Diploma Success

Thanks to ICTP's Postgraduate Diploma Programme, 36 students from the developing world have enriched their knowledge of physics and mathematics in a year-long course of study leading to a diploma and, for many, a chance to further their studies at some of the top universities in the world.

An additional 14 students--most of whom hail from sub-Saharan Africa--have completed ICTP's programme in basic physics and are ready to continue their studies either in ICTP's full Diploma Programme or at institutes of higher education elsewhere.

RELATED STORY: MEET THE GRADUATES

The ICTP Postgraduate Diploma Programme is a gateway for young people who might otherwise not have a chance to reach international-level standards in physics and mathematics. Its goal is to train students from developing countries so they can compete favourably for graduate studies in any centre of learning in the world.

The Programme consists of a rigorous, one-year, pre-doctoral course of study, with a small part devoted to independent projects. Areas of instruction include high-energy physics, condensed matter physics, mathematics, and Earth system physics. After completing the Postgraduate Diploma Programme, most students go on to PhD work in Europe or North America, with many returning to their native countries on completion of their studies. Others return to jobs as college teachers, or register for PhD programmes in their home countries.

Behnaz Bagheri, a student from Iran, said she's thankful ICTP gave her the chance to study here. She's learned that different professors can look at the same problem in different ways. In addition to the international experience, the level of teaching is simply better, and she's already been admitted to the University of Waterloo in Canada where she will be able to broaden her international experience even further.

Chakrit Pongkitivanichkul from Thailand said his favourite part of being at ICTP was the classes he couldn't get normally in Thailand. "They teach differently here than they do in Thailand," he said. "At ICTP, the professors have a more open way of teaching. The students feel more free to debate." Chakrit wants to study string theory and has been admitted to King's College, London.

For more details, visit the Postgraduate Diploma webpage.

Some shots from the ceremony at the ICTP Picture Gallery.

Below is a list of the Universities the students have been accepted into for pursuing Phd or Master's degrees.