Is your hope to study towards a PhD in Europe without paying tuition or having to take IELTS? Great news! There are fully funded PhD scholarships open for the academic year 2025 with the University of Milano. You can get €16,350 per year which is great and you don’t have to take the IELTS exam to apply.

For any international student aiming for top-class education in one of the top public universities in Italy, this is a special chance. In this text, we explain the different PhD programs, how Canadian universities are ranked, the scholarships you can apply for, the paperwork and the steps of applying to a program.

Description and Ranking

Università degli Studi di Milano is considered a top public university in Italy. The university began in 1924 and is regarded for its top-notch research, solid academic environment and state-of-the-art facilities.

Last updated in 2025, the QS World University Ranking.

In its latest update, the University of Milan is placed:

• QS World Ranking 2025: ranked #276
• The Best 100 European Universities according to QS 2025
• Times Higher Education (THE) ranked these as the top 250 universities worldwide.
• There are 33 departments at the university and more than 60 doctoral programs are presented in different areas.

Here  are the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

programs for enrollment in 2025. It is possible to find fully funded scholarships for some very important PhD programs.

• PhD degree in Computer Science
• Computational statistics can build on prior knowledge in statistics which can make the learning process more effective.
• Law and Legal Studies PhD
• PhD in Agriculture
• Molecular Medicine
• Philosophy along with Human Sciences
• PhD in Chemistry
• Getting a PhD in Clinical Research
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Sciences
• PhD degree in Political Studies
• Physics
• A doctorate in Bioengineering
• Federal University of Minas Gerais PhD in Economics and Management
• Linguistic Studies and Literature, PhD
• Neuroscience Doctoral Degree

Students will learn these programs only in English and Italian. Candidates are allowed to choose programs that are appropriate for their history and interests in academics and research.

University of Milano Scholarship Benefits

The University of Milan Fully Funded PhD Scholarships provide a generous package for international students:

No IELTS is required

A highly attractive feature of this scholarship is that the IELTS or TOEFL test is not required. Proof of English competency is required only if you did not attend an English-speaking school near your home or if you do not have the English certificate from your university.

Other ways to prove English proficiency:

• Medium of Instruction Certificate 
• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree organized in English

Many other recognized certifications

listed below are the main documents you need for the verification process. 

• A CV/Resume (detailing academic and research information)
• Bachelor’s and Master’s are higher degrees.
• Grades appear on the transcripts.
• Write a research proposal (about 1,500 to 2,000 words)
• Letter of Self-Motivation
• Recommendation Letters
• Valid Passport
• An English Proficiency Certificate (or similar)
• Researchers may also share any published papers they have written (optional).
• Include your project or portfolio (if it is applicable to your profession)
• Have all your documents translated into Italian or English and certify them if it is necessary.

How to Process for Applying PhD Scholarship

All application steps should be done digitally on the official university website.

Step-by-Step Process:

• Go to the official website at https://www.unimi.it
• Pick out the PhD program that best matches your interests.
• Fill out and submit the form on the NHSC website.
• Give the evaluation process time to happen
• Interview 

May is when applications open and July is when the application period ends every year. Ensure to continue looking for announcements made by the university.

Features Does the University of Milano Have?

• The Best Public University in Italy
• Tailored for international students using English as the main language
• Spreadsheet Lab is completely financed – you don’t have to pay for it.
• Without needing IELTS – good for anyone who doesn’t speak English as their first language
• Research environment supports students preparing for academic careers
• Located in Milan, a city famous throughout the world for fashion, technology and innovation

Living in University of Milano as a Student

Being in Milan means experiencing history, modern life and culture together. Since Trento is one of the most expensive cities in Italy, having the scholarship makes things much more comfortable.

Monthly budget (ballpark figure):

• Accommodation: €400–€700
• Food: €200–€300
• Transport: €25 for a month (student ticket).
• Miscellaneous: €100

The University of Milan provides housing assistance and instructions for international students which makes everything go smoothly.

Strategies for Improving Your Application

Do you want to be noticed by the university among other applications? Make use of the following procedures:

• Make your research proposal fit the interests of the faculty.
• Make it obvious why you wish to study in this program.
• Pick people who are familiar with your academic achievements.
• Include experience or studies done in your previous research projects.
• Don’t delay, go for the application as soon as possible.

Support for students arriving from other countries

A special International Students Office at the University offers help with:

• Visas and permits that allow living.
• Getting everyone familiar with the university
• Combining different cultures and holding events
• Language classes aimed at foreigners (such as Italian courses)

The university makes sure you don’t feel alone, by caring for you at all times.

University of Milano Useful Links

• 🔗 University of Milan Official Website

• 🔗 PhD Programs Portal

• 🔗 Scholarship Details

Final Thoughts

This scholarship opportunity at the University of Milan in 2025 can greatly change the lives of students from across the globe. Since the program is funded, has no tuition, does not require the IELTS and is highly ranked worldwide, it prepares students to be leading researchers and scholars.

For those applying to PhD programs, Europe is an excellent destination not to be missed. Don’t procrastinate, organize your documents now and maintain plenty of time before the deadline.

Apply at the earliest chance to open up doors to your studies in Milan, Italy.

For more information about other Admissions