PhD in
Computer Science
The main goal of this programme is to train future scientists with a strong professional background who are capable of working in an international and highly competitive environment, such as the Information Technology (IT) sector.
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course description
What makes our PhD graduates ideal candidates to work as researchers both in academia and in the IT sector is their ability to research and understand theoretical and applied research topics, the collaborative approach to work, and their dissemination and writing skills. Moreover, problem solving skills and the ability to work autonomously enable them to become key players in every field of IT, as independent consultants or in management roles.
At the end of our programme, graduates are equipped with a vast knowledge of IT, from the formal and theoretical aspects to the latest developments in methodology and technology.
PhD students can choose any of the three research themes offered by the faculty. They are different not only in the main topics explored, but also in the research methodology applied. In the Knowledge and Data area, students investigate the topics of Intelligent Integration and Access to Data, Conceptual and Cognitive Modelling, and Process-aware Information Systems Management. In the Software and Systems Engineering area, work follows an empirical approach based on the implementation of prototypes and techniques and the carrying out and analysis of experiments. Finally, the Information and Database Systems Engineering area adopts a hybrid approach, with a focus on efficient implementation and user interaction. This large spectrum of topics offers PhD candidates a wide range of options to develop their own research and great flexibility to match their interests.
At a glance
Duration of the programme: 3 years
Courses will be taught in English
Places available: 7 with scholarship + 1 without scholarship
Scholarships awarded per year 28,000 €
Campus: NOI Techpark Bozen-Bolzano
Programme Structure
The aim of the PhD programme is to allow students to acquire the abilities and skills to carry out independent research in the area of computer science. This also involves the ability to communicate ideas clearly and efficiently orally and in writing and the ability to work in groups.
In order to conclude the programme successfully, the PhD student has to elaborate a research topic independently and this research must contribute significantly to current knowledge in the area of computer science. Due to the time limits of the programme, PhD students will focus on their research work. To achieve this, they are supported by a structured PhD programme.
The Stages of the PhD
The programme is divided into four stages, respectively ending at months 6, 12, 24, and 36 of the programme.
- Phase 1 first six months. The student identifies with the support of their supervisors the area of research, a specific topic within the area, and one or more possible approaches to the topic. The student acquires the necessary foundations for carrying out the research, for instance, by attending courses or supervised literature study.
- Phase 2 second half of the first year. The student spends time both on the acquisition of skills, for instance, by attending courses or supervised study of literature, and on the first research steps.
- Phase 3 second year. and is to be spent on an in-depth exploration of the research topic.
- Phase 4 comprises the third year. The aim is to complete the research and document it in a thesis.
Fieldwork abroad
During the three years of the PhD programme, candidates are required to commit full-time to the PhD, and the programme will include both working on the research project and learning activities. Students are also strongly encouraged to carry out part of their research in another university or research center, for a longer period, ranging from 1 month and up to 18 months. This is an extremely valuable opportunity for a PhD candidate to study specific aspects of their research in depth under direct supervision of world experts in their chosen research topic. It is also an opportunity to carry out research in highly stimulating and competitive contexts, while exchanging ideas with other scholars and establishing an early network of colleagues in the world of research.
Partner Universities and Research Centres
We have established partnerships with many universities and research institutions in Italy and abroad, such as the Technical University of Dresden, the Universidade Nova of Lisbon and the Technical University of Vienna. In addition, members of our Faculty cooperate on a regular basis with other universities and research institutes, such as Oxford University, Rice University Houston, Zürich University, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Trento, and FBK Trento.
Some of the PhD positions are collaborations supported by external research and industry partners (Fondazione Bruno Kessler FBK, Südtiroler Informatik SIAG, NOI Techpark, Barbieri Electronic snc, University of Umea).
People
PhD Programme Coordinator: Prof. Oswald Lanz
Student representative in the Lecturer's Committee: Thomas Borsani
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Studying at unibz
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Application procedure, Visa, Residence permit and more
Application and Admission
You can find key information to apply and gain admission to this PhD Programme. Detailed information are available below in the general and specific calls (PDF).
In order to gain admission to the PhD programme, you will have to demonstrate competence in the languages of the PhD programme.
2nd Call
Publication of the call: 07/05/2025
Application deadline: by 11/06/2025 (by noon local time)
Admission interviews (online): to be defined
Publication of ranking lists: by 11/07/2025
Confirmation of the PhD position - 2nd Call
Applicants with scholarship: by 24/07/2025 (by noon local time)
Applicants without scholarship: by 25/07/2025 (by noon local time)
Enrolment: Starting from 25/07/2025 until 31/10/2025
Admission Interviews Calendar: EN - IT - DE (PDF) (coming soon)
Total Positions: 8
2nd Call
Positions with scholarships – unibz: 5
Positions with scholarships – ESF+: 1
Positions with scholarships – Fondazione Bruno Kessler: 1
Positions without scholarship: 1
In the academic year 2025/26, the Computer Science doctoral school offers 8 research topics and 3 research projects.
2nd Call
At this link you can find the detailed descriptions (project description + required skills) of the project funded by external organisation
In order to apply to this programme you need one of the following qualifications:
- a postgraduate degree as per Italian Ministerial Decree no. 509/1999
- a postgraduate degree as per Italian Ministerial Decree no. 270/2004
- a degree of the former Italian university system, or an equivalent degree obtained abroad (university level education of at least five years).
If you have not yet achieved one of the above mentioned titles within the enrolment deadline, you will be admitted conditionally to the selection procedure and you must produce the degree certificate within the enrolment’s deadline. If not, your application is considered null and void.
Prerequisites for admission to the doctoral programmes are an appropriate educational and/or cultural background and/or experience in the research. Qualifications in the field of interest of the PhD programme are preferred.
The Commission reserves the right to decide and to assess whether or not previous qualifications are suitable for admission purposes.
For ESF+ CALL - Participants must be under 35 years of age, to be considered until the day before their 35th birthday. The requirement must be fulfilled at the time of the deadline for the call of applications.
Notice is hereby given that by Rector's decree no. 700/2025, available on the University's online notice board, a position has been added for a scholarship funded by the Fondazione Bruno Kessler with the linked subject "Artificial Intelligence for Multimodal Temporal and Sequential Data". Interested candidates may make an explicit request to be considered for the position to the Admission Committee during the interview, to allow the latter to assess the specific suitability. The provisions of the call for applications apply.
The official language of the PhD programme is English. Therefore applicants must have very good knowledge of English.
The proficiency in English will also be assessed during the interviews.
Applications to the selection procedure can be submitted from the date of the announcement of the public competition.
Each application is subject to a payment for administrative expenses (50 €). This registration fee cannot be reimbursed under any circumstances.
In order to apply, you need to follow these steps:
- Create an account at Application Portal and upload in electronic format a passport-size colour photo and a valid ID (passport or identity card, front/back);
- In the application portal, select the PhD programme and pay the registration fee of 50 € (see instructions in the portal);
- Fill in the online form in the same portal and upload the additional required documents (see the specific attachments to the call for each PhD programme).
Completing the application online is the only way to submit the application. Applications will not be considered if:
- incomplete or without compulsory entry qualifications/requirements;
- sent by e-mail.
It is necessary to upload the required documentation for each PhD programme chosen in the portal. A traffic light system indicates complete/incomplete documentation (missing documents will be marked in red).
Only documents uploaded by the deadline will be evaluated. It is advisable to apply online well in advance and to check the portal regularly to take note of any notes concerning missing and/or incorrect documents.
After the deadline, it will no longer be possible to complete/correct incomplete applications.
The University is not liable if the portal is overcharged, due to the net or to the software itself.
To apply to the PhD programme, applicants must include the documentation listed below. Incomplete applications will be excluded from the competition.
Attention: text exceeding the maximum allowed length (if clearly indicated for a document) will not be taken into account! Please respect the format/length indicated.
Diploma supplement or the Master degree diploma together with the transcript of records of all passed exams (=certificate with exams list of Master degree):
- if graduated in Italy: diploma supplement or self-declaration (following the Italian D.P.R. no. 445/2000) of the degree awarded with the exams passed (if graduated) or just with the exams passed (if not graduated yet);
- if graduated abroad: diploma supplement or final degree certificate with exams passed (if graduated) or transcript of records (if not graduated yet) in Italian, German or English.
The above must contain the following information: final grade, exams passed with grade and date of passing, credit points, scientific fields (the latter only for Italian titles), university where the degree was or will be awarded and date of graduation.
For qualifications obtained abroad, also: scale of grades awarded by the home university (with a minimum final grade to obtain the qualification and a maximum final grade achievable). Unibz reserves the right to request a description of the contents of the single courses and/or teaching hours where necessary.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English
- Presentation letter – Attachment A (in English in PDF format: you must use this template).
- Research proposal – Attachment B (in English in PDF format: you must use this template).
- up to a maximum of two reference letters written in English by supervising academics or researchers from research institutions, describing the type and quality of work carried out (letters must be signed), instead of letters, the names and institutional contacts of up to 2 professional references may be provided.
The selection procedure consists of three phases:
- applications will be examined ex officio for completeness and fulfilment of the formal requirements; applicants excluded due to incomplete applications or lack of requirements will be notified on the dedicated unibz web page. The publication will have the nature of a notification to all effects. No individual communications will be made.
- The selection committee will assess the complete applications, considering the qualifications and attached documentation.
- Applicants who reach the minimum score will be admitted to the interview. Admission to the interview, as well as the relevant dates and times, will be communicated on the unibz dedicated web page. Individual communications will be sent in time to the e-mail address indicated in the application form to applicants admitted to the interview. Interviews may be held by online, at the applicant's request to the selection committee and will be evaluated. Applicants must ensure the use of a webcam to enable them to identify themselves to the selection committee by showing a valid identity document or passport, under penalty of exclusion from the public competition. Absence from the interviews, non-connection, unavailability of the applicant on the appointed day and/or time or non-exhibition of a valid identity document or passport are a cause for exclusion from the public competition.
The following points are awarded:
- Up to a maximum of 50 points for the curriculum vitae, qualifications, and publications, divided as follows:
- Academic qualifications, other certifications, and work experience (up to 40 points);
- Experiences abroad, participation in summer schools and conferences, contributions to research projects, scholarships (up to 5 points);
- Publications (up to 5 points).
- Up to a maximum of 5 points for letters of recommendation;
- Up to a maximum of 15 points for the cover letter (Attachment A) and the research proposal (Attachment B), based on their alignment with the research themes proposed in the call.
Applicants who reach the threshold of 45/70 points will be admitted to the interview. Admission to the interview and the relevant dates and times will be communicated on the unibz dedicated web page. Individual communications will be sent in time to the e-mail address indicated in the application form to applicants admitted to the interview.
The following elements will be assessed during the interview: aptitude for research; possession of a language level appropriate to the language of the programme; argumentative capacity in relation to the theoretical and methodological hypotheses of the research project presented. A maximum of 30 points will be awarded. The interview is considered passed if at least 20/30 points are obtained.
The final score is determined by the sum of the points awarded during the evaluation of the submitted documentation and the interview.
Only candidates who obtain a minimum score of at least 70/100 will be considered eligible. Please note that if a candidate does not reach the minimum threshold of 45 points in the first evaluation, they will not be admitted to the oral interview (second evaluation) and therefore will not be eligible for inclusion in the ranking. In the event of a tie, priority will be given to the younger candidate.
The final ranking lists will be published here.
To create an application in the portal you need to pay the following fees:
- Administrative fees: € 50
To confirm your study place, you need to log in to the application portal and pay the following fees using one of the payment methods indicated on the portal by the specified deadline.
- One-off registration fee: € 200, including a € 16 revenue stamp
If you fail to meet this deadline, you will automatically lose your place. Once you have confirmed your place by paying the instalment, there is no refund of tuition fees unless you are a non-EU applicant living abroad and you have not received the necessary documents from the Italian authorities in your country.
There are no other fees to be paid.
