Admission requirements and procedures for PhD programmes

Admission requirements

To apply for a PhD programme at the University of Pisa, applicants must hold one of the following qualifications:

• a Master’s degree (Laurea Magistrale or equivalent – new system)
• a degree awarded under the old Italian system
• an equivalent foreign academic qualification (e.g. Master’s degree), comparable in level, nature, content and academic rights to the Italian degree required for PhD admission

The qualification must be obtained by 31 October of the year preceding the start of the programme.

In the case of admission as an additional (extra-quota) candidate after 31 December, the degree must be obtained by the date of enrolment.

Foreign qualifications

Foreign degrees are assessed solely for the purpose of PhD admission by the Examination Board or the PhD Board.

To facilitate the evaluation, applicants are strongly advised to include the following documents:

• official translation of the degree
• legalisation or apostille
• Declaration of Value issued by the Italian diplomatic authority
• additional documents such as the Diploma Supplement, transcript of records, or ENIC-NARIC certification

Failure to provide adequate documentation may prevent the assessment of the qualification and may result in exclusion from admission.

Admission procedures

Admission to PhD programmes is possible through two different routes:

1. Participation in the Call for Applications

The main way to access a PhD programme is by applying through the official Call for Applications, published at least once a year on the University website.

The application process includes:

• online registration
• payment of the application fee
• submission of the required documents (CV, research proposal if required, and documentation related to the degree, especially for foreign qualifications)

2. Admission as an extra-quota candidate

(ex Article 11, paragraph 1, of the University PhD Regulations)

In specific cases, candidates may be admitted as extra-quota students, subject to evaluation by the PhD Board. This option is available in the following situations:

        a) Candidates with external funding

Applicants holding a scholarship (or equivalent funding) awarded by external institutions or partner consortia, within the framework of national, European or international research projects involving at least one member of the PhD Board or of the departments associated with the PhD programme. Admission is subject to the approval of the PhD Board, which assesses:

• the suitability of the academic qualification (including foreign degrees)
• the consistency of the research project with the PhD programme
• the candidate’s scientific background (CV)

         b) Non-EU applicants requiring a visa

Non-EU candidates who need a long-term visa and wish to enrol in a PhD programme may apply for admission as extra-quota students.

The PhD Board evaluates:

• the suitability of the foreign academic qualification
• academic background and training
• professional experience
• consistency of the proposed research topic with the programme
• motivation and interest in the field of study

Applicants must demonstrate that they have adequate financial support from a public or private institution in their home country, covering the entire duration of the PhD and supporting their research activities.