The PEGASO PhD Scholarships are fully funded doctoral positions at the University of Florence — one of Italy’s oldest and most respected public research universities, founded in 1321. Funded by the Tuscany Region through the Giovanisì Project, PEGASO offers a genuinely strong annual stipend, research funding, and a one-time relocation grant, and — unlike many European PhD schemes — it’s open to applicants of any nationality, not just EU citizens.
If you’re researching fully funded PhD opportunities in Italy, here’s what you need to know about eligibility, funding, and how to apply before the deadline.
Quick Overview
Institution University of Florence (Università di Firenze), Italy
Funded by Regione Toscana, via PR ESF 2021–2027 (Giovanisì Project)
PhD cycle 42nd Cycle (2026/2027)
Open to All nationalities
Application deadline 6 August 2026, 12:00 noon (Italian time / CEST)
Programme start 1 November 2026
Annual stipend €16,243
What the Scholarship Covers
- Annual scholarship of €16,243, paid to support living costs throughout the PhD
- Access to dedicated research funding, covering expenses such as laboratory work, conferences, field research, data collection, and research materials
- One-time relocation contribution of up to €5,000 for eligible international students — intended to help with the real costs of moving to Italy: visa fees, document legalisation, translations, rental deposits, flights, and initial settlement expenses
- 50% increase in scholarship during any approved period of international research mobility abroad, for students who undertake research activities outside Italy as part of their programme
This is a complete doctoral training pathway — not a short exchange or research visit — leading to a full PhD degree from the University of Florence.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to applicants of any nationality, both Italian and international
- You must already hold, or expect to obtain before enrolment, a Master’s degree or an internationally recognised equivalent qualification
- You should be prepared to undertake a full-time doctoral programme, with a serious, well-developed research project
- Some PEGASO-linked positions may require or expect research mobility or applied research activities, depending on the specific PhD programme and department
- Admission is competitive — applicants should be ready for a rigorous selection process rather than an automatic acceptance
Because PEGASO scholarships are attached to specific PhD programmes within the University of Florence’s broader 42nd Cycle call, exact departmental requirements (research area fit, specific academic prerequisites) can vary — always check the specific programme listing you’re applying to.
Who This Is (and Isn’t) For
This opportunity is well suited to applicants who:
- Want to begin a PhD in Italy in the 2026/2027 academic year
- Already hold, or will soon hold, a Master’s-level qualification
- Can prepare a serious, well-defined research project
- Are ready for a competitive admissions process
- Can commit to full-time doctoral study
- Are open to research mobility or applied research components, where required by their programme
This is strictly a PhD-level call — it is not an option for students still seeking Bachelor’s or Master’s admission.
Application Process
- Review the 42nd Cycle PhD Programmes offered by the University of Florence and identify the PEGASO-funded positions relevant to your field.
- Confirm your qualification status — you must hold, or be on track to hold before enrolment, a Master’s degree or recognised equivalent.
- Prepare a serious research project proposal, aligned with your chosen PhD programme’s research focus.
- Submit your application online through the University of Florence’s PhD application portal before the deadline.
- Selection process. Admission is competitive and evaluated by the relevant doctoral programme committee.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 6 August 2026, 12:00 noon (Italian time / CEST) — the online system closes automatically at this exact time, so don’t leave submission for the final hour
- Programme start: 1 November 2026
Official Resources
- PhD Programmes page (University of Florence): https://www.unifi.it/en/study-us/after-graduation/phd-programmes
- Look specifically for the “PhD Call for Applications Pegaso 2026” listing, with its confirmed 6 August 2026, 12 noon deadline
- Always cross-check specific programme/department requirements directly on the official call before applying, since eligibility details can vary between doctoral programmes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this scholarship open to all nationalities? Yes — unlike many European PhD schemes that restrict funding to domestic or EU applicants, PEGASO is open regardless of nationality, provided academic admission requirements are met.
Do I need to already have a Master’s degree? You need to either already hold one or be on track to obtain it before enrolment (1 November 2026).
Is there support for international relocation costs? Yes — eligible international students may receive a one-time relocation contribution of up to €5,000, on top of the annual stipend.
Can I apply for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree through this call? No — PEGASO is strictly for PhD-level study.
What happens if I miss the exact deadline time? The online application system closes automatically at 12:00 noon Italian time on 6 August 2026 — late submissions are not accepted, so plan to submit well ahead of the cutoff.
Don’t Wait on This One
With a strict cutoff of 6 August 2026, 12:00 noon Italian time, and a genuine research project proposal required as part of your application, this isn’t something to put together in the final days. The online system stops accepting submissions automatically at the deadline — no exceptions.
Want expert guidance through the process? Our experienced student counsellors can help you identify the right PEGASO-funded programme for your field and strengthen your research proposal — reach out today.
Follow @stepbystepscholarshipguide for more fully funded scholarship breakdowns, deadlines, and step-by-step application guidance.
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