Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna PhD in Human Rights, Global Politics and International Studies 2026-2027

The Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna offers a PhD program in Human Rights, Global Politics, and International Studies for the 2026-2027 academic year. This is an interdisciplinary, three-year doctoral program focused on cutting-edge research and developing expertise in complex global challenges within an international environment. The program aims to foster curiosity and open-minded exploration among its students.

This is a fully-funded scholarship. It includes a three-year doctoral scholarship of €19,740 gross per year, plus a housing allowance of €2,200 gross per year, totaling approximately €1,600 net per month. Scholars also receive 26 free meals per month at the School’s canteen, a 50% scholarship increase for research periods spent abroad, and a personal budget (10% of the scholarship) for research-related expenses. There are 5 positions funded by Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, with the possibility of more depending on external funding.

This program is open to applicants of all nationalities, including Ethiopian students, as there are no citizenship restrictions. Candidates must hold an Italian Laurea Vecchio Ordinamento, Laurea magistrale, magistrale a ciclo unico, or specialistica degree. Alternatively, applicants with a non-Italian MSc degree recognized as equivalent to these Italian second-level academic degrees for the purpose of admission to the PhD program are eligible.

Mandatory documents include a valid identity document; self-certification of the qualification obtained (or to be obtained in Italy) with a list of examinations; or a certificate from the institution awarding the qualification obtained (or to be obtained abroad) with a list of examinations; a Curriculum Vitae et Studiorum; a motivation letter; and a research project written in English. Optional documents include copies of any other relevant qualifications or publications. For academic letters of reference (maximum 3), candidates must provide the names, surnames, and institutional email addresses of their referees, who will receive a link to upload their letters directly. A copy of the MSc degree thesis or its abstract is also required; if the qualification is not yet obtained, a final draft or abstract should be attached.

Applications must be submitted online. All mandatory documents must be uploaded by the deadline. Failure to submit all required documents will result in exclusion from the selection process. Referees will receive a link to upload their letters of reference, with a submission deadline three days after the main application deadline.

The deadline for online applications is May 15, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (CEST). The schedule for interviews will be announced later, and the ranking list is expected by July 15, 2026. Further positions may become available depending on external funding. For more information, applicants should check the PhD Call for Applications and Factsheet on the official website.