AlmaLaurea Report 2026: PhD programmes at the University of Insubria focus on research, internationalisation and advanced qualifications

The AlmaLaurea 2026 Report on PhD programmes, now in its 11th edition, analyses the educational pathways of PhD graduates from 50 universities and the employment outcomes of those from 64 universities. For the University of Insubria, the survey covers 76 individuals who obtained their PhD in 2025 and 64 PhD graduates from 2024, interviewed one year after completing their degrees.

The results paint a picture of an educational experience characterised by high levels of participation in research activities, a significant international outlook and the extensive application of the skills acquired in the workplace.

Of those who obtained a PhD in 2025, 20 per cent followed a programme in collaboration with industry, through an industrial PhD or a high-level apprenticeship, whilst 12 per cent obtained a joint, double or multiple degree. 14.5 per cent are foreign nationals and 10.7 per cent obtained their undergraduate degree at a foreign university.

The data also highlight Insubria’s ability to attract graduates from other academic backgrounds. In fact, 38.7 per cent completed their PhD at the same university where they had obtained their undergraduate degree – a proportion lower than the overall figure of 56.5 per cent – whilst 50.7 per cent came from another Italian university. Among those who graduated in Italy, 70.1 per cent achieved a mark of 110 cum laude. The average age on completion of the PhD is 31.5 years, and 60.5 per cent obtain their degree before the age of 30.

The decision to embark on this path is largely a conscious and planned one: 80 per cent had already intended to enrol on a PhD programme at the time of graduation. Among the main motivations were the desire to enhance their cultural and scientific knowledge, cited by 78.7 per cent; the opportunity to carry out research and study in an academic setting, cited by 54.7 per cent; and the prospect of improved career prospects, cited by 52 per cent. 90.7 per cent received funding during their studies, a percentage higher than the overall average of 85.6 per cent.

Participation in educational and scientific activities is particularly significant. 86.7 per cent regularly took part in structured activities within the programme, 77.3 per cent were involved in research groups, and 88 per cent produced at least one publication. Of the latter, 86.4 per cent published in English.

More than half, 52 per cent, spent a period studying or conducting research abroad and, in 30.8 per cent of cases, the experience lasted for more than six months. The level of satisfaction with the international period reached an average score of 8.5 out of 10.

The assessment of the skills developed during the PhD programme was also positive. The acquisition of new skills and specific competences received an average score of 8.1 out of 10, mastery of research techniques scored 7.9, and the in-depth study of theoretical content scored 7.7.

48 per cent state that, if they could go back to the time of enrolment, they would choose the same PhD programme at the University of Insubria again. 5.3 per cent would enrol on another PhD programme at the same university, 12 per cent would choose another Italian university and 18.7 per cent would opt for a programme abroad. Furthermore, 69.3 per cent believe that, within their academic discipline, there are greater career opportunities outside Italy.

One year after graduation, 86.7 per cent of PhD graduates are in employment

The second part of the Report examines the employment outcomes of 64 individuals who obtained their PhD at Insubria in 2024 and were contacted one year after graduation. The employment rate stands at 86.7 per cent, whilst the unemployment rate, calculated among those in the labour market, stands at 7.1 per cent.

74.3 per cent of those in employment only entered the labour market after completing their PhD, whilst 22.9 per cent continued with work they had started previously. Among those in employment, 48.7% are engaged in work supported by a research grant, 17.9% are on permanent employment contracts and 25.6% are on fixed-term contracts. 51.3% work remotely.

97.3% are engaged in intellectual, scientific and highly specialised professions. In particular, 67.6% work as researchers or graduate-level technical staff at universities, a percentage higher than the overall figure of 57.3%. 82.9% carry out a high level of research during their working day, compared with a general average of 66.5%.

The skills acquired are put to practical use in their work: 85.7 per cent state that they use them to a high degree, and 88.2 per cent consider their PhD to be very effective or effective for their professional activities. Here too, the result for Insubria exceeds the overall figure of 76 per cent.

The average net monthly salary is €1,677. 89.7 per cent work in the public sector, 10.3 per cent in the private sector; 92.3 per cent are employed in services and 7.7 per cent in industry. Geographically, 87.2 per cent work in the northern regions, 2.6 per cent in the south and 10.3 per cent abroad.