University of Pavia (Pavia/Italy) - Degree prize “Ludmilla Sinforiani”

What you get

For an outstanding Master’s thesis in Law, you will receive a one-off prize of 3,000 EUR (gross). Italian withholding tax of 25% will be deducted from this, meaning you will be paid approximately 2,250 EUR as a one-off payment. Each year, one winner is selected to receive the prize at an official ceremony at the University of Pavia. The Sinforiani family has established this prize in memory of Ludmilla Sinforiani, a lawyer and former student of the University.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You hold a Master’s degree in Law (laurea magistrale or specialistica, the Italian second-cycle qualification).
• Where you studied: You completed your studies at the Faculty of Law at the University of Pavia in Italy.
• Thesis topic: Your dissertation focuses on civil procedure law or administrative law.
• Grade: Your final mark must be at least 108/110.
• Timing: You obtained your degree between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2025, no later than two years after the end of the standard period of study.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• One-off: You cannot win the Pavia Prize twice for the same thesis.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via the PICA platform. You can log in using an Italian SPID account or register with an email address. The deadline for applications for the current cycle is 12 February at 12:00 midday. A committee appointed by the Vice-Chancellor will assess all final theses and select the winner; its decision is final.

How realistic are your chances?

This award has very strict eligibility criteria. Only law graduates from Pavia who have written a dissertation in one of two specific subject areas, achieved a mark of at least 108/110 and completed their degree on time are eligible to apply. This keeps the pool of applicants small, but as only one winner is selected each year, the best dissertation will win. If you clearly meet the criteria and your dissertation on civil procedure law or administrative law is outstanding, your chances are good.