The application deadline for PhD Studies Opportunity 2024 was extended to December 15, 2023. 

Introduction 

ADA University is pleased to announce a unique opportunity for qualified and motivated candidates to pursue their PhD studies in collaboration with renowned American and Italian Universities. Leveraging the diverse strengths of each institution, this collaborative initiative offers aspiring scholars the unique choice of pursuing their doctoral studies in either Italy or the USA, providing a rich and immersive educational experience.

Through a bilateral partnership with each institution, ADA University will pre-select candidates who will then have the opportunity to apply directly for PhD programs offered by Italian or American partner universities.

Partner Universities:

ADA University has forged a groundbreaking partnership with the following prestigious universities for PhD programs:

• University of Bologna (UniBo)
• Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi)
• Politecnico di Torino (PoliTo)
• George Washington University (GWU)

These universities offer competitive PhD programs, aiming at training high-profile professionals from national and international academic institutions, companies, and public sector.

Program Overview:

Candidates selected in the pre-selection stage will be nominated by ADA University for the PhD programs offered by the Italian and American partner universities designed to provide students with a rigorous and interdisciplinary education, fostering both academic excellence and practical skills. Candidates will have the opportunity to work with internationally recognized faculty members, access state-of-the-art research facilities, and engage in cutting-edge research projects.

The PhD programs cover a wide range of disciplines:

• Agriculture (animal production, plant production, sustainable and precise agriculture, horticultural science) (UniBo)
• Food science and technology (food safety and risk management, food and beverage fermentation) (UniBo)
• Architecture (PoliMi)
• Design (interior design, product and service design, communication design) ( PoliMi)
• Urban planning (PoliMi)
• Landscape and Public Space Design ( PoliMi)
• Electrical Engineering (GWU, PoliTo)
• Energy Engineering in Agriculture and Food System (PoliTo)
• Water Engineering and Fluid Dynamics (PoliTo)
• Civil and Environmental Engineering ( PoliTo)
• Computer Engineering (GWU, PoliTo)
• Computer Science (GWU)

The PhD degrees in respective universities require a study and research activity of at least three to five years (depending on each University requirement) including full-time study, research, and development of a PhD thesis.

Eligibility Criteria:

The PhD study opportunity is intended for Azerbaijani citizens. Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for the pre-selection stage:

• Hold a relevant master's degree or equivalent qualification.
• Current MA/ MS students in their last year of graduate studies.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English (minimum 6.5 IELTS equivalent).
• Show a strong academic record and relevant research experience.

Application Procedure:

The admission process consists of the following stages:

• The first stage includes application review and interviews with the Selection Committee of ADA University. The Committee evaluates candidates’ applications based on the following criteria: level of English language proficiency, relevant academic and professional backgrounds, content knowledge, research experiences, aspirations, and achievements in the field. 
• The applicants successfully passing the interview stage will be asked to register and apply for each year’s PhD cycle with the respective Italian and/or American universities. The applicants will have to follow the admission procedures of the partner university. Nominated candidates will be provided with guidance on how to apply directly to the PhD programs at the Italian/American partner Universities.

ADA University's PhD Support and Development Department will be supporting the candidates throughout the whole process.

All interested candidates must submit the following documents to phd@ada.edu.az no later than December 15, 2023:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV);
• A statement of purpose (SOP) outlining your research interests, motivations for pursuing a PhD, and how your academic and research background align with your chosen field of study (maximum 500 words);
• A writing sample (g. Bachelor or Master thesis, or any research paper that may demonstrate your research and writing skills);
• Proof of language proficiency (English).

Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to the interview with ADA University Selection Committee.