Deadline:
February 28, 2026
Location(s)
Italy
Str. Costiera, 11, 34151 Trieste
Overview
ICTP is now accepting applications from young physicists and mathematicians for the 2020-2021 class of the Postgraduate Diploma Programme. The one year course of study prepares talented students for PhD studies, as part of the Centre's efforts to promote advanced scientific research in developing countries. Each successful class of Postgraduate Diploma students helps bring this dream to life.
Details
Students have gone on to PhD programmes all over the world, launching them into successful scientific careers. Two semesters of classes are followed by a research project and dissertation. Interested students can apply to study in one of five subject areas:
- High Energy, Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Earth System Physics
- Mathematics
- Quantitative Life Sciences
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Who can apply
The Postgraduate Diploma Programme is open to young (generally below 28 years of age), qualified graduates from all countries that are members of the United Nations, UNESCO or IAEA. The minimum qualification for applicants is a degree equivalent to an MSc (or an exceptionally good BSc) in physics, mathematics or in a field related to the topics listed below.
The selection of candidates will be based on their university record and on academic recommendations. Since the Postgraduate Diploma Programme is in English, fluency in speaking and writing is an essential qualification.
The applicant is expected to have adequate knowledge of the following topics in the specific field for which he/she is applying:
- For Condensed Matter Physics: solid state physics; quantum mechanics; statistical mechanics; classical mechanics; electrodynamics; mathematical physics.
- For High Energy, Cosmology and Astropartical Physics: classical mechanics; electrodynamics; special theory of relativity; quantum mechanics; statistical mechanics.
- For Earth System Physics: a theoretical background in physics, mathematics or engineering; mathematical methods applied in geophysics and geosciences.
- For Mathematics: basic abstract algebra; elements of real and complex analysis; topology.
- For Quantitative Life Sciences: classical mechanics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, mathematical methods for physics, basic programming skills
Dates
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
Entitlements
Tuition-free; 10 yearly scholarships plus travel grant for applicants from developing countries.
In each Postgraduate Diploma Programme, scholarships and travel grants will be awarded to those 10 students selected from developing countries. There are no course fees. Students will receive a scholarship for the entire year of study. A limited number of qualified candidates who meet the same selection criteria as others may attend the courses at their own cost. They must supply written evidence from a funding agency or a banking institution that funds are available for their entire year's stay, and are equal to those offered by the Centre.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
