Scholarships, funding and benefits

Different doctoral scholarships, all focusing on projects relevant to digital transformation, will be available, depending on the funding source:

• funded by the MUR as part of the "Economic and Digital Resilience" project of the Department of Excellence 2023-27 of the IMT School

• co-funded by enterprises and by the Italian Ministry of University of Research through the PNRR schemes

• co-funded by other regional, national or international projects

All students enrolled in the PhD program receive a scholarship of about €1,350/month, which includes pension contributions and results in a net salary of about €1,200/month for 3 years. As an exclusive additional benefit, students are offered free on-campus serviced housing and full board at the IMT canteen, worth an equivalent of about €800/month. Furthermore, they are given a research budget of about €4,000 to attend international academic conferences, summer and winter schools, and other similar events. During visiting periods abroad, the scholarship is increased by 50%, possibly receiving further support by the IMT School comparable to the Erasmus+ funds.

Industrial/institutional internships and visiting periods abroad

For doctoral scholarships supported by PNRR funds, the doctoral student is required to carry out research activities at the company for a minimum period of 6 months to a maximum of 18 months, even non-continuous, over the three-year period. Visiting periods abroad are mandatory, even non-continuous, from a minimum of 6 months up to 12 months, over the three-year period.

For doctoral scholarships supported by the "Economic and Digital Resilience" (RED) Project of the Department of Excellence 2023-27 of IMT Lucca, a research activity abroad, in companies or research institutions, for a period of between 3 and 6 months, is highly recommended.

See each individual project's description for more specifics.

Incoming students profiles

Italian degree: "Laurea Magistrale" or "Specialistica" (according to DM no. 509, of November 3, 1999), or a four- or five-year degree (according to the previous rules of the Italian higher education system) obtained in Italy.

Foreign degree: with a minimum duration equivalent to 4 years (full-time). The 4-year duration should be considered a minimum, but it is not a sufficient requirement: the Selection Committees will assess the eligibility of degrees. 

Each research project lists the individual competencies sought. The School promotes equal opportunities.

Outgoing students profiles

In the report "The Future of the Jobs" presented at the World Economic Forum 2016, it emerged that, in the coming years, technological and demographic factors would profoundly influence the evolution of the labor market. With the advent of enabling digital technologies, the skills and abilities sought will change. To date, companies and public institutions are encountering increasing difficulties in identifying, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, the skills necessary for digital transformation. 

Career opportunities comprise the academic field in different scientific disciplinary sectors, including engineering, informatics, and economics, as well as technical-scientific and managerial roles in public and private companies or institutions. The partnership with leading companies and public institutions in their respective sectors will provide an additional advantage to PhD students in terms of placement.

What MDT offers

•  International and interdisciplinary research environment 

•  Rigorous training by experts in enabling digital technologies and innovation 

• Research project proposed by a leading company/public institution 

• Training period in the company/public institution of at least 6 months 

• Visiting period abroad of at least 6 months 

•  Opportunity to meet leading visiting researchers at IMT 

•  Scholarship €16,243/year 

•  Free accommodation and canteen service, which can be valued as a benefit of €500/month 

The IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca

The PhD in Management of Digital Transformation (MDT) is hosted by the IMT School, one of the seven Schools of Excellence in Italy, and one of the highest-rated graduate schools in Europe, according to the most recent U-Multirank survey.  The School offers rigorous training and personalized supervision in technical, social, human, and natural sciences, and encourages interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches that push disciplinary boundaries.

The IMT School fosters a genuinely global atmosphere by welcoming students from diverse geographical locations.