The initial accreditation of PhD programmes consists of the authorization granted by the MUR for the activation of a PhD programme, following an evaluation and in accordance with the opinion of ANVUR. The accreditation lasts for five years unless the programme undergoes structural changes, such as a modification of its name, a change in the composition of the Academic Board exceeding 25%, or a change of coordinator: in such cases, a new initial accreditation process is required.

ANVUR's evaluation refers to the quality and adequacy of the Academic Board and the Programme Coordinator, the number of PhD scholarships, the availability of consistent and stable funding to support research activities, and the availability of qualified operational and scientific facilities. Additionally, the evaluation considers disciplinary advanced training activities, multidisciplinary and inter/transdisciplinary training activities, and the presence of an adequate internal quality assurance system.