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ICTP Postgraduate Diploma Programme

Postgraduate Diploma Programme

An intense, pre-PhD programme for talented students

Supporting its mission to promote advanced scientific research in developing countries, ICTP offers a Postgraduate Diploma Programme that prepares talented students for PhD studies.

The Postgraduate Diploma Programme started in 1991, and since then, many of its graduates have gone on to do PhDs at various prestigious universities, including in Europe and North America. Many of them, after a few postdoctoral stints abroad, have returned to their home countries, where they are actively involved in teaching and in developing advanced research groups there. Others have pursued scientific careers in leading scientific institutions worldwide. Many former students continue to maintain an active collaboration with ICTP throughout their careers.

The Programme is open to young qualified graduates in physics, mathematics or related fields. A limited number of scholarships (around 10 per field) are awarded to successful candidates from developing countries (with particular emphasis on students from the least developed regions of the world) to cover travel and living expenses during their stay at ICTP. The selection of the candidates is based on their university performance as well as on academic recommendations. The selection committee aims to select the best academically qualified candidates while striving for gender balance and geographical distribution. After the completion of the courses (including examinations), participants are required to work on a dissertation, to be submitted and defended.

Fields of research
High Energy, Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics

High Energy, Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics

I Term  September 2026  – January 2027

  • Quantum Mechanics (HEP-QM)    N. Dondi   (18 lectures of 1.5 h each)    
  • Lorentz Invariant Classical Field Theory (HEP-LICFT)   B. Acharya  (12 lectures of 2 h each)   
  • General Relativity I (HEP-GR I)  P. Creminelli (17 lectures of 1.5 h each)  
  • Quantum Field Theory I (HEP-QFT I)   A. Bissi  (20 lectures of 1.5 h each)   

 

  • Tutorials
  • Lorentz Invariant Classical Field Theory tutorials (HEP-LICFT tut.)  - 
  • Quantum Mechanics tutorials (HEP-QM tut.) - F. Ferrari
  • Quantum Field Theory I tutorials (HEP-QFT I tut.)  -
  • General Relativity I tutorials (HEP-GR I tut.) -  

 

II Term  January 2027 - May 2027

  • Standard Model I (HEP-SM I)   G. Villadoro  (21 lectures of 1.5 h each)     
  • Quantum Field Theory II (HEP-QFT II)  Sunil Mukhi  (20 lectures of 1.5 each)      
  • Standard Model II (HEP-SM II)  E. Miro’  (20 lectures of 1.5 h each)     
  • General Relativity II (HEP-GR II)  M. Mirbabayi  (20 lectures of 1.5 h each)     

 

  • Tutorials
  • Standard Model I tutorials (HEP-SM tut.)  - 
  • Standard Model II tutorials (HEP-SM II tut.) - 
  • General Relativity II tutorials (HEP-GR II tut.) - 
  • Quantum Field Theory II tutorials (HEP-QF II tut.) - 
Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics

Condensed Matter Physics

 

I Term:  September –  December 2026

  • Mathematical Techniques (CMP-MT)   M. Sellitto (12 lectures of 1.5 h each)   
  • Linux Basics (CMP-LB)  L. Cirigliano and R. Javed (5 lectures of 1.5 h each)   
  • Numerical Methods I (CMP/ESP-NUM I)  E. Coppola, G. Giuliani, N. S. Aucar Boidi, A. Scocco  (18 lectures of 1.5 h each)    
  • Statistical Mechanics (CMP-SM)    A.  Jelic (20 lectures of 1.5 h each)   
  • Electrons and Phonons in Solids (CMP-EPS)   N. Stojic  and N. Binggeli (29 lectures of 1.5 h each)   
  • Advanced Quantum Mechanics (CMP-AQM)  R. Fazio and S. Santoro (31 lectures of 1.5 h each)       

  • Selected Topics in Condensed Matter Physics (CMP-ST)   N. Seriani +  G. Fux (10 lectures of 1.5 h each)   

     

  • Tutorials
  • Statistical Mechanics tutorials (CMP-SM tut.)  
  • Electrons and Phonons in Solids (CMP-EPS tut.)   

 

II Term:  January –  April 2027

  • Scientific Python (CMP-SP)     I. Davydenkova   (20 lectures of 1.5 h each)     
  • Numerical Methods II (CMP-NUM II)   M. Dalmonte, A. Hassanali   (20 lectures of 1.5 h each)    
  • Selected Topics in Condensed Matter Physics (CMP-ST)   N. Seriani + G. Fux   (10 lectures of 1.5 h each)  continues from first term
  • Supercondictivity and Magnetism (CMP-SUP)  M. Kiselev   (14 lectures of 1.5 h each)  
  • Electronic Structure (CMP-ES)    R. Gebauer (12 lectures of 1.5 h each)  

  • Advanced Statistical Mechanics (CMP-ASM)   A. Scardicchio (12 lectures of 1.5 h each)  

     

  • Tutorials
  • Advanced Statistical Mechanics tutorials (CMP-ASM tut.)  

 

Mathematics

Mathematics

Coordinator: Pavel Putrov

Courses for the academic year 2026-2027

 

LINK TO THE 2026-27  MATH DIPLOMA LECTURES

 

 

I Term   (first trimester)

September 7 - November 7  2026

  • Real Analysis (MTH-RA) E. Carneiro  (20 lectures of 1.5 h each)      
  • Topology (MTH-TOP)  D. Zuddas  (15 lectures of 1.5 h each)     
  • Algebra (MTH-ALG)  E. Gasparim (20 lectures of 1.5 h each)     

 

  • Tutorials
  • Real Analysis tutorials (MTH-RA tut.) - The Rubio Gunawan 
  • Topology tutorials (MTH-TOP tut.) - Lorenzo Barbato
  • Algebra tutorials (MT-ALG tut.) - Anna Sicolo

 

II Term    (second trimester)

November 23 2026  - February 12 2027

The first two courses are mandatory

  • Functional Analysis (MTH-FA)   S. Bianchini  (20 lectures of 1.5 h each)    
  • Complex Analysis (MTH-CA) A. Marian  (20 lectures of 1.5 h each) 

then one out of two of the following courses:

  • Differential Geometry (MTH-DG)  C. Arezzo (20 lectures of 1.5 h each)  
  • Supervised Machine learning (MTH-SML)  J. Barbier (13 lectures of 2 h each) 

 

  • Tutorials (approx. 7 tutorials per course)
  • Functional Analysis tutorials (MTH-FA tut.) - Xilun Li
  • Complex Analysis tutorials (MTH-CA tut.) - Hamza Ounesli
  • Differential Geometry tutorials (MTH-DG tut.)  - Hamza Ounesli
  • Supervised Machine Learning (MTH-SML tut.) TBC

III Term  (third trimester)

March 1 - April 30  2027  

first course is mandatory  

  • Algebraic Topology (MTH-AT)  P. Putrov (15 lectures of 1.5 h each)   

then two out of four of the following courses:

  • ODE and Dynamical Systems  (MTH-ODS)  S. Luzzatto  (20 lectures of 2 h each)    
  • Algebraic Geometry (MTH-AG) R. Ontani (20 lectures of 1.5 h each)    
  • Partial Differential Equations (MTH-PDE)   G. Bellettini (15 lectures of 1.5 h each)  
  • Representation Theory (MTH-RT)  TBC  (12 lectures of 1.5 h each)  

 

  • Tutorials (approx. 7 tutorials per course)
  • Partial Differential Equations tutorials (MTH-PDE tut.) 
  • Algebraic Geometry tutorials (MTH-AG tut.)  
  • Algebraic Topology tutorials (MTH-AT tut.)  
  • Representation Theory tutorials (MTH-RT tut.)
Earth System Physics

Earth System Physics

Coordinator: Riccardo Farneti

Courses for the academic year 2026-2027

LINK TO THE 2026-27  ESP DIPLOMA LECTURES

 

 

I Term   September - December 2026

  • Wave Physics (ESP-WP)  F. Romanelli  (12 lectures of 1.5 h each)     
  • Physics of the Earth for Geohazards (ESP-PEG) F. Romanelli (16 lectures of 1.5 h each) 
  • Atmospheric Thermodynamics  (ESP-TPA)  A. Tompkins, G. Biagioli (10 lectures of 1.5 h each) 
  • Climate Physics (ESP-CF) A.Tompkins (10 lectures of 1.5 h each)
  • Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (ESP-GFD)  R. Farneti, S. Salon (20 lectures of 1.5 h each) 
  • Linux Basics (ESP-LB)  G. Giuliani   (5 lectures of 1.5 h each)   
  • Numerical Methods I (CMP/ESP-NUM I)  E. Coppola, G. Giuliani, N. S. Aucar Boidi, A. Scocco (18 lectures of 1.5 h each)  
  • Scientific Python (ESP/CMP-SP) D. Davydenkova  (20 lectures of 1.5 h each)  

 

II Term   January - May 2027

 

COURSES FOR BOTH GROUPS:

  • Numerical Methods and Data Analysis in GeoScience (ESP-NDA) G. Giuliani, A. Tompkins (22 lectures of 1.5 h each)  

 

CLIMATE  

  • Atmospheric Dynamics (ESP-AD)   F. Kucharski (15 lectures of 1.5 h each)     
  • Ocean Dynamics (ESP-OD)   R. Farneti (17 lectures of 1.5 h each)    
  • BioGeochemical Cycles (ESP-BGC)  C. Solidoro, A. Pozzer (12 lectures of 1.5 h each)  
  • Earth System Modelling (ESP-ESM)   E. Coppola (13 lectures of 1.5 h each)    

SOLID EARTH 

  • Theoretical Seismology (ESP-SEIS)  F. Romanelli  (9 lectures of 2 h each)     
  • Space Geodesy and InSAR (ESP-SG) A. Borghi  (14 lectures of 1.5 h each)   
  • Applied Seismology (ESP-APS)  S. Parolai (12 lectures of 1.5 h each)   
  • Physics of Volcanoes (ESP-PV)  E. Rivalta (12 lectures of 1.5 h each)    
  • Mechanics of Earthquakes and Tectonophysics (ESP-MET)  F. Romanelli, S. Parolai  (12 lectures of 1.5 h each)
  • Observations and Computer Methods (ESP-OCM) D. Manu-Marfo, D. Osei-Tutu, B. Vičič, F. Romanelli  (18 lectures of 1.5 h each)    

 

Quantitative Life Sciences

Quantitative Life Sciences

 

Coordinator: Matteo Marsili

Courses for the academic year 2026-2027

Link to QLS Diploma Schedule   


 

I Term  (September 2026 - February 2027)

  • Probability (QLS-PROB) Minh Tuan Nguyen  (13.5 hours)
  • Large Scale Behaviour (QLS-LSB)  M. Marsili    (33 hours)
  • Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics  (QLS-TDSM) Rafna Rafeek  (16 hours)   
  • Stochastic Processes  (QLS-SP)  E. Roldan  (30 hours)  
  • Ecology and Evolution (QLS-EE)  J. Grilli  (38 hours)  
  • Scientific Python (QLS-PYT)   (14 hours)  
  • Mathematical Methods (QLS-MM)  M. Pastore (22 hours)  

 

II Term   (February 2027 - June 2027)

  • Spring College on the Physics of Complex Systems   (60 hours)  
  • Supervised Machine Learning (QLS-SML)   J. Barbier   (19.5 hours)  
  • Reinforcement learning (QLS-RL)   A. Celani  (12 hours) 
  • Introdution to Neuroscience (QLS-NEU)   A. Treves and K.Zhang (24 hours)     
  • Introduction to Mathematical Economics (QLS-MEC)    M. Marsili   (16 hours
  • Statistical Learning (QLS-STA) O. Mazzarisi (12 hours)  

Tutors:

  • Mauro Pastore (for MM)
  • Minh-Toan Nguyen (for SML)

 

Who can apply
Postgraduate Diploma Programme

The Postgraduate Diploma Programme is open to young (generally below 28 years of age), qualified graduates from all countries that are members of the United Nations, UNESCO or IAEA. The minimum qualification for applicants is a degree equivalent to an MSc (or an exceptionally good BSc) in physics, mathematics or in a field related to the topics listed below.

The selection of candidates will be based on their university record and on academic recommendations. Since the Postgraduate Diploma Programme is in English, fluency in speaking and writing is an essential qualification.

The applicant is expected to have adequate knowledge of the following topics in the specific field for which he/she is applying:

  • For Condensed Matter Physics: solid state physics; quantum mechanics; statistical mechanics; classical mechanics; electrodynamics; mathematical physics.
  • For High Energy, Cosmology and Astropartical Physics: classical mechanics; electrodynamics; special theory of relativity; quantum mechanics; statistical mechanics.
  • For Earth System Physics: a theoretical background in physics, mathematics or engineering; mathematical methods applied in geophysics and geosciences.
  • For Mathematics: basic abstract algebra; elements of real and complex analysis; topology.
  • For Quantitative Life Sciences: classical mechanics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, mathematical methods for physics, basic programming skills

 

Entitlements

Tuition-free; 10 yearly scholarships plus travel grant for applicants from developing countries.

In each Postgraduate Diploma Programme, scholarships and travel grants will be awarded to those 10 students selected from developing countries. There are no course fees. Students will receive a scholarship for the entire year of study. A limited number of qualified candidates who meet the same selection criteria as others may attend the courses at their own cost. They must supply written evidence from a funding agency or a banking institution that funds are available for their entire year's stay, and are equal to those offered by the Centre.

How to apply
Postgraduate Diploma Programme

In addition to completing an online application form, candidates should upload the following as part of their application:

  • Copies of transcripts of university academic records and university degrees in English (The selected candidates will be required to provide originals or certified copies of these documents as well as of their official English translation before he/she can be admitted to the Programme);
  • Any certificates or documents that give proof of the student's ability to follow advanced-level courses, study and write scientific literature in the English language;
  • Two letters of recommendation, from senior scientists familiar with the applicant's studies and work.

 

 

Contacts

If you have problems with the online application, please contact the Diploma Office at diploma@ictp.it

SECRETARIAT

Ms. Sandra Alimanovic 

Programme Assistant

+39 040 2240 4362

Ms. Manuela Schipizza

Programme Assistant

+39 0402240 4487

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Frequently Asked Questions.pdf
Poster_DP_Academic_years_2026_2027_0.pdf
Organizers
Diploma Programme
BSc (but a MSc is preferred) in physics or mathematics under the age of 28, from UN member country
for Developing countries
Trieste
1 year, from 1 September to 31 August
Call
To be announced
ICTP
Apply Online