Admission requirements

How do I apply for a Ph.D. Programme at the Sant’Anna School?

The Sant’Anna School publishes an annual call for applications for admission to the Ph.D. Programs. The selection procedure is detailed in the Call for Applications and in the individual Ph.D. Program factsheet attached to it.

Applications must be submitted exclusively online through the portal specified in the Call for Applications on the following link:
https://sssup.esse3.cineca.it/Home.do

Applications submitted through any means other than those specified in the Call for Applications will not be accepted.

When is the call for applications for a Ph.D. Programme at the Sant’Anna School published?

The call for applications is usually published each year in February and remains open for at least two to three months.

You are advised to check the dedicated page on the School's website regularly:

https://www.santannapisa.it/it/formazione/phd

What academic qualifications are required to apply for a Ph.D. Programme?

The academic qualifications that grant access to a Ph.D. Programme at the School are:

• Laurea vecchio ordinamento;
• Laurea Magistrale, Laurea Magistrale a ciclo unico, or Laurea Specialistica;
• A foreign degree equivalent to the above-mentioned Italian second-level academic qualifications, solely for the purpose of participating in the Ph.D. admission selection.

The suitability of foreign qualifications will be assessed by the Selection Commitee, in compliance with the regulations in force in Italy and in the country in which the qualification was obtained. The Selection Commitee will assess the equivalence of the foreign qualification in terms of level, nature, content and academic rights with respect to the Italian qualification required for admission to the doctorate.

Those who, on the deadline for submitting applications to the competition, have not yet obtained the qualification and obtain it by the date of enrollment and in any case no later than the end of the month in which the courses begin, under penalty of forfeiture of admission to the Course, may also participate in the selection. In any case, please read the Notice and any supplementary Decrees for further details.

I have completed a Master’s program (Master Universitario) in Italy. Can I apply for a Ph.D. Programme at the School?

No, first- or second-level university Master’s degrees (Master Universitario) obtained in Italy are not considered valid qualifications for admission to a Ph.D. Programme. Only Master of Science degree is eligible for application. 

I have completed a Master’s programme abroad. Can I apply for a Ph.D. Programme?

Generally, a Master’s Degree obtained abroad is equivalent to an Italian Laurea Magistrale and is therefore a valid qualification for Ph.D. admission. However, the key requirement is that foreign degrees must allow access to a Ph.D. programme in the country where they were obtained.

To verify this, you should consult the institution that awarded your degree or refer to online databases such as the ENIC-NARIC network. If admitted to the Ph.D. programme, you will be required to provide official documentation confirming the validity of your foreign degree during the enrollment.

How can I verify if my foreign academic degree qualifies me for a Ph.D. programme?

To be eligible for a Ph.D. Programme in Italy, you must hold a second-level academic degree that grants access to a Ph.D. in the country where it was awarded.

To verify this, you should contact the institution that issued your degree or consult online databases such as those provided by ENIC-NARIC centers.

What are the language requirements for Ph.D. admission? Is a language certification required?

A language certification is generally not required, but each Ph.D. Programme sets specific language requirements for admission.

To check the language requirements, refer to the details provided in the description of the specific Ph.D. Program you wish to apply for.

Do I need to contact a potential supervisor before applying for admission?

In general, no. The supervisor is assigned by the Academic Board after enrollment. However, it is always advisable to check the specific Ph.D. Programme description to see if there are any particular requirements regarding supervision.