision
- Only CSC-funded candidates are accepted
Tips for a Successful Application (high-impact)
- Write a research project that matches UniPi strengths: Make the project specific, feasible for a PhD, and clearly aligned with one of the listed UniPi doctoral programmes.
- Prove English ability clearly: Since “excellent knowledge of English” is explicitly required, attach an English certificate and show evidence through publications, thesis, or coursework when possible.
- Translation quality matters: Use accurate English translations for your degree certificate, transcripts, and passport copy, because translations are explicitly required in the UniPi document list.
- Use optional documents strategically: Add a signed motivation statement and at least one strong reference letter even though they are optional, because they can strengthen academic fit and research potential.
- Treat it as a two-stage competition: Plan for both UniPi pre-selection and CSC selection; build a profile that satisfies both a university research fit and a national scholarship evaluation.
Monthly Living Expenses in Pisa (USD)
- Rent (shared room/flat): USD 350–650 per month, depending on location and season (higher near the city center and during peak student intake).
- Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet): USD 80–160 per month, depending on heating/AC usage.
- Food & groceries: USD 220–350 per mon,th depending on diet and cooking habits.
- Local transport: USD 25–60 per month (many students walk/bike; occasional bus/train for commuting).
- Health insurance / medical: USD 50–120 per month, depending on coverage and visa requirements.
- Study & lab supplies/printing: USD 15–40 per month (varies by PhD field).
- Personal expenses: USD 100–250 per month (mobile plan, clothing, social life).
- Estimated total (typical range): USD 840–1,630 per month (individual lifestyle dependent).
Why Choose This Scholarship? (at least 5 reasons)
- Full PhD at a historic European university: The scholarship supports enrollment in a complete PhD programme at the University of Pisa with a UniPi doctoral degree upon successful completion.
- Strong research immersion: Scholars join professors’ research groups and can access research facilities, labs, networks, and libraries.
- Reduced financial burden: UniPi provides a tuition fee waiver covering registration/tuition and thesis defense fees.
- Clear pathway for Chinese applicants: The joint framework is specifically built for PRC citizens under CSC policy, creating a defined pipeline from pre-acceptance to funding.
- Support beyond academics: UniPi indicates support for accommodation access, banking, and visa formalities, plus a free Italian language course.
- Wide range of PhD fields: Options span AI, computing, engineering, sciences, humanities, social sciences, and health-related doctoral programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is this scholarship open to all international students?
This joint scholarship route is for PRC citizens (with overseas Chinese eligibility subject to CSC policy), as stated by UniPi. - What is the University of Pisa Joint PhD Scholarship 2026 deadline?
The UniPi pre-selection form deadline is 31 January 2026 for the 2026–2027 academic year intake. - Do applicants apply only to UniPi?
No, it is a two-part process: UniPi pre-selection first, then CSC funding application once the CSC call is published. - Does UniPi accept candidates without CSC funding?
UniPi states it will accept only candidates who obtain the CSC scholarship under this agreement. - What documents are mandatory for the UniPi pre-selection?
CV, research project, degree certificate (if already obtained) with English translation, transcripts with English translation, passport copy with English translation, and an English knowledge certificate are listed as required attachments. - Are motivation letters and references required?
UniPi lists the motivation statement and reference letter(s) as optional, with format rules if submitted (letterhead, stamp, professor signature). - Is the PhD duration fixed?
UniPi describes its PhD as a three-year programme with hands-on research training and courses.
Important Dates
- Application opens: 1 November 2025
- Application deadline (UniPi): 31 January 2026
- CSC final selection: March – June 2026
- Academic year: 2026–2027
