Ph.D. programmes

Choosing a Ph.D. programme at the University of Florence allows you to: 

• delve deeper into a disciplinary field of interest;
• acquire advanced research and analysis skills;
• work closely with internationally renowned professors and researchers;
• collaborate with universities, research institutions, and companies;
• participate in cutting-edge research projects;
• prepare for a career in research, higher education, or highly qualified professional contexts.

You can apply for a Ph.D. programme if you hold one of the qualifications required by the call for applications, or if you will obtain it by the deadline specified in the call.

Applicants are admitted without any age or citizenship restrictions, provided they hold: 

• Second Cycle (Master's) Degree (laurea magistrale) obtained pursuant to Ministerial Decree (D.M.) 207/2004;
• Second Cycle (Master's) Degree (laurea specialistica) obtained pursuant to Ministerial Decree (D.M.) 509/1999;
• a Degree (laurea) obtained pursuant to the educational regulations prior to Ministerial Decree (D.M.) 509/1999, the statutory duration of which is at least four years;
• second-level academic qualification issued by institutions belonging to the AFAM sector (Higher Education in Art, Music and Dance);
• academic qualification obtained from a foreign University and declared equivalent to an eligible Italian qualification (as indicated above) by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR). 

You may also participate in the selection process with a degree awarded by a foreign university, provided that it grants access to Ph.D. programmes in Italy (the eligibility of the foreign qualification is assessed by the Selection Committee solely for the purpose of admission to the Ph.D. programme). For the application, documents may be submitted in either Italian or English. If admitted, you must subsequently submit the documentation required for enrolment in accordance with the provisions of the call for applications.

Access to Ph.D. programmes is through a public selection process. Every year, the University publishes calls for applications for Ph.D. programmes, which specify: 

• available places;
• any scholarships;
• admission requirements;
• selection procedures;
• required documentation;
• deadlines and procedures to follow. 

For each Ph.D. programme, a sheet with detailed information on the selection procedures is available on the Calls for applications webpage.

At the end of the selection processes, the ranking lists are published, and successful candidates can enrol. 

For enrolment, the payment of the stamp duty and the regional fee for the right to university education is required, in the cases provided for by the regulations. Enrolment in subsequent years and admission to the final examination are subject to the regularity of payments. 

Many Ph.D. programmes provide scholarships awarded by the Academic Board to enroled winners, according to the ranking order. The scholarships have a duration of three years and are paid in monthly deferred instalments. An increase in the scholarship amount is provided for authorized research periods abroad. In addition, Ph.D. students can benefit from funds dedicated to research activities in Italy and abroad. All details regarding the amounts and allocation procedures are specified in the annual call for applications.