Islamabad, June 27, 2025: The University of Milan has officially commenced its public selection process for admission to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs for the Academic Year 2025/2026, with courses set to begin on November 1, 2025.
These programs cultivate highly qualified researchers across a wide spectrum of scientific and humanistic disciplines, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, international engagement, and hands-on research experience. The selection process will involve a comprehensive evaluation of qualifications followed by an interview.
Prospective PhD candidates are invited to apply for a range of programs, each spanning three years from the November 1st start date. The university offers numerous positions, with a significant number of scholarships provided directly by the University of Milan, and additional funding potentially available from external sources.
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Available PhD Programs (A.Y. 2025/2026):
| PhD Program Title | Total Positions | Scholarships (University of Milan) |
| Molecular and Cellular Biology | 13 | 10 |
| Translational Medicine | 16 | 14 |
| Multiscale Integrative Biology (MIB) | 4 | 4 |
| Clinical Research | 9 | 7 |
| Sciences of Literary, Artistic, and Environmental Heritage | 7 | 7 |
| Nutritional Sciences | 8 | 6 |
| Pharmaceutical Sciences | 9 | 7 |
| Pharmacological Biomolecular, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences | 19 | 16 |
| Veterinary and Animal Sciences | 11 | 11 |
| Studies on Organized Crime | 4 | 4 |
Diverse Research Areas:
The PhD programs delve into extensive research areas, including biomolecular sciences, biotechnologies (Molecular and Cellular Biology), bridging laboratory and clinical sciences (Translational Medicine), holistic approaches to complex biological problems (Multiscale Integrative Biology – MIB), and understanding disease management (Clinical Research).
Humanities are covered in the study of literary, artistic, and environmental heritage. Nutrition is explored through integrated multidisciplinary research, while Pharmaceutical Sciences focuses on new molecule development.
Pharmacological sciences delve into basic and applied research on active principles. Veterinary and Animal Sciences cover comprehensive research in their respective fields. Lastly, the program on Studies on Organized Crime offers specialized training from sociological, historical, legal, and economic perspectives. Specific research themes for each program are detailed on the University’s website.
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Location and Eligibility:
Programs will be primarily based at the University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy. Some interviews may be held at specific departmental locations within Milan or Lodi, with online interview options available.
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (Laurea Magistrale) or an equivalent foreign academic qualification. Graduating students can apply but must complete their Master’s by November 1, 2025.
Specific Master’s degree classes are prerequisites for certain PhD programs (e.g., Molecular and Cellular Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences), while others, such as Translational Medicine and Nutritional Sciences, are open to all Master’s degree classes.
Role of a PhD Candidate:
Doctoral students are expected to engage in full-time experimental research, develop individual projects under tutor supervision, and contribute proactively to research. Responsibilities include studying scientific literature, preparing doctoral theses, contributing to scientific publications, presenting seminars, and participating in national and international conferences. Candidates must complete 1,500 hours of training annually and demonstrate CEFR B2 level English proficiency by the end of the first year, with some exemptions. Public employees may be eligible for a leave of absence.
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Application Process:
Applications must be submitted online through the University of Milan’s official portal by 14:00 (CEST) on July 30, 2025. Applicants must first register on the University Portal, then authenticate and submit their application via the “Servizio di ammissione dottorati di ricerca.” A non-refundable application fee of €50.00 is required.
Required documents for upload (in .pdf, .rtf, or .jpg, max 10MB per file) include:
- Diploma Supplement or certificates of Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees with exams, grades, and credits (enrollment certificate for graduating students).
- Curriculum vitae, including professional experience.
- Research project (following Model 1 from the call).
- Copy of passport (for international candidates).
- Any scientific publications (in Italian or English).
- Attachment A.
- Optional request for online interview (following Model 3).
For specific programs (Molecular and Cellular Biology, Nutritional Sciences, Pharmacological Biomolecular, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences, Clinical Research, Multiscale Integrative Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences), one or two reference letters are required, sent directly by referees to the specified email address for the chosen PhD program by the application deadline (Model 2 provided).
For detailed information, including specific research themes and required application models, please visit the official University of Milan website.
