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Printable versionAdmission
The Call for applications for 2023/2024 has now closed.
The next Call for 2024/2025 will be published in March 2024.
Online Application
PhD students will benefit from a multidisciplinary programme of courses blending methodological and disciplinary themes, career development training in soft skills, and academic writing. Students also receive a scholarship (in line with Italian legislation and standards). Successful PhD supervision depends on a close match between student and faculty research interests. The School is a small research centre and does not cover all aspects of international studies. Thus, we recommend interested applicants consult the research profiles of the faculty and The Programme Committee present a proposal in line with the research profile and activities of the School of International Studies.
- International Security;
- European Studies and Integration Process;
- Global Dimension of Environment;
- Human Rights and International Relations.
Admission Requirements
Applications will be accepted from candidates, regardless of gender, age and nationality, who have graduated with excellent marks in an M.A. degree, or an Italian Laurea Magistrale or a four-year Italian laurea (vecchio ordinamento), or an equivalent programme in one of the disciplines comprising international studies (economics, history, law, political science, political philosophy, sociology). Candidates from other disciplinary backgrounds may also apply, provided that their research project clearly falls within the field of international studies.
Language Requirements
The programme is conducted entirely in English. A certificate attesting the candidate's knowledge of English at C1 level or higher in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an indispensable requirement for admission. Foreign students are encouraged to obtain a working knowledge of the Italian language.
Applications
The list below provides a short and non-exhaustive summary of what to include in the online application:
- scanned copy of the applicant’s identity card or passport
- M.A. degree transcript of records and diploma
- curriculum vitae in English
- research proposal and motivation letter
- certificate(s) attesting the knowledge of the English language at least C1 level(1)
Applications may include
- two letters of recommendation from experts in the doctoral research areas;
- any other documents that attest to the research skills and abilities of the candidate.
(1) These certificates and tests are acceptable proof if they have been issued within the last five years: IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 7 or above; Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) minimum grade B or Cambridge C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE); TOEFL IBT minimum score of 95; Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic minimum score 75; Centro Linguistico Ateneo, CLA - CAE (C1) .
Admission process
It consists of two separate stages. In the first stage, the admissions committee produces a short-list of candidates based on the evaluation of the application materials. In the second stage, thirty-minute interviews will be conducted with short-listed candidates. Candidates who do not reside in Italy may avail themselves of the possibility to conduct the interview by video conference. After the conclusion of the interviews, the admissions committee will publish the final ranking.
Scholarships
This year the programme offers 5 full scholarships renewable for three years subject to satisfactory academic appraisal. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, meaning that they will be offered to the top candidates of the final ranking.
Tuition Fees
The PhD programme currently does not charge tuition fees. Admitted students, however, are required to pay an annual student tax to the amount of roughly €150,00.
Residence Requirement
Studying for a PhD programme is a full-time commitment and we expect all our PhD students to take up residence in the area. A limited number of subsidised apartments will be made available to foreign students. Coursework will start on 1 November 2023.