Istituto Italiano per gli Studi Storici - Scholarships of the Istituto Italiano per gli Studi Storici

Scholarships of the Istituto Italiano per gli Studi Storici

You will receive 18,000 EUR gross per year, paid in 12 monthly instalments, to carry out a research project in history, philosophy or literature in Naples. The scholarship runs for one academic year. It may be extended for a second year if your work is outstanding. The Istituto Italiano per gli Studi Storici (IISS), founded in 1946 by Benedetto Croce, is awarding 16 of these fellowships for the 2026–2027 cycle. For most of these, you are free to choose your own topic; however, some are restricted to specific subjects: one for a project utilising the historical archives of the Fondazione Banco di Napoli, one for medieval studies (the ‘Federico II’ scholarship, which is open only to graduates of Italian universities), one for a project utilising the archives of the ‘Pio Monte della Misericordia’, and one (the ‘Raffaele Mattioli’ scholarship) for the history of economic thought or the ruling class in Italy since unification. From December to May, you will work on your project in Naples and take part in the Institute’s courses, seminars and conferences. From June onwards, you may conduct research in other locations in Italy or abroad. You will also have access to the Institute’s library, which contains over 150,000 volumes, including Benedetto Croce’s personal library.

Who can apply

• Degree: You hold a university degree (Laurea) or a PhD in history, philosophy or the humanities, and have successfully defended your thesis within the specified timeframe.
• Field: Your field of research is in the area of history, philosophy or literature.
• Age: You are under 35 on the deadline (for 2026-2027: born after 21 July 1991).
• Language: You must be able to work in Italian. This is essential.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, and your degree may have been obtained from an Italian or a foreign higher education institution.
• First time only: You have not yet received a scholarship from this institute.

How to apply

Apply through the online form on the Institute's website by 20 July 2026. You attach your CV, degree or PhD certificate, dissertation and abstract, a research project of up to 10 pages, and two academic letters of reference. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to a video-call interview. The list of winners is published on the website by the end of October.

How realistic are your chances?

For the period from 2026 to 2027, the institute is awarding 16 scholarships: 12 with a free choice of topic, and 4, which are linked to specific archives or topics.

Our guide Scholarships in Italy lists further fellowships and funding opportunities you can pursue alongside or after this research programme in Naples.