Apply For The PhD In Sustainable Development And Climate Change 2025/2026 In Italy -

About the PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change

The prestigious Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia invites outstanding scholars from around the world to apply for the PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change (Cycle 41) for the 2025/2026 academic year, iIf you are passionate about climate action, sustainability, and innovative global solutions. With 36 fully-funded scholarships available and a multi-institutional research network across Italy, this doctoral program is a rare opportunity to position yourself at the forefront of interdisciplinary climate research and sustainable innovation.

The PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change (PhD-SDC) is a competitive, fully-funded three-year doctoral program designed to equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills to confront pressing global challenges. These include climate change, biodiversity loss, social inequality, energy transitions, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights.

Hosted by the Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, in collaboration with a network of 21 top-tier Italian universities and research institutions, this program blends academic excellence with real-world impact.

Eligible Fields

The program offers three dynamic, interrelated curricula. Each curriculum is designed to reflect the complexity of sustainability and to foster transdisciplinary collaboration:

CU ALPHA – One Health: Earth System and Human Life
Focuses on the interaction between environmental health, ecosystems, and human well-being.
CU BETA – Human Society: Socio-Economic Impacts, Institutions and Theories
Explores inclusive development, societal transitions, political economy, and environmental justice.
CU GAMMA – Technology and Territory: Sustainable Strategies and Solutions for the Transition
Examines technological innovation, regional transformation, and smart, sustainable urban systems.

While each student specializes in one curriculum, they will also participate in cross-curricular learning and joint activities that promote holistic and systems thinking.

Eligibility Criteria

The program welcomes applicants of all nationalities who meet the following requirements:

Must possess a Master’s degree (Laurea Magistrale or its equivalent) from an Italian or internationally recognized university.
Final-year Master’s students may apply, provided they complete their degree by 1 November 2025.
Must submit all required documents online and indicate the specific scholarship(s) and research topic(s) of interest.
A strong background in the chosen field of research and demonstrated motivation for interdisciplinary research are essential.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be assessed on a competitive basis. Selection will be based on:

Academic qualifications and achievements
Relevance of background to the chosen research area
Quality of the research proposal
Motivation and alignment with the program’s interdisciplinary goals
Interview performance (shortlisted candidates only)

Participating Universities and Institutions

This program is a joint effort among Italy’s most renowned higher education and research institutions, including:

Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Pavia
Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna
Scuola Normale Superiore
Universities of Brescia, Bolzano, Messina, Modena e Reggio Emilia, Padova, Palermo, Torino, and more
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)

These institutions provide a robust research infrastructure, access to field labs, mentorship, and international collaboration opportunities.

Required Documents

To apply, candidates must prepare and upload the following documents to the application portal:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Valid identification document (passport or national ID)
Statement of Purpose or Motivation Letter
Research Proposal outlining interests and alignment with the scholarship topic
Master’s degree certificate (or an official letter if degree is pending)
Any additional supporting documents (language certificates, publications, etc.)

Benefits of the PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change

36 Fully Funded Scholarships that cover tuition and provide a monthly stipend
A vibrant international academic community and collaborative research environment
Mentorship by top scholars in the fields of climate science, social justice, innovation, and governance
Access to advanced labs, facilities, and field research opportunities across Italy
Participation in workshops, conferences, and public engagement events
Career development support and integration into global sustainability networks

Additional scholarships may become available depending on institutional funding before the academic year begins.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the PICA online platform before the deadline:

Application Deadline: 22 August 2025 at 13:00 (CET)
Application Fee: €30 (non-refundable)

Visit the portal
Create an account and complete your profile
Upload all required documents
Indicate your preferred curriculum and scholarship(s)
Pay the €30 application fee via PagoPA
Digitally sign and submit your application
You will receive a confirmation email upon successful submission

Notes:

There are no additional registration fees beyond the application charge.
Non-EU candidates may need to complete additional procedures to obtain a student visa.
Full-time employment during the PhD is generally not permitted.
All data will be processed according to GDPR and Italian privacy laws.

Final Thoughts

This is more than a PhD—it’s a movement toward a more sustainable, just, and climate-resilient future. Don’t miss this opportunity to study, collaborate, and innovate at one of Europe’s most interdisciplinary sustainability programs.