Admission Application and Required Documents

When can I apply for the Ph.D. Programmes at the School?
Starting from March, the Esse3 platform will be activated to send the application. In the meantime, you can consult the Call for selection and prepare the required documents.
Can I apply in more than one Ph.D. Programmes at the School?
Yes, you can apply in more than one Ph.D. Programmes at the School.
Can I apply for admission to a Ph.D. Programme if I am already enrolled in another doctoral program?
Yes, but if you are admitted to a Ph.D. position at the School, you will have to choose between the two programs, as simultaneous enrollment in multiple Ph.D. programs is not allowed.
Important: If you are already receiving a scholarship for your first Ph.D. Programme (even if only for one installment), you will not be eligible to apply for the Ph.D. Programmes at the School (see Article 2 of the Call for Applications).
If I have already obtained a Ph.D. degree, can I apply for admission to the Ph.D. Programs?
Yes, you may apply for admission to the Ph.D. Programmes at the School, but only if you have not previously received a scholarship for a doctoral program (even for a single installment) (see Article 2 of the Call for Applications).
If I already have the credentials name.surname@santannapisa.it, do I need to register again to submit my application?
No. If you have lost your credentials, you can recover them at the following link:
https://sssup.esse3.cineca.it/Anagrafica/PasswordDimenticata.do
Is there an application fee for the admission process?
No, there is no application fee for the selection process.
Do I need to attach certification or self-certification of my academic qualifications?
- For degrees obtained from Italian public or private universities (where allowed), you must attach a signed self-certification.
- For degrees obtained from universities in EU or non-EU countries, you must attach a certificate, transcript of records, or Diploma Supplement (if available).
It is always advisable to check the specific Ph.D. Programme description for further details.
In which languages can the attached documents be submitted?
Documents must be provided in Italian or English, unless otherwise specified in the description of the individual doctoral programme.
For identity documents or academic titles issued in a different language, it is recommended to attach an official translation into Italian or English, provided by the university that issued them or by an authorised body.
Does my CV need to follow a specific format?
The required format is usually the European CV format, unless otherwise specified in the description of the Ph.D. Programme you are applying for. It is advisable to check the program's webpage for confirmation.
Do I need to attach recommendation letters to my application?
To check if recommendation letters are required, refer to the specific Ph.D. Programme description.
If letters are required, you will not upload them directly. Instead, follow this procedure:
- While filling out the online application, enter the email address of the professor who will provide your recommendation letter.
- Once the application has been submitted, Professor will receive an email from noreply@santannapisa.it containing instructions for uploading the recommendation letter (if professor does not receive the email, suggest checking the SPAM folder).
- The professor must upload the letter exclusively in PDF format before the deadline specified in the Ph.D. Program description.
I have entered incorrect data or I need to add other documents to my application. Can I modify it?
- If you have not yet submitted your application, you can edit your data and add documents until the deadline.
- If you have already submitted your application, you can reopen it, correct errors, and/or upload additional documents before the deadline.
Note: Only the "Additional Information" section cannot be modified after the first save.
After the application deadline, no modifications will be allowed.
If I obtain additional qualifications after the deadline (e.g., a degree, a new publication), can I submit the documents?
No. After the application deadline, no additional documents can be uploaded or submitted.
Only documents uploaded through the online procedure before the deadline will be considered for evaluation.
If my application is incomplete or not submitted on time, can I send the missing documents via email?
No. The application must be submitted exclusively through the online procedure within the deadline.
You should carefully verify that all required information and documents are included before submitting your application.
How do I know if I have successfully submitted my application?
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with your registration number.
After successfully submitting my application, will I receive notifications about the admission tests and results?
No. The schedule of admission tests, the list of candidates admitted to the interview, and the final rankings will be published on the competition webpage for each Ph.D. Programme.
No personal notifications will be sent to applicants.
I have submitted my application. What are the next steps?
After submission, you will not receive any further notifications. You must wait for the publication of the list of admitted candidates and the interview schedule, which will be available from the date indicated in the Ph.D. Programme description.