Welcome Day Information
The Welcome Day opens the PhD journey for the new students at the beginning of their 1st year of enrollment. It is typically held within the first few days of November for each new cycle. Venues are usually in building “Psico 4” (Via Venezia 16, Padova). The exact date and room details will be announced each year via your institutional email
Ice‑breaker
Presentation round: quick self‑introductions through a short drawing/keyword activity.
Essentials :
How to set up email, badge, office desk; how to edit your website profile; who to contact at the PhD Secretariat.
Tips & advice
Advice from fellow PhD students: practical guidance on planning, well‑being, and study/work balance.
More essentials
Info about supervisor / co‑supervisor assignment, mandatory classes & meetings, student support services, and the date of the next technical meeting.
Technical Information Meeting
You can access the full set of slides presented during the Technical Information Meeting of 24 November 2025. The document provides all essential details on classes, research budget, missions, period abroad, yearly admission procedures, teaching support, and other key aspects of your PhD journey. Consult it carefully to keep track of requirements and practical instructions
Useful Information to Start With
Here are some important things to know before starting your PhD journey at the University of Padua’s renowned PhD program in psychological sciences.
Institutional email & alias
Once admitted to the program, you will receive an email in the @studenti.unipd.it domain and instructions to enable the @phd.unipd.it alias.
Badge (building/lab access)
You will be assigned a badge that grants you access to various buildings, labs, garages, and printers.
Desk & office space
As a new student, a desk will initially be reserved for you in Computer Room 036, located in the Psychology 1 building on the ground floor (opposite the PhD Secretariat).
Your webpage on the PhD website
Your name is already listed on the program website’s Doctoral Students page.
Period abroad
As part of our international program, we encourage our PhD candidates to spend a period of time studying and conducting research abroad.
Frequent meetings & FAQ
Throughout your PhD journey, there will be mandatory meetings and deadlines that you will need to keep track of.
Main contact information
Administrative Staff
Contact our dedicated Administrative staff for any inquiries or issue regarding the PhD program in psychological sciences. Email to: phd.psychology@unipd.it
Travel Requests
For any requests concerning travel, mission, and related reimbursements using your research funds, please contact Mrs. Giovanna Mezzetti
Courses and Enrolment (Moodle)
Mandatory Courses
There are 100 hours of mandatory courses in Year 1, including thematic, methodological/statistical, soft skills, and programming courses, and mini-courses
Mandatory meetings
School Meeting (Fall–Winter, Thursdays 13:00, Lecture Hall T1 – CLA): research seminars by staff and invited speakers.
Mandatory meetings
School Lunch (Spring–Summer, Thursdays 13:00, Lecture Hall T1 – CLA): third‑year students present their work; attendance is recorded and evaluated for admission to the final exam.
Research budget (indicative)
€1,624.00 per year for research‑related expenses (total €4,872.00 over three years). Budget rules can be updated annually; always check current guidance before spending
Travel requests (missions)
Submit authorization at least 10 days before departure; attach the program/letter of invitation. Requests are required even if you are not asking for reimbursement (for insurance purposes). Late submissions (after the event) cannot be reimbursed.
Period abroad & scholarship top‑up
A research stay abroad is mandatory (minimum 3 consecutive months, maximum 12—extendable to 18 in special cases). Plan it with your Supervisor (often during Year 2). The fellowship is increased by 50% for any period abroad longer than 15 consecutive days.
Public engagement (“Third Mission”)
Throughout the three years of your PhD, you will be encouraged to participate in public outreach events (e.g., Science4All, European Researchers’ Night) 👉 Include all such activities in your yearly report!
Admission to the next year
A Monitoring Committee follows each cycle. At the end of each academic year (end of Aug/early Sept) you will submit a detailed written report (template provided), give an oral progress presentation, and receive advice from the Committee. The Executive Board will then formally approve admission to the next year
Teaching support activity & Tutor Junior
You may carry out up to 40 hours per academic year of supervised teaching support (extra‑credit). All requests for such activities must be approved using the official template (see Regulation and forms).
⚠️ Not allowed: serving on undergraduate evaluation committees or carry out unsupervised teaching.
Informal Lunch and Get-Togethers
One of the best parts of pursuing your PhD in psychological sciences at the University of Padua is the opportunity to network and connect with your fellow students and faculty members. These events are often a highlight for our students and help create a strong sense of community within the program.
Student support & community
Department mediators are experienced professors within the program who offer direct and confidential support to PhD students
