Research Fellowship at the Kierkegaard Summer Institute

Note: Once you have logged into the International Mobility Portal, the programme can be found under the “Faculty-led Programme” category.

KSI Research Fellowship – The Hong Kierkegaard Library

Università Cattolica, in collaboration with the St Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, offers the opportunity to spend a research period at the Kierkegaard Summer Institute. The project is coordinated by Professor Basso.

The research stay lasts from 2 to 8 weeks and includes:

Full access to the Kierkegaard Library’s resources (both physical and digital)
Free on-campus accommodation
Participation in academic activities, including seminars, research presentations, and guided readings of Kierkegaard
The opportunity to present your own research and take part in discussions within an international community of scholars

A unique opportunity to deepen the study of Kierkegaard in a stimulating and international environment.

Programme dates

2 June - 31 July 2026

Application deadline:

2 March 2026

The programme is intended fot students enrolled in the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy (Milan and Brescia campuses) at:

2nd and 3rd year of the Bachelor's degree programmes
1st and 2nd year of the Master's degree programmes

Professor Ingrid Basso, member of the Advisory Board of the St Olaf College, will select five students.

Applicants must demonstrate a real interest in the study of Søren Kierkegaard, particularly in connection with thesis work or academic publications.

Interested students are required to contact Professor Ingrid Basso directly at ingrid.basso@unicatt.it.

Once selected, students will be required to submit an application to the Kierkegaard Summer Institute, following the instructions provided by Professor Basso.

Further information is available on the KSI Research Fellowship – The Hong Kierkegaard Library website.

Upon completion of the programme, 1 additional CFU credit will be awarded for participation in the International Activity, provided that this is the student’s first international mobility experience within their current cycle of study.

The awarding of 2 ECTS as “elective credits” is to be confirmed.

The programme will be conducted in English.

No language certification in required. However participants must have a good knowledge of the English language (minimum level B2).

Students will be provided with on-campus accommodation:

Housing & Campus Resources for KSI Researchers – The Hong Kierkegaard Library

2 or 3 weeks: € 50 programme fee (the insurance fee is included)
from 4 to 8 weeks: € 100 programme fee (the insurance fee is included)

The programme fee includes:

Orientation and support during the application process
Insurance coverage, emergency contact number, and Student Safety Package
Tutoring from Professor Basso
On-campus accommodation
Research activity
Complete access to the Kierkegaard Librar's resources (both physical and digital)
Certificate of attendance TBC
Assistance with ECTS credit recognition procedures upon return
Post-return self-assessment session “Welcome Back: unpack your experience!” organised by Cattolica International

The programme fee does not include:

Round-trip flights
Melas
Costs related to the ESTA ($40) / other visa
Any items not expressly listed above

You need to hold a valid passport.

Italian students must require ESTA.

Students of other nationalities must verify whether they are eligible to apply for an ESTA. In the event of ineligibility, they are required to notify programmi.internazionali@unicatt.it.

Useful links:

All Università Cattolica students will be covered by the University insurance policy “Student Safety Package.”

Read all details