Recognition of a foreign Ph.D. title
Purpose-related recognition of a foreign qualification
The procedures for the purpose-related recognition of a foreign qualification that exist in Italian law are many and differ according to the purpose for which recognition is requested.
In particular, the evaluation of a PhD title awarded abroad for the purposes of academic recognition is carried out by universities; recognition of the title for non-academic or professional purposes (such as access to public competitions, career progressions in the Public Administration, social security purposes, study period redemption, exercise of a regulated profession, etc.) is carried out by other organisations - more details can be found on the dedicated CIMEA page.
Academic recognition of foreign PhD titles
Academic recognition of a PhD obtained abroad is an assessment procedure aimed at obtaining the corresponding final title of PhD in Italy, which has legal value in our system.
The academic recognition procedure involves the analytical verification of the foreign PhD title. In particular, it is necessary for the foreign doctoral degree to have the same characteristics as the corresponding Italian degree in terms of duration, nature and quality of the research, and method of obtaining it.
The Academic Board is the competent institution for the academic recognition of doctoral degrees awarded abroad, which is done by rector's decree.
If one or more substantial differences are found between the two doctoral degrees (foreign and corresponding from this University), it will not be possible to proceed with academic recognition of the degree (refusal to recognise the foreign degree due to substantial differences)
Conditional academic recognition, i.e. recognition with additional educational and research requirements, is not possible.
How to apply for academic recognition of a foreign PhD title
In order to apply for the academic recognition of a PhD qualification awarded abroad, an application must be submitted by certified mail to the Magnificent Rector of the University of Ferrara, enclosing all the required documents together with the receipt for payment of the application fee (€216 - €200.00 fee and €16.00 revenue stamp, non-refundable in any way).
For the issuance of the bulletin and for a direct contact with the office, please write an e-mail to dottorato@unife.it with the following data: Surname, Name, Tax code, Place and date of birth, Address of residence.
Following the verification of the admissibility of the application carried out by the competent Administrative Offices, the Academic Board will formulate its opinion:
The direct award of the corresponding Italian PhD qualification, certified by Rectoral Decree (subject to payment by the applicant of a contribution of a further €200, non-refundable in any way)
Refusal of recognition of the foreign qualification in the case of a substantial difference.
Application for recognition of foreign doctorate title
University regulations on the final recognition of PhD qualifications awarded abroad