PhD

Our PhD program offers high-level scientific training through a pathway that integrates research, technology, and innovation. The program is managed by a Faculty consisting of 30 professors from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, a Doctoral Committee, and a Coordinator.

All candidates undertake a doctoral career lasting at least three years, supported by a Supervisor and a Tutor. The training includes lectures and specialized courses taught by faculty members, as well as visiting
professors and experts from abroad. It also involves continuous research activities, laboratory work, and active collaboration with companies, institutions, and research groups both in Italy and internationally.

To obtain the PhD degree, candidates must independently develop a research topic—from conception to implementation—which will be presented in their doctoral thesis. The program concludes with a final
defense in front of a committee that includes external experts, both Italian and international.

The program has a strong international orientation: candidates are encouraged to plan research stays abroad (ranging from 3 to 6 months) to broaden their scientific, methodological, and cultural horizons.

Additionally, our program requires candidates to earn at least 20 credits by passing selected doctoral-level courses:

• At least 10 credits must be earned by choosing courses related to their research topic. These courses can be from the PhD program in Mechanical Engineering, other doctoral programs at Politecnico di Milano, or
  doctoral-level courses from other universities (subject to approval by the Supervisor and Coordinator).
• At least 10 credits in soft skills must be earned by passing courses offered by the Doctoral School of Politecnico di Milano.

Finally, candidates may obtain the European Doctorate label if part of their thesis work is conducted during a research stay of at least three months in one or more countries participating in the Bologna Process, with a positive evaluation by professors from universities in Bologna Process countries.

Mechanical engineering is one of the leading sectors in the industrial landscape of Italy and Europe. Italy holds a strong position in manufacturing, particularly in mechanical engineering and industrial machinery production, thanks to its innovative capabilities and export strength.

Recent data show that Italy continues to play a significant role as a manufacturing powerhouse, ranking second in Europe and seventh globally in total production. This position has remained stable over the last decade, underscoring its importance in the global industrial landscape.

In this context, earning a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano is a key asset for entering leading companies in one of the most profitable sectors worldwide. This qualification is highly regarded for securing positions, including managerial roles, in companies that consider product and process
innovation a fundamental growth strategy.

Our program aims to train highly specialized professionals whose skills are in high demand both in academia and industry, at the national and international levels. PhD graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers in industry, working closely with cutting-edge technologies and effectively responding to the
demand for high-level innovation and research in Italy, Europe, and beyond.
Updated employment data for PhD graduates from Politecnico di Milano are available through the Career Service.

The PhD program in Mechanical Engineering offers a broad overview of disciplines, encompassing theoretical, design, and experimental aspects and methodologies. For more details on research topics, please refer to our dedicated page.

Admission to the PhD program is through public selections, announced every two to three months. The calls for applications are available at https://www.dottorato.polimi.it/en/prospective-phd-candidates/calls-and-regulations. All graduates holding a university degree equivalent to a Second-Level Specialized Degree (minimum duration of 5 years), obtained before the enrollment deadline, are eligible to apply for the PhD program at Politecnico di Milano.

Applications can be submitted by following the instructions provided on the page https://www.dottorato.polimi.it/en/prospective-phd-candidates/calls-and-regulations and selecting the open call of interest. Applicants must attach a complete CV, a detailed project proposal, and a certification of English language proficiency. Eligible candidates will be evaluated by a committee appointed by the Faculty Board.

In addition to positions funded by the Ministry of Universities and Research, the program benefits from financial support and scholarships provided by some of the leading companies and research institutions in Italy and abroad, including Ferrari Auto, Pirelli, Saes Getters, ST Microelectronics, Fondazione Politecnico, IIT (Italian Institute of Technology), ENI, Thyssenkrupp AG, Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, Baker Hughes, National Research Council, ITT Corporation, and Ansaldo Energia.

Candidates can also access the PhD program through EU-MSCA research programs, in which our department is highly active in securing participation in these internationally-focused initiatives.

Companies may also sponsor an employee’s PhD in Mechanical Engineering through the Executive PhD formula, a customized project for candidates who continue working while pursuing doctoral-level research. This program spans at least four years.

To support our programs by sponsoring a scholarship or to learn more about the Executive PhD, please contact phd-dmec@polimi.it.