The PhD in Human Rights, Global Politics and International Studies at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna offers an interdisciplinary and international doctoral programme for students interested in human rights, international relations, political theory, global governance, and related fields.
This fully funded PhD programme provides advanced research training in a highly international academic environment and is designed for candidates aiming to pursue academic, policy, or international institutional careers.
Programme Overview
- Host Institution: Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna
- Location: Pisa
- Programme Type: PhD
- Field: Human Rights, Global Politics and International Studies
- Duration: 3 Years
- Academic Year: 2026–2027
- Funded Positions: 5 fully funded positions
- Application Deadline: 15 May 2026, 12:00 p.m. (CEST)
- Ranking List Publication: By 15 July 2026
Additional funded positions may become available before the programme begins.
Financial Benefits
Selected candidates will receive:
- Three-year doctoral scholarship worth €19,740 gross per year
- Housing allowance of €2,200 gross per year
- Approximate total of €1,600 net per month
- 26 free meals per month at the School’s canteen
- 50% scholarship increase during research periods abroad
- Personal research budget equal to 10% of the scholarship amount
This makes it one of the strongest fully funded PhD opportunities in Europe for students working in political science and human rights.
Research Environment
The programme offers:
- An interdisciplinary academic structure
- Strong international faculty and research supervision
- Research opportunities in human rights, migration, democracy, peacebuilding, global justice, and governance
- Exposure to both academic and policy-oriented research
- International mobility and exchange opportunities
It is particularly suitable for applicants working on migration, refugee rights, global justice, humanitarian governance, political transitions, and MENA-related human rights issues.
Why Apply?
This PhD is particularly valuable for candidates seeking:
- A fully funded doctoral programme in Europe
- Strong training in human rights and political science
- Research opportunities connected to global governance and migration
- Academic careers in international studies or political science
- Work with international organizations, NGOs, or policy institutions
