PhD Application FAQ

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PLEASE READ CAREFULLY


The School welcomes applications from young candidates with a strong interest in research even if without previous specific experience.

To be admitted to the School, candidates must be in possession of the Italian laurea ("laurea specialistica or magistrale" as per new rules) in a scientific subject, or of a University degree obtained abroad and considered equivalent by the governing bodies of the School (i.e. M.Sc.). This degree must have been conferred by 30th November 2011.

Outstanding candidates who are not citizens of the European Union (EU) member states may be admitted by means of a preselection which takes place in the Spring, based on their academic and scientific qualifications. Non-EU students admitted by means of this preselection will be expected to pass a qualifying examination within the first year of study.

Please consult the full text of announcements here:

http://www.sissa.it/main/?p=COURSES_PHD_C2


This is a brief list of questions we received about the online procedure to access our PhD courses. It will be regularly updated. If you cannot find the answer to your question here, feel free to write to phd@sissa.it


  • Where can I find the announcements?

This is the main page: http://www.sissa.it/main/?p=COURSES_PHD

Read the announcements first and the go to next step.


  • I’m a non-European Union citizen. How can I access your Ph.D courses?

You can apply to the “Preselection for non-EU candidates” based on academic qualifications only. You can also participate in the “entrance exams” but you will have to get a visa to come to Trieste and sit the exams (different deadlines and exams dates for each PhD course). Please be aware that SISSA cannot finance your trip to Trieste.

First of all you should register in the online process

http://www.sissa.it/applications/phd/

You will be given a password to access.

Fill all the “Candidate Profile” fields and the choose one or more Ph.D courses. Be aware that you will find , for the same Ph.D, different possibilities (preselection for non EU candidates, single, first, second session if you want to come and sit the entrance exams). Be sure to choose the right one. At this time, you will be asked to give the names and email addresses of two professors that will have to send us a recommendation letter through the same online process. When you have completed your application, click on the “PDF” icon and print the application form (one for each Ph.D you applied). Sign it and send it together with a copy of your passport or other identity document to the address or fax written on the form itself. Unfortunately we cannot accept pdf forms sent by email. We will acknowledge receipt of your application by email.


  • What’s the deadline for the submission of my application?

It’s 31 March for the online procedure. The “paper application” (see above) must reach SISSA by April 8.


  • I do not have a Master degree. May I participate?

Yes you can, but you will have to obtain the Master degree (or equivalent) by the beginning of the courses.


  • I have a Bachelor degree. Am I eligible?

It depends. The academic title necessary to be considered eligible should allow you to enroll in a Ph.D course in your country. Usually a B.Sc. Hons. or a 4-year (or more) B.Sc. are sufficient. In any case only the Senate of the School, will be entitled to decide about this matter.


  • Do I need to present a TOEFL, GRE, IELTS or other English proficiency certificates?

It is not mandatory but it will be very welcome. This will help the selecting committee evaluate your knowledge of the English language.


  • My documents are in English. Can you accept them?

Yes. We can accept certificates from your University written in English, Spanish, French and German.


  • I have problems uploading my documents.

You can upload files up to 8 Mb each (one at a time to avoid system overload). Besides the required documents, you can upload thesis, posters, and any other document you think to be relevant in the “other documents” section.


  • Will I be interviewed?

The selecting committee might ask for an interview (usually through skype) to candidates shortlisted for admission.


  • When and how will I know the results?

Results are known usually by the end of May and will be communicated by email to each candidate.


  • Is there any Scholarship?

All admitted candidates will receive a fellowship of the amount of € 1.030,00 net per month. Students with scholarships from other sources (i.e. China Scholarship Council, Vietnam International Education Development, etc.) even of a lower amount are welcome. SISSA will cover the remaining part up to € 1.030,00.


  • Are there other allowances?

Yes. A contribution towards living expenses of the amount of € 100,00 gross per month will be awarded to all students who will submit a regular rent contract. A contribution towards the expenses to be enrolled in the health insurance system up to € 198,77 will be granted to non-EU students only.


  • Are courses held in English? Do I need to know the Italian language?

Knowledge of the Italian language is not necessary. Teaching and scientific activities are held in English. Both academic and administrative staff speak in English.