International Dimension
THE UNICAM PHD
International experience is an integral part of doctoral education at UNICAM. PhD candidates develop their research within international networks, collaborate with institutions and researchers abroad and may undertake part of their doctoral pathway at qualified host organisations.
6 months
Mobility abroad normally required under the current general framework for Cycle XLI and subsequent cycles.
≥ 50%
Additional scholarship support or equivalent mobility funding where applicable.
12 / 18
Maximum supported months under the current general rules: normally 12, or 18 in jointly supervised arrangements.
CHECK THE FRAMEWORK APPLICABLE TO YOU
International requirements may differ between PhD positions
The figures above describe the current general UNICAM framework. Requirements may differ according to the PhD cycle, Programme, call for applications, funding source, national or international project, co-tutelle agreement or other institutional arrangement.
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Different ways to internationalise your PhD
01 · RESEARCH ABROAD
Research periods at host institutions
Carry out part of your doctoral research at a foreign university, research centre, laboratory, company or other qualified organisation relevant to your project.
02 · RESEARCH NETWORKS
International scientific collaboration
Work with researchers from different countries, contribute to shared projects and participate in international scientific networks connected with your PhD Programme.
03 · SHORT TRAINING MOBILITY
Erasmus+ BIP, doctoral schools and intensive courses
Take part in short international training opportunities that complement the doctoral research and training Programme. These activities are different from a long-term research period abroad.
04 · CO-TUTELLE
Joint thesis supervision
A co-tutelle is established through a formal agreement between UNICAM and a foreign university and provides a structured doctoral pathway involving both institutions.
05 · INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
Joint and special mobility projects
International agreements and funded projects may provide dedicated scholarships, mobility opportunities, joint research activities or doctoral pathways involving several institutions.
06 · INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION
Research, publication and scientific exchange
International doctoral education also includes scientific communication, publication, conferences and collaboration across different academic and professional environments.
ERASMUS+ BIP & SHORT TRAINING MOBILITY
Short international training is not automatically a research period abroad
PhD candidates may participate in Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programmes, doctoral schools, intensive courses, seminars, workshops and other short training activities organised by foreign or partner institutions, provided that participation is compatible with the doctoral pathway and with the conditions of the relevant Programme or call.
01 · BEFORE APPLYING
Check eligibility and relevance
Verify that the call or mobility Programme admits PhD candidates and discuss the scientific or training relevance with your Supervisor and Programme Coordinator.
02 · BEFORE PARTICIPATING
Agree on academic recognition
If you intend to have the activity or credits formally recognised in your PhD career, clarify the recognition procedure before participation and obtain any academic approval required.
03 · AFTER COMPLETION
Keep the final documentation
Keep the Programme, Certificate of Attendance and, where applicable, evidence of assessment, workload or credits so that the activity can be evaluated and recorded.
IMPORTANT
An Erasmus+ BIP or other short training mobility should not automatically be counted as the long-term international research period required by the PhD Programme. The purpose, duration and nature of the activity must be assessed separately. Erasmus+, mission and PhD-career procedures may also coexist and must be completed independently where applicable.
YOUR INTERNATIONAL PATHWAY
From the research project to the experience abroad
STEP 01
Define the objective
Identify the scientific or training purpose and expected contribution to the doctoral project.
STEP 02
Identify the host
Select an institution, research group or organisation with the expertise and facilities needed.
STEP 03
Agree the activity
Discuss dates, activities and expected results with the Supervisor, host and Programme Coordinator.
STEP 04
Complete the procedures
Obtain the required academic approvals and complete all applicable administrative procedures before departure.
CO-TUTELLE / JOINT THESIS SUPERVISION
A structured doctoral pathway between two universities
Co-tutelle is not simply an extended research visit. It requires a formal agreement defining supervision, mobility, enrolment, thesis preparation, final examination and the qualification or qualifications awarded by the partner institutions.
The possibility should be discussed with the Supervisor and Programme Coordinator at an early stage so that the necessary academic and institutional procedures can be completed in time.
CURRENT PHD CANDIDATES
Planning an actual research period abroad?
Use the operational mobility section for host documentation, mission authorisation, scholarship increase, extensions, certification of the period abroad, insurance, healthcare and administrative support.
FUTURE PHD CANDIDATES
Check the international requirements of the position before applying
Some scholarships and research topics are linked to international projects, partner universities, mandatory mobility periods or specific reporting obligations. Always consult the Programme information, official call and relevant annexes.
INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
Discuss your international pathway early
Contact your Supervisor and Programme Coordinator for scientific and academic planning. Contact the Advanced Studies Office for assistance with the applicable administrative procedure or institutional agreement.