Looking for a fully funded doctoral opportunity in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries? The University of Trento (UniTrento), in partnership with the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, is now inviting applications for 8 fully funded PhD scholarships in Management for the academic year 2026-27. This is a rare chance to pursue world-class doctoral research in Italy — with no tuition fees, a generous annual stipend, and extra funding for international research stays.
The programme is taught entirely in English and is open to students from all nationalities worldwide. The application deadline is 14 May 2026. Read on for everything you need to know.
🎓 Scholarship Overview
The Joint PhD in Management is a prestigious doctoral programme co-hosted by two top Italian universities — the University of Trento and the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano. Together, these institutions have designed a programme that sits at the intersection of rigorous academic research and real-world responsible management.
The programme fosters independent scholarship, scientific integrity, and creativity to advance responsible management research and education. Its core goal is to develop internationally competitive scholars with strong theoretical, methodological, and analytical expertise in management, while advancing high-quality, original research that addresses major societal and organisational challenges.
What makes this programme truly stand out is its dual supervision model — every PhD student receives guidance from two supervisors, one from each university. This gives students access to a wider range of expertise, two distinct research networks, and enhanced opportunities for collaboration and joint publications.
🎓 Benefits & Funding
The University of Trento is committed to supporting its doctoral researchers well above Italy’s standard rates. Here is a full breakdown of what scholarship recipients receive:
Financial Support:
- ✅ Annual stipend ranging from €18,345 to €25,200 gross per year (from the 42nd cycle, academic year 2026-27), above the standard Italian ministerial rate
- ✅ +50% stipend increase during approved research periods abroad
- ✅ 10% of the scholarship as a dedicated budget for research activities (conference travel, materials, etc.)
- ✅ Zero tuition fees — fees are limited only to an annual provincial tax of €150 and a stamp duty of €16
- ✅ Extra funding provided specifically for international study periods (4–6 months abroad at renowned institutions)
Academic & Personal Benefits:
- ✅ Dual supervision from faculty at both Trento and Bozen-Bolzano
- ✅ Access to research seminars by national and international scholars
- ✅ Workshops tailored for early-career researchers
- ✅ Subsidized university housing and dining services
- ✅ Free Italian language courses for international students
- ✅ Access to a broad international academic network across both universities
- ✅ Full-time employment contract for 3 years
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for these PhD scholarships at the University of Trento, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Academic Qualification:
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field — such as Business Administration, Management, Economics, Organizational Studies, or a related discipline
- Strong academic record and demonstrated research potential
Language Requirements:
- The programme is taught entirely in English
- Proof of English proficiency is required — accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent certificates
- Knowledge of Italian is not required for admission, though learning some is helpful for daily life in Trento
Other Requirements:
- Open to applicants of all nationalities — EU, non-EU, and international students are all welcome
- Applicants should not already hold a PhD degree
- A well-developed research proposal aligned with responsible management principles is essential
🎓 Who Should Apply
✅ You should apply if you:
- Hold a relevant Master’s degree and want to pursue an academic or research-driven career
- Are genuinely passionate about business management, sustainability, and responsible leadership
- Want to work under dual supervision from two European universities
- Are looking for a fully funded PhD with real financial support in Italy
- Want to spend part of your doctorate at an international institution abroad
❌ You may not be suitable if you:
- Do not hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification
- Cannot demonstrate English proficiency
- Are looking for an online or part-time doctoral programme (this is full-time, in-person)
- Already hold a doctoral degree
🎓 Available Research Areas
The Joint PhD in Management covers a wide range of research themes within responsible business and management sciences. Faculty research interests across both universities include:
- 📌 Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management
- 📌 Application of AI and Advanced Information Technologies in Management
- 📌 Organisation Design and Human Resource Management
- 📌 Tourism, Hospitality, and Regional Development
- 📌 Strategy and Knowledge Management
- 📌 Accounting, Accountability, and Sustainability
- 📌 Sustainable Leadership and Responsible Business Practices
- 📌 Social and Environmental Dimensions of Business
Applicants are encouraged to align their research proposal with the ongoing interests of the Doctoral Programme Committee faculty members — details are available on the department website.
🎓 Programme Structure
- Duration: 3 years, full-time
- Language of Instruction: English
- Campuses: Trento (Italy) and Bozen-Bolzano (Italy)
- Research Stay Abroad: 4 to 6 months at a partner university or research institution outside Italy
- Positions Available: 8 fully funded scholarship places (2026-27 entry)
- Supervision: Dual supervision — one supervisor from Trento, one from Bozen-Bolzano
- Curriculum: Core seminars in quantitative and qualitative methods, organisational and management theories, and research strategies, combined with individual research and mentoring
🎓 Required Documents
To submit a strong application, prepare the following:
- ✅ Curriculum Vitae (CV) — Europass format recommended
- ✅ Motivation Letter / Personal Statement
- ✅ Research Proposal — clearly aligned with responsible management themes
- ✅ Academic Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- ✅ Degree Certificates (translated into English if in another language)
- ✅ English Language Proficiency Certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- ✅ Letters of Recommendation from academic or professional referees
- ✅ Valid Passport or ID copy
- ✅ Any previous publications or research work (if applicable)
📌 Make sure all documents are up to date and error-free before submitting — incomplete applications may be disqualified.
🎓 Application Process
- Review the Call for Applications on the official University of Trento PhD Management page at unitn.it/en/phd/management
- Study the research interests of the Doctoral Programme Committee members to tailor your research proposal
- Prepare all required documents well in advance of the deadline
- Submit your application online through the University of Trento’s official application portal before 14 May 2026, 4:00 p.m. Italian time
- Shortlisting and interviews — eligible candidates will be contacted for further evaluation
- Admission and enrollment — successful applicants will receive a formal offer and instructions for enrollment
📧 For questions, contact the Department of Economics and Management: phd.dem@unitn.it Via Inama 5, I-38122 Trento, Italy
🎓 Important Dates
| Detail | Date |
| Call Published | March–April 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 14 May 2026, 4:00 p.m. (Italian time) |
| Programme Start | Academic Year 2026-27 |
| Duration | 3 Years (full-time) |
⚠️ This is a strict deadline — late applications will not be accepted. Start preparing your research proposal early!
🎓 Why Study at the University of Trento in Italy?
There are many compelling reasons to choose this programme:
- University of Trento is consistently ranked among Italy’s top universities for research quality and international outlook
- The dual-university structure is unique in Europe — you gain exposure to two research cultures, two faculty groups, and two professional networks
- The programme provides financial support for extended research stays at renowned universities and research institutions outside Italy, generous scholarships, and individual research funds
- Trento is a vibrant, safe, and affordable city in northern Italy — nestled in the Alps with excellent quality of life
- Italy offers a rich academic tradition, a welcoming international community, and strong career pathways in academia, business, and policy
- The programme prepares graduates for both academic careers and research-intensive roles in public, private, and international organisations
For more fully funded PhD opportunities in Europe, explore our guide: Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in the UK 2026
Also check more opportunities on our Scholarships Category Page and Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA 2026.
🎓 Official Sources
Apply and explore full details through the official portals:
🔗 Official PhD Management Page: https://www.unitn.it/en/phd/management 🔗 University of Trento PhD Scholarships: https://www.unitn.it/en/study/fees-scholarships-accommodation/scholarships-and-awards/phd-scholarships 🔗 Free University of Bozen-Bolzano: https://www.unibz.it/en/faculties/economics-management/phd-management/ 🔗 Department of Economics and Management: https://www.economia.unitn.it/en/dottorato/management
🎓 Scholarship Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Universities | University of Trento + Free University of Bozen-Bolzano |
| Country | 🇮🇹 Italy |
| Programme | Joint PhD in Management |
| Number of Positions | 8 Fully Funded |
| Annual Stipend | €18,345 – €25,200 gross/year |
| Abroad Stipend Increase | +50% during research stay abroad |
| Research Budget | 10% of annual scholarship |
| Tuition Fees | Zero (only €166/year in minor taxes) |
| Duration | 3 Years (full-time) |
| Language | English |
| Nationality | Open to All Countries |
| English Requirement | IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent |
| Application Deadline | 14 May 2026 |
| Contact | phd.dem@unitn.it |
| Official Website | unitn.it |
