Admission
NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND FUNDING
Every year, the PhD Programme admits approximately 10–20 students to its courses, with an average of 11–12 receiving a scholarship and one unfunded.
On average, the PhD programme is attended by roughly 40–45 students across each three-year cycle.
Starting from the second year, PhD candidates also have access to a research budget. This budget is funded by the University for scholarship holders and by the DiSLL for non-scholarship holders.
FOREIGN CANDIDATES
Among the University scholarships, one is reserved for candidates (including Italian citizens) who obtained their degree abroad.
Supernumerary positions are available for foreign citizens with their own scholarship (funded, for example, by their government). They may take the interview in one of the foreign languages specified in the call for applications by indicating this choice in their application.
CHINESE STUDENTS: Applications are open every year under the CHINA SCHOLARSHIP COUNCIL
REQUIREMENTS
Degree under the previous Italian university system (laurea del vecchio ordinamento); Master’s degree (laurea magistrale) or other equivalent qualifications (including foreign degrees) with a duration of 5 academic years. Candidates who have not yet defended their thesis are also eligible to apply, provided the defense takes place by SEPTEMBER 30 of the current year.
ADMISSION CRITERIA
The program admits students based on a careful assessment of their academic abilities and research aptitude, as demonstrated by their CV, research proposal, at least one reference letter, and any prior research experience or publications.
The call for applications published each year provides full details on the number of available positions, evaluation criteria, deadlines, and application procedures.
ADMISSION EXAMINATION PROCEDURES
The selection process for admission consists of two phases:
1) EVALUATION OF QUALIFICATIONS
The following are evaluated: degree mark, Master’s/Specialist thesis (if applicable) or four-year degree thesis, CV, at least one reference letter, a self-presentation letter, any publications, any additional qualifications, and a research proposal aligned with one of the School’s subject areas. A minimum threshold score is required to qualify for the second stage (oral exam). Particular weight will be given to the overall quality of the research proposal and the academic merit of the thesis.
2) ORAL INTERVIEW
The interview primarily focuses on the discussion of the research proposal and the assessment of knowledge and skills in the relevant subject area, as well as testing proficiency in two foreign languages chosen from: English, French, German, Spanish, and Russian.
The score from the oral interview will be combined with the evaluation of qualifications to formulate the final ranking list used for allocating scholarships and non-funded positions.
Both the evaluation of qualifications and the oral interview will be conducted by an Admissions Committee appointed by the PhD Board. The maximum scores assigned to qualifications and the interview are determined by the PhD Board and published in the datasheet attached to the call for applications.
For clarifications regarding the selection process or information concerning the teaching and research activities of the PhD program, please contact the School’s administrative office.
