It is an intense, 12-month pre-doctoral educational programme, promoted by ICTP, for talented young science students from the developing world who have limited possibilities to pursue advanced studies in their home countries.

Areas of instruction include high-energy physics, condensed matter physics, mathematics, and Earth system physics.

After completing the Diploma Programme, most students go on to PhD work in Europe or North America, with many returning to their native countries on completion of their studies. Others return to jobs as college teachers, or register for PhD programmes in their home countries.

What about the programme?
The Programme is made of four specialised fields, reflecting ICTP core research activities:
- Condensed Matter Physics,
- High Energy Physics,
- Mathematics,
- Earth System Physics.


The ICTP Postgraduate Diploma will be awarded only to those candidates who successfully complete all examinations, dissertation, and other requirements.

More information can be asked to ICTP (Phone: (+39) 040 2240 389; e-mail: diploma@ictp.it).

How to apply?
Applicants should have a B.Sc. (but an M.Sc. is preferred) in Physics or Mathematics, be under age 28 and come from countries that are members of the United Nations, UNESCO or IAEA.

The application deadline is 31 December of year before the programme starts.

Selection of candidates will be based on their university record and on academic recommendations. Fluency in speaking and writing in English is an essential qualification.

Applicants are expected to have adequate knowledge of the topics in the specific field for which they are applying.