Looking for a fully funded PhD in Europe? The University of Trento in Italy is now calling for applications for its prestigious Doctoral Programme in Information Engineering and Computer Science (IECS) for 2026. With multiple funded positions across Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Telecommunications, and more — this is one of the most exciting PhD opportunities in Europe this year.
🎓 Scholarship Overview
The IECS Doctoral Programme at the University of Trento (UniTrento) is a world-class PhD school housed within the Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science (DISI). Trento is one of Italy’s top-ranked research universities, consistently recognized among the best in Europe for technology and computer science research.
This programme brings together outstanding researchers, industry partners, and international students to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in computing, communications, and intelligent systems. For 2026, the school has issued its 42nd Call for Applications, opening numerous funded PhD positions for both Italian and international candidates.
Whether your passion lies in machine learning, satellite remote sensing, cybersecurity, or next-generation wireless networks — there is a research track designed for you at UniTrento.
🎓 Benefits & Funding
PhD students admitted through this call receive a highly competitive package:
- 💰 Funded Scholarships — multiple positions come with full scholarship support, funded by UniTrento, the DISI Department, and FBK (Fondazione Bruno Kessler), one of Italy’s leading research foundations
- 🔬 Research Grant Integration — many positions are tied to funded EU and national research projects (e.g., Horizon Europe, ASI, ESA, MUR-PNRR)
- 🌍 International Research Environment — collaboration with European and global research partners
- 📚 Access to World-Class Facilities — laboratories, computing infrastructure, library, language centre, and test centre
- 🏙️ Living in Trento, Italy — a vibrant, affordable, and internationally recognized university city in the Italian Alps
- 🤝 Industry Collaboration — partnership opportunities with leading technology companies and research centres
Note: Positions without scholarships are also available for self-funded applicants.
Important IP Notice for FBK-funded positions: PhD students under FBK scholarships should be aware that intellectual property rights for research results belong to FBK, with formal transfer agreements established directly with students.
🎓 Available PhD Research Areas & Open Positions
The programme is organized into two curricula across four research areas:
📌 Area A — Computer Science | Curriculum 1 Focus: Deep & Structured Machine Learning | Language, Speech & Interaction
Funded Scholarships Available:
- 1 scholarship from the University of Trento
- 3 scholarships from DISI on topics including:
- 🤖 Geometry-Consistent Foundation Models for Multi-Agent 3D World Modeling
- 🎥 Reliable Open-World Video Models under Novelty and Ambiguity
- 🔍 Explainable Foundation Models: Representation & Attribution
- 4 scholarships from FBK including:
- 🧠 AI for Tiny, Connected Devices (Embedded Systems)
- 🤝 Controlling Collective Behaviour of Large Language Models (LLMs)
- 🌐 Human-Centred Evaluation of Multilingual Technologies
- 📱 Multimedia Personalization with Multimodal LLMs
📌 Area B — Computer Science | Curriculum 1 Focus: Cybersecurity | Embedded Intelligence & Robotics | Systems & Networks | Wireless Networking
Funded Scholarships Available:
- 2 scholarships from the University of Trento
- 3 scholarships from DISI including:
- 🎵 AI-based Extended Reality (XR) Systems for Musical Metaverse
- 🎭 Design and Evaluation of XR Ecosystems for Real-Time Musical Interaction
- 📡 Software-Defined Technologies for 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks
- 4 scholarships from FBK including:
- ⚡ AI for Tiny Connected Devices in Networked Embedded Systems
- 🔒 Dependable Cybersecurity for Cyber-Physical Production Systems
- 🧾 Secure AI Programming and Regulatory Software Compliance
- 📋 Supporting AI Act Compliance via Intelligent Environments
📌 Area C — Computer Science | Curriculum 1 Focus: Data Intelligence | Social Informatics | Software Engineering & Formal Methods
Funded Scholarships Available:
- 2 scholarships from DISI including:
- 🗺️ Behavioural Streams to Spatio-Temporal Knowledge Graphs
- 🌱 Societal Trajectory of AI: Socio-Technical Dynamics for Sustainable Impact
- 4 scholarships from FBK including:
- ⚙️ Failure Propagation Analysis for Safety Assessment of Complex Systems
- 🧪 Automated Testing of Complex Configurable Systems
- 🏙️ Modelling and Simulation of Urban Digital Twins
- 🔁 Symbolic Model Checking for Embedded Systems
📌 Area D — Telecommunications | Curriculum 2 Focus: Multimedia Signal Processing | Remote & Distributed Sensing | Signal Processing & Recognition
Funded Scholarships Available:
- 2 scholarships from the University of Trento
- 4 scholarships from DISI including:
- 🪐 AI for Planetary Radar Data Processing (ASI JUICE/EnVision missions)
- 🛰️ AI for Satellite Remote Sensing Image Analysis (ESA projects)
- 🫁 Clinical Validation of Ultrasound Interaction Models for Lung Tissue (x2 positions)
- 4 scholarships from FBK including:
- 📡 AI & Machine Learning for Radar Sounder Data
- 🌍 AI for Remote Sensing Image Time Series Analysis
- 🤖 Generalization in Vision-Language-Action Models
- 🎨 Generative Vision Models for Robot Learning
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the IECS Doctoral Programme at the University of Trento:
- Academic Degree: An academic Master’s degree (or equivalent) that allows access to PhD-level education in the country where it was awarded
- Graduating Students: Applications are also accepted from students expecting to complete their degree by October 31st, 2025
- English Language Proficiency:
- A minimum B2 level English certificate is required
- Acceptable tests include IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, and other internationally recognized qualifications
- Research Area: Applicants must select one research area per application and may choose up to 2 reserved-topic scholarships within that same area
- Nationality: Open to both Italian and international applicants worldwide
🎓 Who Should Apply?
✅ This PhD is perfect for:
- Computer science, engineering, or telecommunications graduates looking for funded PhD positions in Europe
- Students passionate about AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, robotics, or signal processing
- International applicants seeking prestigious European doctoral training with strong industry ties
- Researchers interested in space technology, remote sensing, or biomedical signal processing
- Students who want to work with EU-funded research projects (Horizon Europe, ESA, ASI)
❌ This may NOT be suitable for:
- Applicants without a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification
- Students looking for taught or coursework-only programmes
- Those who do not meet the B2 English language requirement
- Applicants seeking programmes outside engineering and computer science
🎓 Required Documents
The following documents must be uploaded through the online application system:
- ID Card (EU citizens) or Passport (non-EU citizens)
- Master’s Degree Diploma and Transcript of Records
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter
- Research Proposal
- English Language Certificate (minimum B2 level)
Always verify the complete document checklist in the official Call for Applications PDF before submitting.
🎓 Application Process
- Download and read the official Call for Applications (English or Italian version) from the IECS website
- Choose your research area — only one area per application is allowed
- Select your preferred reserved-topic scholarships — maximum 2 within the same area
- Complete your application through the official online portal: Doctoral Programmes Applications – UniTrento
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of €30
- Upload all required documents as listed in the call
- Confirm receipt — ensure you receive an email confirmation after submission
📌 Note: The Italian version of the PhD Call is the legally binding document. Additional reserved-topic scholarships may be published after the initial call — applicants who have already submitted can apply for these via a separate additional application.
🎓 Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
| Application Deadline | 15 May 2026, 4:00 PM (CEST) |
| Expected Degree Completion (for graduating students) | By October 31, 2026 |
| Additional scholarships may be published | After initial call publication |
⚠️ Do not wait until the last days to apply. Submit early to avoid technical issues with the online system.
🎓 Why Study at the University of Trento?
Here is why UniTrento’s IECS programme is one of the best PhD opportunities in Europe for 2026:
- 🏆 Top-Ranked Italian University — UniTrento consistently ranks as one of Italy’s best universities for research quality and student satisfaction
- 🌍 Truly International Environment — the programme actively recruits global talent and conducts research in English
- 🤝 FBK Partnership — access to Fondazione Bruno Kessler, one of Italy’s premier technology research organisations, with direct PhD funding and collaboration
- 🚀 EU & Space Research Projects — work on active European Space Agency (ESA), ASI, and Horizon Europe projects from day one
- 🏔️ Quality of Life in Trento — beautiful Alpine city with low cost of living, excellent public transport, and a thriving student community
- 🎓 Strong Career Outcomes — graduates go on to research roles in top universities, tech companies, and international organisations
🎓 Official Source & Application Links
| Resource | Link |
| IECS Call for Applications Page | Visit Page |
| Official Call PDF (English) | Download Here |
| Online Application Portal | Apply Now |
| PhD Programme Overview | View Programme |
| Reserved Topic Scholarships | See Topics |
| Contact Email | iecs.school@unitn.it |
🎓 Scholarship Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Institution | University of Trento (UniTrento), Italy |
| Programme | PhD in Information Engineering & Computer Science |
| Research Areas | AI, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Telecommunications, Remote Sensing |
| Funding Sources | UniTrento, DISI Department, FBK Fondazione Bruno Kessler |
| Application Deadline | 15 May 2026 |
| Application Fee | €30 (non-refundable) |
| Language Requirement | English B2 minimum |
| Location | Trento, Italy |
| Open To | International & Italian Students |
| Official Website | iecs.unitn.it |
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