Is a PhD in Italy worth it?

Short answer: If you win a funded position, yes, it is one of the best value PhDs in Europe. You are paid a monthly scholarship, you get a research budget and extra money for time abroad, and fees are small. The hard part is the competition and the timing: calls close in spring and summer and programs start on 1 November.

What is good

• A paid scholarship of at least €16,243 gross a year, often more (P3).
• Plus 50% for research periods abroad and a research budget of at least 10% of the scholarship each year (University of Trento).
• No 30 November visa deadline for PhDs, only the rule that you apply before activities start (MUR circular).
• Your study permit can be renewed for the whole PhD and one more year (P32).

What is hard

• Funded places are few and the selection is a public ranking.
• The scholarship is enough for a modest life, less so in Milan.
• Supervision styles vary a lot between groups. Choose the group, not only the university.
• Italian matters for daily life even if your lab works in English.