Sorry, but I guess the only way is to pass the actual exam...My university asked for a TOEFL (with a final result of at least 80). I had already good English skills, so I prepared for the exam in a couple of weeks and everything went fine.
Good Luck!

I suggest you to get accurate info on your university regulations before starting anything (universities must provide this kind of information). Also you should clarify it with your future supervisor, if you already know who he/she is. It's better to know what you can get before actually taking the position. Good Luck!

Hi Fschick,

I posted the same question on this forum a few months ago

(http://www.postgraduateforum.com/showmessage.asp?thread=6261&cat=4&keyword=federico_II&newview=1&stype=U&category=0).

Where I am now? I'm currently doing a Ph.D. in Electronics in the UK and since I'm not British I don't get living expenses covered. I can tell you (especially if you are going to do your Ph.D. in the UK), that if they say you're not funded, then you are completely on your own. You can still get fee only award (like I did) depending on your CV and your department policy, but you still have to pay for everything else.
Like you, my choice was determined by the research topic. I reserve almost all of my day and energies to my studies, so I simply can't do extra work (not even part time). I rely on living VERY cheaply and, and my wonderful family is helping me, but I can tell you it's really exhausting (but is also the kind of fatigue that leaves a smile on your face, at least for me).

Hi,
I bumped into Endnote only a couple of days ago and found it impractical at first glance (maybe because I'm not used to it yet). I always wrote my endnotes manually until now and I will continue this way until I discover that EN can bring me some real advantage.

Hello everyone!
I am an italian engineer (BSc+MSc) about to start a Ph.D. in Electronics engineering in the UK. I wanted to ask you if somebody had experience in maintaining a part time job (in the campus or even off campus) while studying for a full time Ph.D.
I have a fee only scholarship at the moment, so it is vital for me to make a little extra money, but I don't want it to interfere with my studies. Help!