The University of Padova coordinates 37 separate PhD Programmes, all credited by the National Agency for University Evaluation (ANVUR).  Every year between 400 and 500 new candidates are enrolled, for an overall of about 1400 PhD candidates in the three years of courses.Degree Course duration: 3 years (generally), the degree corresponds to the Doctorate in English-speaking countries.

The University of Padova strongly prioritises third level education, and has been recently enhancing the support for research training, with the aim at always pursuing the highest standards.

Three key action points on doctoral training are stated in the Strategic Plan of our University:

to enhance graduate employability within as well as outside the academic institutions by strengthening and qualifying our doctoral training, with the final goal to contribute to the cultural, economic and social development at local, national and trans-national level; to attract worldwide excellence both at the level of PhD candidates as well as staff, and to promote their mobility; to contribute to the internationalisation of research and of training in research, with the aim of providing a more solid and broad education in preparation to competitively deal with the complexities of our changing world.

Requirements: Applicants must be in possession of a 2nd cycle degree (laurea magistrale or laurea magistrale a ciclo unico). They are also required to pass an entrance examination.

Admission to the University’s Research Doctorate Schools and Courses is governed by a competition. Applicants may be of any age or citizenship, but must have a 2nd cycle degree or a single cycle degree from an Italian university or an equivalent qualification from other countries.

Qualifications may also be recognised under the terms of co-operation and mobility  agreements with other universities. The call for applications provides a comprehensive explanation of available courses programmes and admission examinations and how to apply for recognition of foreign qualifications.

Grants for PhD International students – New call: deadline May 29, 2015

The University of Padova, through funding from the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, offers research fellowships for foreign students to attend Doctoral Courses. During the 3-year doctorate programme, successful candidates are entitled to full board and lodging.
15 PhD grants for the admission of foreign candidates to doctoral courses (31th series) a.y. 2015/16 are now available.

Deadline: May 29, 2015

PhD Programmes

Calls and admissions

Fees, grants and benefits

International Doctorate Programmes

Application form

DownloadCall for applications for PhD foreign candidates

DownloadAnnex 1 – List of Doctoral Courses and related research lines

DownloadAnnex 2 – Guidelines for application form ( Available on April 28, 2015)

DownloadAnnex 3 – General terms and conditions for grants and scholarships

DownloadFrequently asked questions