Ph.D, Internationalisation and International Students

Carrying out research in an international context enables you to expand your scientific skills, collaborate with research teams in other countries and, in some cases, obtain a qualification recognised by multiple universities. 

The University of Florence promotes Ph.D. internationalisation pathways through agreements with Italian and foreign universities and research institutions.

Joint thesis supervision (cotutela) is a doctoral pathway undertaken jointly by the University of Florence and a foreign university. During their Ph.D., the candidate carries out research periods at both institutions under the supervision of two academic supervisors, one from each university. 

At the end of the programme, the thesis is defended only once and, depending on the terms of the agreement, a double or joint Ph.D. degree is awarded.

Joint supervision can be:

• Outgoing: when the Ph.D. candidate is enrolled at the University of Florence and carries out part of their research at a partner university;
• Incoming: when the Ph.D. candidate is enrolled at a foreign university and spends a research period at the University of Florence for the duration set out in the agreement, which must be at least 12 months.

Some Ph.D. programmes offer pathways developed in collaboration with foreign universities through agreements that integrate educational activities, research and mobility periods. These pathways can lead to the award of a double degree or a joint Ph.D. degree, as established by agreements between partner universities.

Admission procedures, requirements and any available places are defined by individual Ph.D. programmes and collaboration agreements with partner institutions.