PhD Application FAQ

From Students@SISSA wiki
Revision as of 15:24, 1 March 2011 by Iancer (Talk | contribs)

Jump to: navigation, search
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

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(s) here, feel free to write to phd@sissa.it

Before starting your application please consult the full text of our Ph.D. announcements here



  • 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 can reimburse your trip to Trieste up to Euro 150,00. First of all you should register in the online process You will be sent an email with some information and 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.

You will be now asked to give the names and email addresses of two professors that will have to send 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 preselection 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. Can 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 available?

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.