Description of the Selection Process
The admission to the PhD program is conducted via a multi-step evaluation process:
Preliminary Screening
The Admissions Committee reviews submitted applications for completeness, legal eligibility, and compliance with requirements (e.g. degree, PPV).
Evaluation of Academic Profile and Research Proposal
The Committee assigns scores to the candidate’s academic record (e.g. grades, coursework), CV, research proposal, prior publications, and references.
Motivation and Interview (or oral exam / defense of project)
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an oral interview or defense of their project before the selection board.
Final Ranking and Offer
Candidates are ranked by total score; positions and funding are awarded in descending order, subject to legal and institutional constraints.
Note: The Committee emphasizes research aptitude and project feasibility in proposals.
Approximate Timeline
Below is a typical timeline (subject to variation each year):
april
● Publication of Call
● Application window opens
mid may
● Application deadline
june
● Evaluation of written materials
● Oral interviews / project defenses
july
● Ranking published, offers made
september
● Enrollment
november
● Official start of PhD
The exact dates each year will be provided in the call.
Scoring / Assigned Points
Below are the main evaluation areas considered for the admission ranking of the PhD program. The scoring for each area may vary from year to year, but the most significant components are usually the Research Proposal Quality and the Interview
Academic Record / Grades
Based on Master’s and Bachelor’s grades
Research Proposal Quality
Clarity, originality, methodology, feasibility
Publications / Prior Research Output
Peer-reviewed articles, conference abstracts
Motivation Statement & Fit
Quality of motivation, alignment with program
Strength of letters’ content and credibility
interview / Oral Defense
Presentation, discussion, responsiveness
Candidates will be ranked based on the total score. The specific scoring details (e.g., thresholds, minimums) are defined in the call document
Admission Call
The call for admission is published on the University of Padua’s general PhD admissions page. Calls are open only during specific periods of the year, usually in April.