ADMISSIONS
PhD in Psychological Sciences (42nd cycle)
The Call for Applications for the 42nd cycle (2026–2029) is now available on the dedicated page of the University of Padua website: all details and official rules will be available there.
Below, we report regularly updated links, documents, instructions, and the CV and Research project templates that you should use in your applications.
Please make sure to consult this page carefully before writing to us with general questions.
At a glance
Application period
The online application period will run:
From: April 17, 2026
To: May 20, 2026 (1:00PM CEST, final deadline)
Please avoid submitting your application in the final days before the deadline, as the online system may experience delays or heavy traffic.
How to apply
All applications must be submitted online through the University’s official application system.
Detailed instructions, templates, and links, including the CV form and the project form, are available below and on the official Call Page.
Please read them carefully before and during the application process.
Positions and funding
For the 42nd cycle, the PhD in Psychological Sciences will offer a total of 10 fully funded positions (scholarships included), of which:
POSITIONS ON TOPICS PROPOSED BY THE APPLICANTS
POSITION ON PRE-DETERMINED PROJECT TOPIC
PhD at Risk Scholarships
The official notice for 3 additional PhD at Risk scholarships for admission to the 42nd cycle (a.y. 2026/2027) is available on the University of Padua website.
These scholarships are funded by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo and are reserved for candidates facing situations of risk or vulnerability due to conflict, persecution, human rights violations, or political instability.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
June 5, 2026 – 1:00PM (CEST)
Scholarships and Opportunities
All positions are supported by a scholarship and are open to both Italian and international applicants.
Please refer to the official Call for full details on further opportunities.
Research Period Abroad
All positions include a mandatory training period abroad (minimum 3 consecutive months) which can be extended up to 12 months.
Some positions may require longer research stays abroad and/or a traineeship at partner institutions or companies. Specific information will be provided in the Call.
Evaluation and selection
Admission to the PhD is based on a merit-based, competitive selection.
An Admissions Committee will evaluate applicants on the basis of:
Curriculum Vitae (education, research experience, training, awards, etc.)
Research project proposed by the applicant
(aligned with the research lines of the Faculty)
Motivation/statement of purpose
Reference letters
Pre-selected applicants will be invited to an oral interview
It will be held in English, focusing on the research project, CV and motivation
Online Option
The interview can be held online (e.g., via Zoom) for applicants who select this option in the application form.
Evaluation Process
The detailed evaluation criteria, the scoring system and the interview schedule will be specified in the Call and published on this page once available.
Admissions Updates
All relevant information about the 42nd cycle admissions – including the Call for Applications, the online application link, the CV form, the PhD Course Table, the pre-selection results, interview calendar and final rankings – will be posted and regularly updated on this page.
Before contacting the PhD Office, please carefully check this page and the official Call, as most general questions are already addressed in the documents and instructions provided here.
For specific issues not covered by the Call or by this page, you may contact
Admission Call
The call for admission is published on the University of Padua’s general PhD admissions page. Calls are open only during specific periods of the year, usually in April.