Preparing to Apply

Bocconi University is selecting PhD candidates for the following projects within the framework of the FIS3 – Fondo Italiano per la Scienza funding scheme:

• BEFINE - short call 
• DECODE - short call 
• POLEUROPE - short call 

Planned study program 2026-2027 (cycle 42°)

The enrollment of the qualified candidates (see Selection Criteria) takes place with FIS fellowship.

Please note that all PhD students are required to pay the regional tax in accordance with current regulations.

Available positions: 

Applications can be submitted by candidates of any citizenship who:

• have completed or are completing their graduate studies and
• have at least a “proven” B2 (CEFR) level of competence in English.

Graduate qualifications accepted:

• Italian degrees: second level degrees (“laurea magistrale/specialistica, laurea magistrale a ciclo unico, laurea vecchio Ordinamento”);
• non-Italian degrees of equivalent level (eg. level 7 European Qualification Framework) recognised by the Admission Board.

The suitability of foreign qualifications is verified by the Admission Board in conformity with the applicable Italian and foreign rules, or in conformity with international treaties or agreements on the validity of qualifications for post-graduate education.

Competence in English must be shown by a recognized international English language certificate/test; in case of international test (TOEFL, IELTS) the result must be still valid (not expired).You will have to upload the English language certificate/test to the on-line application procedure (click here to check the list of recognized  international certificates/tests and the minimum scores required - at least a B2 (CEFR) level) or, if you do not have a recognized international certificates/tests, you will have to self-declare in the online application procedure that you:

- are an English native speaker
- attended a University program in English
- attended a secondary school program in English (please, upload the certificate)
- passed the internal English exam in a Bocconi degree program
- have other reasons (please, specify them).

Candidates whose Italian or non-Italian degree qualifications are still pending on the final application date can take part in the selection and will be admitted conditionally. 

They must be awarded the required degree qualifications by 31^st October 2026, or their enrollment will be void. Certifications of required qualifications must be produced by 10^th December 2026. 

PhD programs in Statistics and Computer Science

The assessment is based on a candidate:

• curriculum vitae (indispensable);
• academic records (indispensable);
• international graduate admission tests scores (GMAT or GRE);
• statement of purpose (indispensable);
• up to two reference letters.

The assessment criteria are as follows:

• a maximum of 50 points for the applicant’s curriculum vitae and academic records;
• a maximum of 10 points for GMAT/GRE;
• a maximum of 40 points for statement of purpose and reference letters.

The Admission Board may decide to conduct a brief online interview in order to get clarification about the student’s qualifications.

A minimum of 60 total points is required to be elegible for admission.

A wide range of information is needed in order to assess the applicants' strengths and potential for academic success. In particular, the following elements are considered:

• Personal curriculum: Full CV (education, work experience, language skills, study/work abroad, other relevant skills and experiences);
• Academic records: transcript of exams and certification of undergraduate (6 EQF) and graduate (7 EQF) degrees awarded and final grade (if any); if the graduate program has not been completed*, an enrollment document with the full study plan, the exams taken and the grades achieved; 
• International Graduate Admission Tests scores: Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) with date and results. These tests are not relevant for the PhD in Legal Studies. IMPORTANT: date of the test: not before 17 April 2021; GMAT/GRE score reports must be uploaded by the candidates in the online procedure: score reports sent to Bocconi University by GMAC Customer Service (GMAT) and ETS (GRE) are not accepted;
• Statement of purpose: short description (max 1200 words) of your motivation for enrollment in Bocconi PhD programs, your research interests and professional goals;
• Reference letters: up to two reference letters uploaded by referees appointed in the on-line application procedure. Referees can be academic (first best) or non-academic (second best);

*Applicants who have not achieved a degree are allowed to apply, but they must obtain the degree by 31 October 2026 or their enrollment will be void.

All documents have to be in English, except for those regarding the academic records, which can be in Italian, and publications, which can be in any language.

In order to close the application and be evaluated, the following documents (sections: personal details, language requirements, academic records, statement of purpose, research proposal) are strictly required:

• Personal CV;
• Documentary evidence of English language competence (except English native speakers): international certification/test, university or high school studies in English, …;
• Academic records;
• Statement of purpose;
• Copy of the international passport;
• Passport format photo.

Documents of the remaining sections (e.g. GRE/GMAT) contribute to increasing your score in the final ranking, but they are not indispensable. 

You have to apply exclusively through the on-line application procedure which is available here from 17^th April 2026. The deadline for submitting the application is 18 May 2026 at 23:59 CET This deadline is not negotiable.

In order to complete your application, you will have to:

• register in order to obtain Personal ID and password; please note that Bocconi students already have the required credentials;
• enter the information in the spaces provided;
• upload some documents;
• submit the application.

For technical issues and information about data and/or documents you need to submit, please contact phdadmission@unibocconi.it

Applicants are ranked according to merit. 

The ranking of each public competition is published on Admission Results a.y. 2026-27 in compliance with data privacy laws (privacy is guaranteed).
 

By 8 June 2026, each candidate will receive a personal email at the address provided during the online application informing them of the outcome of their application.

Using their ID and password, candidates will be able to access the online procedure, for further information, including:

• if their status is “with fellowship”: points awarded, ranking and financial conditions; 
• if their status is “in the waiting list”: points awarded and ranking;
• if their status is “not admitted”: points awarded.

The ranking of the Call for Application is published in compliance with data privacy laws on http://www.unibocconi.eu/admissionphd (privacy is guaranteed).

The PhD positions offered under the present Call are funded through FIS fellowships.

The fellowship amounts to € 27,000 for the first year and € 23,000 for the subsequent years (2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th).

The Fellowship is renewed in the following years, subject to the fulfilment of the requirements for admission to the following year.

The fellowship is exempt from personal income tax. It is, however, subject to INPS contributions (INPS – National Social Security Institute). The relevant contributions are shared between the University (currently 23.35%) and the doctoral candidate (currently 11.68%). The fellowship amount is gross; the portion of contributions borne by the doctoral candidate is deducted directly from each monthly instalment and transferred to INPS.

For study and research activities abroad (at least one-month, full months only) authorized by the PhD Program Director, the fellowship is increased by 50% of € 16,243 (ministerial amount) in proportion to the duration of the stay abroad and for a maximum total period of 12 months (except for exceptional cases provided for by law).

In compliance with Italian law, all PhD students (with and without fellowship) are provided with an annual budget (1,650 € per year) for “study and research activities” (the use of the budget is always subject to the Program director approval). In the first year only, PhD students may choose to receive a Bocconi laptop instead of using the research-related budget.

PhD students are also covered by Health Insurance Policy provided by Bocconi which includes accidents occurring in work-related activities at Bocconi and while travelling (the travel must be previously authorized by the Program Director).

Bocconi PhD Programs Handbook (https://www.unibocconi.eu/phds) gives detailed information on fellowships and financial aid.

All PhD students (with fellowship, with tuition waiver and paying students) are required to pay the current annual regional tax of € 190, whose amount may be modified by law at a later date.

Please carefully read the Full Official Call in order to get detailed information about the set of rules and guidelines to apply for the PhD.

NEW! Download the Full Official Call to PhD in Statistics and Computer Science – curriculum Computer Science – FIS projects

Please carefully read the Full Official Call in order to get detailed information about the set of rules and guidelines to apply for the PhD you are interested in. Read Annex 1 carefully, as it provides detailed information on each PhD program offered by Bocconi University. 

• Download the Full Official Call for the PhD programs of Bocconi University - EXPIRED 

Admission Board for PhD program in Statistics and Computer Science - FIS project - to be appointed

1. How and when do I apply?

You have to apply exclusively through the on-line application procedure which is available here from 17 April 2026. The deadline for submitting your application is 18 May 2026 at 23:59 CET This deadline is not negotiable.

Detailed information about the on-line application procedure can be found in the website section Submitting your application - Bocconi University

The application is free.

2. What are the requirements for application?

• Applications can be submitted by candidates of any citizenship who:
  have completed or are completing their graduate studies and
• have at least a “proven” B2 (CEFR) level of competence in English

Graduate qualifications accepted:

• Italian degrees: second level degrees (“laurea magistrale/specialistica, laurea magistrale a ciclo unico, laurea vecchio Ordinamento”)
• non-Italian degrees of equivalent level (eg. level 7 European Qualification Framework) recognized by the Admission Board

Your competence in English must be demonstrated by a recognized international English language certificate or test. In case of international test (TOEFL, IELTS) the result must be still valid (not expired).You will have to upload the English language certificate/test to the online application procedure (click here to check the list of recognized  international certificates/tests and the minimum scores required - at least a B2 (CEFR) level) or, if you do not have a recognized international certificates/tests, you will have to self-declare in the online application procedure that you (one of the option):

- are an English native speaker
- attended a University program in English
- attended a secondary school program in English (please, upload the certificate)
- passed the internal English exam in a Bocconi degree program
- have other reasons (please, specify them)Applicants whose required Italian or non-Italian degree qualifications are still pending at the time of the application deadline may participate in the selection process for all PhD programs and will be conditionally admitted. The degree must be awarded by 31 October 2026; otherwise, enrollment will be cancelled. Proof of the qualification must be submitted by 10 December 2025.For more information about the application requirements, see the section Requirements.

3. What are the selection criteria?

Read carefully Art.6 of the Full Call for Application and/or see the section above Selection criteria. 

4. What are the documents for the selection?

Below an overview of the documents that are required during the application process:

Please note that all documents must be in English, except for academic records (which may be in Italian) and publications (which may be in any language).

• Personal curriculum: Full CV (education, work experience, language skills, study/work abroad, other relevant skills and experiences);
• Academic records: transcript of exams and certification of undergraduate (6 EQF) and graduate (7 EQF) degrees awarded and final grade (if any); if the graduate program has not been completed*, an enrollment document with the full study plan, the exams taken and the grades achieved; International Graduate Admission Tests scores: Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) with date and results. These tests are not relevant for the PhD in Legal Studies. IMPORTANT: date of the test: not before 3 October 2020; GMAT/GRE score reports must be uploaded by the candidates in the online procedure: score reports sent to Bocconi University by GMAC Customer Service (GMAT) and ETS (GRE) are not accepted;
• Statement of purpose: short description (max 1200 words) of your motivation for enrollment in Bocconi PhD programs, your research interests and professional goals; 
• Reference letters: up to two reference letters uploaded by referees appointed in the on-line application procedure. Referees can be academic (first best) or non-academic (second best);
  
  *Applicants who have not achieved a degree are allowed to apply, but they must obtain the degree by 31 October 2026 or their enrollment will be void.

In order to close the application and be evaluated, the following documents (sections: personal details, language requirements, academic records, statement of purpose, research proposal) are strictly required:

• Personal CV;
• Documentary evidence of English language competence (except English native speakers): international certification/test, university or high school studies in English, …;
• Academic records;
• Statement of purpose;
• Copy of the international passport;
• Passport format photo.

Documents of the remaining sections (e.g. GRE/GMAT) contribute to increasing your score in the final ranking, but they are not indispensable. 

5. How will I be informed about the final result of my application?
Applicants are ranked according to merit. 

The ranking of each public competition is published on https://www.unibocconi.it/en/programs/phd/admissions in compliance with data privacy laws (privacy is guaranteed).

By 8^th June 2026 each candidate will receive a personal email at the address provided during the online application, informing them about the outcome of their application.

Using their ID and password, candidates will be able to access the online procedure, for further information, including:

• if their status is “with fellowship”: points awarded, ranking and financial conditions; 
• if their status is “in the waiting list”: points awarded and ranking;
• if their status is “not admitted”: points awarded.

6. Can I get financial support if I am admitted?

The PhD positions offered under the present Call are funded through FIS fellowships.

The fellowship amounts to € 27,000 for the first year and € 23,000 for the subsequent years (2nd, 3rd, 4th).

The Fellowship is renewed in the following years, subject to the fulfilment of the requirements for admission to the following year.

The fellowship is exempt from personal income tax. It is, however, subject to INPS contributions (INPS – National Social Security Institute). The relevant contributions are shared between the University (currently 23.35%) and the doctoral candidate (currently 11.68%). The fellowship amount is gross; the portion of contributions borne by the doctoral candidate is deducted directly from each monthly instalment and transferred to INPS.

For study and research activities abroad (at least one-month, full months only) authorized by the PhD Program Director, the fellowship is increased by 50% of € 16,243 (ministerial amount) in proportion to the duration of the stay abroad and for a maximum total period of 12 months (except for exceptional cases provided for by law).

In compliance with Italian law, all PhD students (with and without fellowship) are provided with an annual budget (1,650 € per year) for “study and research activities” (the use of the budget is always subject to the Program director approval). In the first year only, PhD students may choose to receive a Bocconi laptop instead of using the research-related budget.

PhD students are also covered by Health Insurance Policy provided by Bocconi which includes accidents occurring in work-related activities at Bocconi and while travelling (the travel must be previously authorized by the Program Director).

Bocconi PhD Programs Handbook (https://www.unibocconi.eu/phds) gives detailed information on fellowships and financial aid.

All PhD students (with fellowship, with tuition waiver and paying students) are required to pay the current annual regional tax of €190, whose amount may be modified by law at a later date.

7. Are housing facilities provided for PhD students?
Yes. Please find here some information about housing options provided to Bocconi students.

8. I am an international student, where can I find information about the visa and residence permit?

Information about how to apply for a student visa and afterwards how to apply for the residence permit are available on the dedicated section of the website To do for international students.

9. What is FIS and what does it involve?

FIS (Fondo Italiano per la Scienza) is a funding program promoted by the Italian Ministry of University and Research to support high-quality, curiosity-driven research projects.

Within this framework, for the academic year 26-27 (42nd cycle) Bocconi University offers 3 PhD positions linked to specific research projects (BEFINE, DECODE, POLEUROPE), each funded through a FIS fellowship.

PhD candidates admitted under this scheme will:

• work on a defined research project under the supervision of a principal investigator;
• receive a fully funded fellowship for the duration of the PhD program;
• be part of an internationally oriented research environment.

FIS-funded positions may include specific research objectives and collaboration activities, depending on the project.