PhD programme in Classics

The Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, encourages applications to its PhD programme in Classics. Seven 4-year, fully funded places are available starting from November 1, 2026. They are open to candidates of any nationality who have been awarded their Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject by a recognised institution of higher education in any country no more than five years before April 10, 2026, and before October 31, 2026.

*One PhD position is reserved for applicants who have obtained their Master’s degree from a non-Italian university.*

*One PhD position is reserved for a specific research topic (*Autobiographical poems by Gregory of Nazianzus: edition and commentary)

*Starting date for applications: March 10, 2026*

Deadline for applications (online only: registration is required): h. 12:00 AM (CEST), *April 11, 2026*.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on or after May 26, 2026. Final results will be announced on or before June 30, 2026.

Bursary amount: euros 18,840 per annum (gross), inclusive of a housing allowance. All meals are offered free of charge in the Scuola’s canteen except during academic holidays. In addition to the scholarship, the Scuola contributes to the expenses incurred for formally authorized study and research activities in Italy and abroad.

Successful candidates are required to acquire a good working knowledge of Italian by the end of the second year of the programme. Italian language courses are offered in collaboration with other institutions of higher education.

Starting date of the programme: November 1, 2026.


Selection procedure:

– evaluation of: CV, research proposal, MA thesis or writing sample from the thesis, publications (if any)

– shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview (in Italian or English); candidates who reside abroad will be interviewed online

For further details see

https://www.sns.it/en/phd-admission-competition

https://www.sns.it/sites/default/files/2026-02/bando_phd_2026-27_let-rettificato_0.pdf

The Scuola Normale also offers PhD bursaries in other Humanities subjects. Full details can be found here:

https://www.sns.it/en/phd-admission-competition

On the PhD programme in classics:

https://www.sns.it/en/classics