Fully funded PhD in Information Technologies for Engineering at the University of Sannio
The University of Sannio in Benevento has opened applications for the PhD programme in Information Technologies for Engineering, activated for the 42nd PhD cycle (academic year 2026/2027). The call offers 15 funded PhD positions, combining an Italian doctoral scholarship with advanced research training at the intersection of information technologies and engineering.
Candidates can submit their applications online between 29 July 2026 at 2:00 p.m. and 14 September 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (Italian time), with no extensions once the platform closes. The programme is open to applicants of any nationality who hold, or will soon obtain, a suitable second-cycle degree in engineering, computer science or closely related fields.
Programme overview
The PhD in Information Technologies for Engineering is a three-year doctoral programme that trains researchers to design, implement and evaluate advanced information technologies applied to complex engineering systems. The curriculum combines rigorous theoretical foundations with experimental and applied research on computer, mechanical, energy and civil infrastructure systems.
Doctoral candidates work within an interdisciplinary environment, collaborating with research groups across computer engineering, electronics, civil and industrial engineering to address real-world problems such as smart infrastructures, sustainable energy and intelligent manufacturing.
Key features of the PhD
Funding and scholarship conditions
Each of the 15 positions is associated with a doctoral scholarship, awarded on the basis of the merit rankings produced by the selection committee. The gross annual amount of the scholarship is €16,243, in line with Italian Ministerial Decree No. 247/2022, and is paid in monthly instalments, subject to social security contributions.
Scholarships have a legal duration of three years and are renewed annually, provided that the doctoral candidate completes the activities planned for the previous year and receives a positive evaluation from the PhD Board. Scholarship holders must keep their personal taxable income below the annual scholarship amount; exceeding this threshold leads to revocation of the scholarship for the entire academic year.
International mobility and research budget
International mobility is an integral component of the programme: the national fellowship database explicitly indicates that mobility abroad is required for this PhD, and research can be conducted in countries beyond Italy. When doctoral candidates carry out authorised research stays abroad, the scholarship can be increased by up to 50% for a total period not exceeding twelve months, supporting sustained international activity.
In addition to the scholarship, each doctoral candidate is guaranteed an annual research budget for activities in Italy and abroad, set at not less than 10% of the scholarship amount, subject to available funds in the university budget. This budget can cover conference participation, mobility costs, specialised training and research materials.
Duration, structure and supervision
The PhD programme spans three years, organised around coursework, seminars, supervised research and a final doctoral thesis. Candidates are supervised by academic staff from the University of Sannio, with the possibility of joint supervision or co-tutelle arrangements with foreign institutions when projects require extended work abroad.
Progress is monitored annually through formal evaluations, and continuation of enrolment and scholarship renewal depends on meeting the programme’s milestones and quality standards defined in the university’s PhD regulations.
Research areas and scientific focus
The PhD in Information Technologies for Engineering covers a broad set of engineering and technological domains, reflecting the “Engineering – Civil, Computer, Electronic” classification in the national fellowship registry. Candidates select one or more curricula and specific topics as defined in Annex A of the university call, aligning their proposal with the scientific-disciplinary sectors contributing to the programme.
Computer and information engineering
Research topics include software systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data processing pipelines, cybersecurity and intelligent computing architectures. Projects may address issues such as distributed systems, secure communication protocols, data-driven decision-support tools or AI-enhanced monitoring of industrial processes.
Civil and infrastructure engineering
Within civil engineering, the programme encourages work on smart infrastructure, structural health monitoring, resilient transportation networks and the integration of sensor and information technologies into buildings and public works. Doctoral projects can explore digital twins for infrastructure, predictive maintenance using sensor data, or sustainable construction supported by advanced simulation tools.
Electronic and industrial engineering
Candidates in electronic engineering focus on embedded systems, advanced sensors, automation and electronic devices designed for integration into industrial and mechanical systems. Industrial engineering topics include production optimisation, industrial automation, digital transformation of factories and sustainable engineering solutions for manufacturing and logistics.
Mechanical, energy and related fields
Mechanical engineering projects may study robotics, mechatronic systems, energy-efficient machinery and intelligent manufacturing lines that rely on information technologies for control and optimisation. Energy systems research addresses modelling, monitoring and optimisation of electrical and thermal networks, as well as integration of renewable energy with smart control strategies.
Eligibility and academic requirements
Access to the PhD programme is open to applicants of any age and nationality, provided they hold a suitable second-cycle degree by the application deadline. Eligible qualification types include an Italian Laurea Magistrale (Master’s Degree), a pre-1999 “old system” Italian degree, or a foreign academic qualification deemed equivalent or otherwise suitable by the selection committee.
Candidates who have not yet completed their degree can apply on condition that they obtain the required qualification by 31 October 2026; their admission to the selection phase is provisional until the degree is awarded and documentation delivered to the PhD Office. Holders of foreign degrees must provide official certificates, transcripts, and, where applicable, a Diploma Supplement or equivalence/compatibility statement such as a CIMEA Statement of Comparability.
Who should consider applying?
The programme targets early-stage researchers (0–4 years after graduation), recent postgraduate graduates and professionals with a strong interest in technological innovation and engineering research. Applicants should demonstrate solid academic performance, a clear motivation for research, and a capacity to work independently while collaborating within interdisciplinary teams.
Given the mandatory mobility abroad and the international orientation of the programme, candidates who are keen to build a global research profile and who are comfortable working in English and Italian will particularly benefit from this PhD.
Application procedure
Applications must be submitted exclusively online using the telematic procedure described in the official call for applications. The online form opens on 29 July 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (Italian time) and closes definitively on 14 September 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (Italian time); after this deadline, it is no longer possible to register or modify an application.
To access the call and the application portal, candidates should visit the official notice page of the University of Sannio at https://www.unisannio.it/it/amministrazione/avviso/20260294, where the call, Annex A and guidance documents are available. Communication regarding rankings and enrolment deadlines is provided through publication on the university website, which serves as the sole official channel; no individual notifications are guaranteed.
Step-by-step application checklist
- Read the full call for applications and the specific information for the PhD in Information Technologies for Engineering (Annex A).
- Verify that your degree (Italian or foreign) meets the admission requirements and, if you are a final-year student, that you can graduate by 31 October 2026.
- Prepare all required documents in Italian or English, in PDF format, before starting the online application.
- Complete the online application form, selecting the appropriate curriculum and research topics for which you wish to compete.
- Upload all supporting documents and, if applicable, request any disability or specific learning disorder accommodations within the online procedure.
- Submit the application no later than 14 September 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (Italian time); late or incomplete applications are excluded.
Required documents
For the PhD course in Information Technologies for Engineering, applicants must upload the following documents through the online system; submissions by other means are not accepted.
- Completed ING Admission Application form generated by the portal.
- Curriculum Vitae including academic achievements, research experience and any scientific publications or other qualifications.
- Self-declaration of the qualifying degree and a complete list of examinations with grades (for degrees obtained from Italian universities).
- A brief research proposal (1–2 pages) relating to the selected research topic; for non-scholarship or foreign-scholarship positions, the proposal may be on a freely chosen topic consistent with the chosen curriculum and relevant scientific-disciplinary sectors.
- Master’s thesis in PDF format, or, for candidates not yet graduated, a long abstract of the thesis in progress including the expected graduation date.
- A valid identity document, as required for online identification and examination access.
- Optional motivation letter, which will be taken into account during the evaluation of qualifications.
Candidates with foreign degrees must additionally provide degree certificates, official transcripts and any documentation needed to assess the eligibility of the foreign qualification, as well as translations into Italian or English where required.
Selection process and rankings
Admission to the PhD programme is based on an assessment of qualifications and entrance examinations designed to measure the candidate’s preparation, research aptitude and knowledge of at least one foreign language. The procedures, subjects and formats of these exams are specified for each PhD course in Annex A to the call, and exam dates and locations are published separately on the university website.
At the end of the selection process, the examining commission compiles merit rankings for each type of position (scholarship, non-scholarship, reserved or additional places), which are approved by Rectoral Decree and published online. Scholarships are assigned following these rankings, and in case of equal scores, income-based criteria or age may be used to break ties depending on whether a scholarship or a non-scholarship place is being awarded.
Studying at the University of Sannio in Benevento
The University of Sannio is a public university located in Benevento, Italy, with administrative headquarters in Piazza Guerrazzi 1. It offers a compact campus environment with modern laboratories and close interaction between students and faculty, particularly within the engineering and information sciences departments.
PhD candidates benefit from international research partnerships, innovative multidisciplinary projects and access to advanced scientific infrastructure supporting both fundamental and applied research. Graduates of the PhD in Information Technologies for Engineering typically pursue careers in universities, research centres, technology companies, public institutions and industries seeking specialised expertise in smart systems and information technologies.
Important dates at a glance
| Event | Date and time (Italian time) |
|---|---|
| Opening of online application portal | 29 July 2026 – 2:00 p.m. |
| Application deadline | 14 September 2026 – 2:00 p.m. |
| Deadline to obtain required degree (for provisional applicants) | 31 October 2026 |
Late applications or failure to meet the qualifying degree deadline result in exclusion from the selection or forfeiture of admission.
Contact and further information
All official information about the PhD in Information Technologies for Engineering, including Annex A, exam dates and final rankings, is published on the University of Sannio’s doctoral studies page at https://www.unisannio.it/it/studente/studente-laureato/dottorato-di-ricerca. For questions regarding procedures and documentation, candidates can contact the PhD Office via the email address indicated in the call, including dottorati@unisannio.it for admissions and administrative support.
Conclusion
The PhD in Information Technologies for Engineering at the University of Sannio offers a rare combination of full funding, mandatory international mobility and high-level interdisciplinary training in engineering and information technologies. With 15 scholarship-backed positions, a clear application window and strong institutional support, it is a compelling opportunity for motivated graduates who aim to build a research career in smart systems, digital infrastructures and advanced engineering technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many PhD positions are available?
The national doctorate fellowship database and recent announcements indicate that 15 funded positions are available for the PhD in Information Technologies for Engineering in the current cycle.
Is this a funded PhD programme?
Yes. The programme offers doctoral scholarships with a gross annual amount of €16,243, paid monthly and renewable over the three years, subject to annual evaluation.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Access is explicitly open to individuals of any nationality, and the fellowship listing confirms that both the countries of residence and nationalities of candidates are unrestricted.
Is international mobility required?
International mobility is formally required in the national listing for this PhD, and the university regulations provide scholarship increases and dedicated research budgets for authorised research stays abroad.
Which disciplines does the programme cover?
The PhD is classified under engineering with subfields in computer, civil and electronic engineering, and typical research topics also extend to industrial engineering, mechanical systems and energy networks.
Where is the University of Sannio located?
The University of Sannio is based in Benevento, Italy, with its main address at Piazza Guerrazzi 1, in the Campania region.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must hold a Master’s-level degree (or equivalent) in engineering, information technologies or related disciplines by the deadline or, for provisional applicants, by 31 October 2026. Early-stage researchers up to four years after graduation are the primary target group.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted online no later than 14 September 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (Italian time); the portal is automatically deactivated at that time and late submissions are not accepted.
Why should I apply to this programme?
This programme combines funded research, structured international mobility, strong laboratory infrastructure and interdisciplinary supervision, positioning graduates for careers in academia, research institutes and technology-intensive industries.