½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ

Call for Applications: Ph.D. scholarship in Archaeobotany

The Scholarship Award

1. The University of Malta (“½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ”) is issuing a scholarship, funded through the TerraForm Project funded by the European Research Council, for a Ph.D. student to work on a research project which shall focus on the archaeobotany of Maltese terraced fields. It will use archaeobotanical remains such as pollen to explore changing agricultural practices over time.
2. Applications are now open for the scholarship which will cover research within the Department of Classics and Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Malta. 
3. Applicants shall be eligible for Ph.D. studies at ½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ in terms of the applicable regulations and the Faculty’s bye-laws. The applicant must have previous experience of working on archaeobotanical remains from Malta.
4. The selected candidate is expected to enroll, or already be enrolled, in Ph.D. studies offered by the Faculty of Arts. The scholarship award (the “Award”) is for a maximum of three years (full-time studies) and can be taken up as soon as possible from the approved Ph.D. commencement date, as approved by Senate, based on the recommendations made by the Doctoral Committee and the Board of the Faculty of Arts, and the Doctoral Academic Committee. If the awarded applicant is already enrolled, the award shall be effective from the date that the Scholarship Selection Board finalises its decision.
5. This Award shall cover a basic maintenance allowance of €15,000 per annum for a maximum of 3 years and shall also provide funds to cover related publications and conferences up to a maximum of €3,000. The Award will not cover the annual enrolment or tuition fees. Please refer to this webpage for information on the fees that are applicable for your case. 
6. Before applying, international candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with the information available on the website of the International Office, particularly to the sections concerning travelling to Malta, living costs, visas and e-residence permit conditions and requirements. It is important to note that the Award does not cover all the costs related to studying and living in Malta. 
7. Information on entry requirements to pursue PhD studies, including English Language requirements for international applicants, can be found on the Doctoral School website. 
8. Applicants should submit their letter of application by not later than Sunday 20 September 2026 by e-mail together with a copy of their curriculum vitae, and a scanned copy of their certificates. The Award is intended to support students who have clear goals for their future. Applicants are expected to explain how they believe doctoral research will allow them to shape their plans after graduation. Applicants are expected to declare any special attributes and accomplishments that they consider make them deserving of the scholarship. Late applications will not be considered.
9. The selection procedure will consist of the following: 
   1. scrutiny of qualifications and experience claimed and supported by testimonials and/or certificates (copies to be included with the application); 
   2. shortlisting; and
   3. an interview and/or an extended interview.

10. The selection panel will make its final decision on the successful candidate based on demonstration of academic excellence and research potential. 

Terms and conditions 

1. 1. 1. The Award will be suspended in the event of a suspension of studies. The Award will also not cover any extension of studies. 
      2. The Award Holder may receive another scholarship, grant or sponsorship, provided that it is disclosed to the University in writing and does not finance any cost already fully covered under clause 1.5. Additional funding may be used to cover tuition fees or other study-related costs that are not covered, or are only partly covered, by the Award. Where there is a partial overlap, the total funding received shall not exceed the relevant cost. Any such additional funding shall require the University’s prior written approval. Approval shall not be unreasonably withheld where the additional funding covers costs not financed under Clause 1.5. 
      3. The Award-holder may not engage in employment which is likely to interfere with the progress of their research and must seek the permission of Senate - on the recommendation of the Faculty Doctoral Committee, the Faculty Board and the Doctoral Academic Committee - before engaging in any employment.  
      4. The Faculty Doctoral Committee must be kept informed about the nature and extent of the Award-holder’s employment commitments throughout their period of study. 
      5. The Award-holder shall abide by all applicable regulations and policies of the ½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ in force during the course of their studies.
      6. The Award-holder will be required to provide progress reports on an annual basis (normally in May each year) to the Faculty Doctoral Committee, as required by University regulations and procedures. At the end of their studies, the Award-holder shall provide a final report, covering what has been achieved.
      7. The Doctoral School requests that the award holder acknowledges the assistance of the European Research Council in any publications arising wholly or partially from the award.  
      8. Other relevant regulations and policies of the ½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ shall apply.

The Doctoral School, August 2026