Certificates for PhD candidates

PhDs and PhD candidates can use certificates and self-certifications to attest their status.

When to use a self-certification

The self-certification is a sworn declaration made and signed by the person concerned. It replaces some administrative certifications.

In order to give proof of personal and professional status to Italian Public Administrations and Italian public services, self-certifications must be used. Please note that this general provision does not apply to Italian Missions abroad or to the Questura for Visa or permit of stay’s applications.

When to use a certificate

A certificate is an official document, issued by a relevant and authorised body.

Certificates can be used to give proof of personal and professional status before:

• public and private legal persons both in Italy and abroad;
• Italian Embassies and Consulates in foreign Countries;
• the Questura, with a view to ask for the permit of stay or its renewal.

Certificates to be submitted to the Territorial Office of the Government (Prefettura), with a view to have the PhD diploma legalised and officially translated, require the registered signature.

As a rule, a €16 stamp duty must be affixed on each certificate. The stamp duty is not required only if the certificate is issued for one of the causes of exemption foreseen by the Italian legislation into force. For example:

• Scholarship applications
• Visa applications to be submitted to the Italian consular authorities abroad
• Permit of stay applications and requests for its renewal.

How to obtain a self-certification or a certificate

1) Download a certificate or a self-certification from Studenti Online

You can log in on StudentiOnline at any time with your name.surname@studio.unibo.it username and password to download certificates - both in Italian and in English - and self-certifications attesting:

• your enrolment in a PhD Programme;
• the awarding of the PhD degree;
• proofs of payment of tuition fees for each academic year to be used for tax purposes.

Please, note that in case of loss of the Unibo username and password, an account recovery procedure is available. In case of failure to complete the above procedure, a request for the email account recovery can be sent to the Help Desk (help.studentionline@unibo.it). A scanned copy of a valid ID document must be attached.       

2) Request a certificate to the PhD Unit staff

If you need a certificate different than the ones available on StudentiOnline, send a request to the PhD Unit staff, using the following Request Form [.pdf 162 KB].

The Request Form, duly filled in and signed, must be submitted via e-mail to aform.udottricerca@unibo.it,  together with a scanned copy of a €16 stamp duty (when required). The original stamp duty can be submitted to the PhD Unit in person or via postal service. This will be affixed on the certificate, when the latter will be ready to be collected.

The certificate can be collected in person at the PhD Unit by appointment only. The certificate can also be collected by third persons provided with a written authorisation and a copy of a valid ID document of the applicant.

Copy of the certificate can be sent by email. In this case, a €16 stamp duty have to be submitted to the PhD Unit by post or by a delegated person.

DIPLOMA (Pergamena)

PhDs awarded of their degree after 1999 can collect their Diploma at the PhD Unit during opening hours, after having booked an appointment.

PhDs having payed the appropriate fee and awarded of their degree before 2017, are entitled to receive their diploma by post (in Italy only). Please, to book the delivery, write an e-mail to aform.udottricerca@unibo.it, with the delivery address and a scanned copy of a valid ID document.

The Diploma can also be collected by third persons provided with a written authorisation and a copy of a valid ID document of the applicant.

For further information or to book an appointment, please, write an email to aform.udottricerca@unibo.it.