In our PhD programme we have many fellowship regimes funded by different sponsors, and for this reason, it is important that the PhD candidate check the administrative information with the PhD Office of the Department of Legal Studies.
Fellowship funded by UNIBO and UNITO
Each year of the three-year doctoral programme, students accrue a budget corresponding to 10% of the annual scholarship value. This funding is intended to support travel and other activities related to the doctoral programme. This 10% is called "10% budget for research".
Doctoral students are required to spend a minimum of six months conducting research or studying abroad. During these periods, the scholarship is increased by 50%. For scholarship holders, this additional funding is provided as a scholarship supplement, while non-scholarship holders receive reimbursement for travel expenses. The additional funding for research stays abroad is available for up to twelve months, with the possibility of extension to eighteen months for joint doctoral programmes carried out in cooperation with foreign institutions. This 50% is called "50% extra-salary for secondment".
The fellowship funded by UNITO covers 12 months abroad, with the scholarship increasing by 50%.
The fellowship funded by UNIBO covers only 6 months abroad, with the scholarship increasing by 50%. For this reason, it is fundamental to acquire special authorisation from the supervisor and the Board to cover the other secondment period with research funds.
Emilia-Romagna Regionalfellowship
The fellowship funded by the programme of the Emilia-Romagna Regional funds has the same rules of the UNIBO fellowship.
Fellowship funded by EU funds
The fellowship funded by EU funds (e.g., ERC, MSCA, COFUND) has a special regime and the rules concerning the "10% budget for research" and the "50% extra-salary for secondment". Usually, these PhD candidates have a special extra budget allocated by the EU programme.
Marco Polo Programme
Doctoral students may also apply for funding through: (1) the Erasmus+ Study and Internship programmes promoted by the European Union; and (2) the Marco Polo programme offered by the University of Bologna, which provides monthly grants of €1,150 for destinations in Europe and Africa and €1,350 for destinations in the Americas, Asia, and Oceania.
The 50% scholarship increase for research periods abroad may be combined with Erasmus+ international mobility grants only for the first 180 days spent abroad. It may also be combined with the Marco Polo grant, up to the maximum amount provided under that scheme.
Department of Excellence initiative
In addition, doctoral students have access to funds allocated to the Department under the Department of Excellence initiative. These resources support the organisation of advanced teaching activities and doctoral workshops, as well as doctoral students' participation in academic language courses offered by the University Language Centre (CLA).