Doctor Europaeus

The Doctor Europaeus certificate is an additional certification to the PhD degree that is issued at national level. It is not an academic title with supranational value nor a title conferred by international institutions. This certification must comply with the conditions of the Confederation of European Rectors' Conferences, as implemented by the European University Association (EUA).

The additional Doctor Europaeus certification may be issued by the University, upon deliberation by the Academic Board, when the following four conditions are satisfied:

  • Positive assessment of the thesis by at least two referees, appointed by the Academic Board, belonging to foreign universities in two different European countries (excluding Italy); the Referees' reports shall be attached to the final examination minutes of the candidate;
  • At least one member of the Committee shall come from a foreign European university institution;
  • Discussion of the thesis in a language other than Italian;
  • The doctoral thesis must be the result of a period of work and research carried out abroad for at least 3 months in a European country.

Doctoral students interested in obtaining the Doctor Europaeus certification must inform their Coordinator when submitting their final report. By the deadline for submitting the final examination application, candidates must submit the appropriate form, signed by their Coordinator, to the Doctoral Office:

Doctor Europaeus Form

FAQ

  • How are referees chosen? What requirements must they satisfy?

Referees may be chosen based on various circumstances: because they were met during the period of research abroad, or because they are experts in the research topic, or because of previous academic relationships, etc. It is advisable to actively consult with the Supervisor and Co-Supervisor. They may be lecturers or experts from public or private institutions.

  • Are referees part of the Final Examination Committee?

The Academic Board may decide whether or not to call upon one of the Evaluators to be a member of the Committee for the award of the Doctor Europaeus degree.

  • Who should contact the referees?

The supervisor informally asks the Evaluators about their availability and then communicates their names to the Academic Board. The IUSS Office will then officially send the letters of appointment.

  • How can periods spent abroad in one of the countries that are participating in the Convention be certified?

PhD students, with or without a scholarship, must report the period spent abroad using the appropriate forms.