The University of Siena invites applications for the Graduate Program in Economics. The University and the city offer a unique environment for study and research in Europe.

Scholarships.A maximum of 20 students will be admitted. The 10 most qualified candidates will be awarded a four-year scholarship of about €10,500 ($16,500) per year, after tax, for a total of about $42,000 ($67,000), plus tuition remission. A limited number of students can take advantage of lodging offered by the University of Siena in the Post-Graduate College “S. Chiara” sited in the historical centre of Siena.

The Graduate Program. The goal of the program is to train professional economists. Former students hold positions as economists in the academia, in consulting businesses, and in national and internationals economic institutions, such as central banks and regulators.

The first two years of the Program are devoted to full-time courses. All of these are taught in English, the official language of the Program. After fundamental training in Mathematics, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Econometrics, a full menu of specialized courses is offered. Students are exposed to different theoretical and methodological points of view, in order to be able to explore the frontier of economics in an original way. Students are also required to participate in research activities, such as economics seminars and workshops. Admission to the second year is conditioned on the results of all first year final exams. Starting from the second year, students will develop their own research, under the supervision of a faculty member. While working at their dissertation, students are encouraged to undertake periods of research in foreign academic institutions. In this case the scholarship is increased by 50%. The doctorate is awarded after discussion of an original piece of scientific work (which can be written
in Italian or in English). For further information about the Program, please visit http://www.econ-pol.unisi.it/dottorato/

Application process. Applicants must hold, or obtain by September 30 2008, an Italian “laurea specialistica” or a “4-years laurea” or equivalent 4-5 years foreign degree. There are no limitations on the nationality of candidates. Prospective students are required to apply using the on-line procedure at the following website: http://dottorati.unisi.it/domande/elenco_proposte_24_maggio.asp

The deadline for application is May 23, 2008. In addition to the on-line application, the following documentation is required (either in Italian of in English):

1. Curriculum vitae

2. Academic transcripts. These must contain a full list of courses taken and grades obtained.

3. Two letters of reference, in sealed envelopes. These must assess the student’s aptitudes towards research, competence, scientific potential and maturity, in comparative terms.

4. A research statement, not exceeding 1000 words.

5. (OPTIONAL) A short scientific essay, not longer than 5000 words, resulting from independent research by the candidate.

All required documentation must be sent by May 23, 2008 to the following address: Ufficio Formazione e Post-Laurea DOTTORATO IN ECONOMIA POLITICA c/o Collegio Santa Chiara Via Valdimontone n. 1 53100 Siena, Italy.

Selection of Students. The selection of candidates will be based on an evaluation of their aptitude and competence to research. To this purpose, the examination commission might ask some of the candidates to sit for a written exam and an interview, to be held in Siena in the late-Spring or early-Summer of 2008; in this case, the candidates will be notified by email a couple of weeks before (however, the University cannot be held responsible for failed communications due to the candidate supplying late or incorrect information regarding his/her address). The exams will be in Italian or in English. The University reserves the right to exclude from the selection process, at any time, candidates who do not meet the admission requirements.

Further information. For further information, please contact the secretariat of the graduate program:
Francesca Fabbri: fabbri16 [a-y] unisi.it Margherita Fusi: fusi3 [a-t] unisi.it