Italian PhD candidates struggling with cost of living

Survey of more than 5,000 PhD students finds most are living on minimum bursary

Most PhD candidates in Italy find it hard to make ends meet and will continue to do so, a survey has indicated, even after an increase in minimum bursaries, approved by the research ministry, comes into effect in July.

The ADI association, which represents around 1,000 doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers, sent out a questionnaire on working conditions and wellbeing that was filled out by more than 5,000 PhD students. The majority said that they were living on the minimum bursary of €1,100 a month, which was barely enough for basic needs, and that they had to ask for family support for any unplanned expenses such as computer repairs.