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Doctoral programs

Doctoral programs

PHD STUDENTS

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CALL FOR APPLICATION
Call for International Research Doctorates in Architecture and Urban Planning, Cycle 42.

Download the Call: – Deadline: June 24, 2026, h. 12.00 (CET +1)

Learn about the Application Modalities here:
APPLY HERE

Beyond the status as HEI (Institution of Higher Education), POLIS also has the official status of “University”. As such, he has rights to organize third-level academic programs. The “Doctoral Program” at POLIS University was first established with the Order No. 563 date 19.11.2012 from the Ministry responsible for Education and Science in Albania. It focuses on two directions: i) Architecture; AND ii) Urban Planning, but it is also open to other or related fields and specialties that develop applied and innovative ideas, as well as advance the research boundaries for the two aforementioned scientific directions. The program was assisted from the start by the Department of Architecture, University of Ferrara (UNIFE), Italy, within the scientific cooperation projects between Italy and Albania.
A year later, the two universities in question raised the quality of the institutional cooperation and the program in question, to the level of an “International Doctoral Program” (PhD) of the “Double-Degree” format, with the support of the rectors respective ministries responsible for education and science in Italy and Albania. The program has been officially recognized and evaluated by the authorities of both countries as an international and unique program for both countries and respective fields. He has a high approach and sensitivity to quality and innovation. The program is accredited every year in Italy, and periodically according to the law in Albania as well. In addition to the two co-founding institutions, the “International PhD Program” jointly organized by U_POLIS and UNIFE, has a network of affiliated academic-research partners such as the University of Malta; Pécs University, Hungary; University of Bratislava, Slovakia; University of Minho, Portugal; University of Portsmouth UK, etc. The program is entirely conducted in English, and requires each participant to first prove a high and certified level of mastery and defense of this language.
Students and talented researchers interested in this PhD Program can apply, compete, and register (including the payment of the relevant obligations and fees) at the institution where they apply, according to the practices and standards adopted by the EU countries. The program has regulations, procedures, practices and a common academic board; there are staff, consultants, and shared physical and online infrastructure, for the most normal functioning of the program during the 3-year life of study and research. Meanwhile, students/researchers are registered, assisted, monitored, and evaluated in parallel at both universities. The program simultaneously respects the relevant legislation for education and science in Italy/EU and in Albania. The students participating in the program are mainly from Albania and Italy, but there are also those from other countries of Europe and the world.

Interested individuals and applicants from Albania, the region, or beyond may apply by sending a message to: [email protected], or [email protected], or through the social media channels of POLIS University. Visits to the campus are also welcome (where you can contact and clarify directly with the coordinator of the PhD program) at the address: Rruga Bylis, No. 12, Tirana-Durrës Highway, Km5, Tirana, Albania.

Calls for applications are usually announced each year during the June–July period, while the competition and final selection process generally take place during August–September. The respective deadlines are detailed in the open call published annually.

FEES

The cost of a PhD Program at Universiteti Polis / University of Ferrara is at least €10,000 over a period of 3 years. The program legally requires full-time commitment at the University.

For the staff of POLIS University, 50% of this amount is covered by the University, while the remaining 50% is paid in installments by the researcher as a minimum tuition fee.

At the same time, the University grants full-time staff/researchers a 3-year research and teaching contract, which also includes financial compensation as an additional incentive for research activities.

In collaboration with the researcher, POLIS University works toward securing additional funding from public authorities, the private sector, or European research and mobility projects.

Due to the International nature of the program, the details of the Open Call are provided below in English language:

NB: The project sheets relating to the topics defined by the Ministrial Decree 351/2022 and 352/2022 are visible on this webpage.

The course has been activated throughout an international agreement signed between the Università degli Studi di Ferrara (Italy) and the Polis University of Tirana (Albania). Slovak University of Technology (SLK), University Do Minho (PT) and Lawrence Technological University (Southfield, Michigan – USA) participate in training and researching activities provided for the Ph.D.

POSITIONS AVAILABLEUNIFEPOLISLoghi unife polis
With grant and within specific international mobility programs7—
Research contracts—6
Total 13

The research topics are available on the webpage of the PhD course. Selection application forms, together with all documents listed here, must be submitted using the online procedure

The choice made will be binding and determine the allocation of available places, which shall be awarded according to the order of final classification, until all places depletion. The Commission shall evaluate the Candidates’ qualifications and interview. For the acceptance of the admission application, each candidate must also have at least 2 recommendation letters written and signed by teachers, experts, researchers or professionals, qualified for the course’s topics. The interview will be conducted via conference call on the Internet

Evaluation of qualifications and interview will take place within September 15th, 2026.

Evaluation results, the beginning date for consulting the evaluation results and the interview schedule will be available within the present call deadline HERE.


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Note / Attention

1. Candidates admitted to the course will be enrolled on both Partner Institutions

2. Candidates with a research contract are engaged in full time research activities at Polis University

3. Candidates applying for a PhD position at POLIS University as their Home Institution must meet not only the criteria outlined in the Call (based on the program regulations and the relevant international agreement) but also the additional requirements set forth by the Albanian Law on Higher Education and its related guidelines. These include, but are not limited to: English language proficiency, required average grade from Master’s studies or Integrated ones, official recognition of the diploma by the Albanian Ministry of Education (for the candidates with foreign diplomas)