The Quality Assurance system for doctoral programmes at universities and AFAM institutions aims to verify that the programmes meet the initial accreditation requirements for activation and, during periodic accreditation, continue to comply with them.

Doctoral programmes are considered the third level of higher education, but also represent the first level of research training. For this reason, ANVUR pays particular attention to the scientific/artistic qualification of the programmes and their academic staff.

Based on the assessments carried out by expert panels, the Governing Board of the Agency issues an opinion on the accreditation of the doctoral programmes. This opinion is forwarded to the relevant institution and to the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR) for the adoption of the formal measure in line with the Agency’s evaluation.