NRRP PhD scholarships: over 750 professional training development opportunities

Next Generation EU - NRRP funding has given rise to an extraordinary opportunity, which sees the University of Bologna and the regional and national production sector coming together to offer top-level training courses for research and innovation activities in universities, the public administration and businesses.

What are the scholarships for?

The scholarships will be used to fund PhD programmes and will be available in 2023. In particular, there are:

  • 214 PhD scholarships aimed at increasing the level of professional skills applied in research-driven activities in universities, the public administrations and in the cultural heritage sector;
  • 768 PhD scholarships aimed at developing professional skills consistent with the innovation needs of businesses. The latter are directly involved in defining the research topics and supervising the activities, which will in part be carried out in said businesses, with the aim of investing in the development of human potential, with a view also to future employment.

The scholarship is a financial benefit that serves to remunerate the PhD student. It does not create an obligation to enter into an employment contract with the business.

The minimum three-year PhD scholarship amounts to a total gross amount of €69,991, with an indicative net salary of approximately €1,200 for 12 months. For each PhD student, there is also a budget for research-related expenses amounting to approximately €5,000 for the three years and a top-up of €600/month for 6 months during the periods spent abroad.

Subject to authorisation by the PhD Academic Board, the scholarship is compatible with other forms of supplementary remuneration for the performance of activities compatible with the PhD programme.

Eligibility

Candidates may apply for a scholarship if they are:

  • an undergraduate (second-cycle degree or single-cycle degree programme) of the University of Bologna or of another Italian or foreign university and will graduate by 31 October 2022;
  • a graduate (second-cycle degree or single-cycle degree programme) of the University of Bologna or of another Italian or foreign university.

Activities performed during the PhD

The PhD programme provides the skills necessary to perform high-level research activities and pursue advanced professional career paths not only in universities but also in the public and private sector.

During the programme, PhD students will learn how to conduct original, innovative and independent research in a specific environment and will gain important transferable skills that go beyond mastering their specialist subject such as, for example, the ability to tackle complex problems, manage unforeseen events, work in a team and effectively communicate the results of their work. These essential qualities are highly valued in businesses, the manufacturing and service sectors and in the public administration.

PhD students will also undertake a period of training and research abroad and on placement in a company.

Duration of the PhD Programme

While the majority of the PhD programmes have a duration of three years, there are some that are four years' long.

PhD subject areas

The University of Bologna allows for a wide range of choice, based on your areas of interest, and offers over fifty PhD courses divided into six broad subject areas:

  • Biological, Geological and Agricultural Sciences
  • Legal, Political, Economic, Statistical Sciences
  • Engineering Sciences
  • Mathematical Physical, Chemical and Astronomical Sciences
  • Medical, Pharmaceutical and Veterinary Sciences
  • Humanistic Sciences

Find out more about our PhD programmes

How to apply for a PhD programme and the related scholarships

In order to obtain a place on a PhD programme, it is necessary to pass a selection procedure, which is described in the call for applications. This usually entails an assessment of the candidate's qualifications and project proposal, as well as an oral assessment.

Candidates are then ranked based on the scores obtained.

The scholarships are awarded to candidates according to the order in which they are ranked, taking into account any reserved places and/or other specific indications outlined in the call for applications.

Choose your PhD programme and apply

Find out more about our PhD programmes

The call for applications is now available in the PhD programmes 2023-2024 page.

NRRP PhD scholarships