Master in Economics and Finance at University of Naples Federico II
Two-year English-taught LM-56 master's at the University of Naples Federico II in economics and finance, covering game theory, econometrics, asset pricing and corporate finance, with double degrees in Portugal and Switzerland. Entry needs a solid economics, maths and statistics background.
Master
2 years
Naples
English
University of Naples Federico II
Economics and Finance (LMEF) is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-56) taught in English at the University of Naples Federico II. Entry needs a three-year degree with a solid background in economics, mathematics and statistics, plus a good command of English, assessed by the admission committee. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Federico II's Economics and Finance master asks for a three-year degree with a solid background in economics, mathematics and statistics and a good command of English. The admission committee assesses foreign credits individually, looks at your previous academic performance and may hold an interview. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and credit requirements
You need a three-year undergraduate degree, or a foreign degree equivalent to an Italian three-year degree, with a solid background in economics, mathematics and statistics. For foreign applicants, the admission committee decides individually whether your credits meet the requirements. [1][2]
For Italian graduates, the programme sets minimum credits by area: [1]
- Economics: 25 credits (SECS-P/01, P/02, P/03, P/05 and P/06), including 10 in microeconomics and 10 in macroeconomics
- Accounting (SECS-P/07) and business economics (SECS-P/08): 10 credits each
- Statistics (SECS-S/01) and mathematical economics (SECS-S/06): 10 credits each
- Economic history (SECS-P/12): 5 credits
- Law: 25 credits, including at least 5 in private law
- English (L-LIN/12): 5 credits
Graduates who lack the minimum credits in a subject are examined in that subject before admission. These rules come from the programme's admission pages, which are undated. [1][2]
What this means for your transcript
For foreign degrees, the committee looks for a solid base in economics, mathematics and statistics rather than an exact credit match. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a BA or B.Sc. in Economics with microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematics and statistics courses.
- Check carefully: a B.Com or BBA, which usually covers accounting, business and law but can be light on micro, macro and maths, or a B.Sc. in Mathematics or Statistics, which can be light on economics.
- Often short: a B.Tech, B.E. or BCA without economics courses, or a BA in the humanities.
Where your subject names differ from Italian ones, course outlines help the committee judge your credits. [1]
English
The programme asks for a good command of English, and admission takes your English into account. The sources we reviewed do not set a CEFR level or list test scores. [1][2]
Selection and interview
There is no entrance test. The admission committee assesses your credits, your previous academic performance and your English, and the selection may include an interview, by phone or video call for applicants living abroad. [1][2] A degree obtained with a low grade can be a reason for rejection. [4]
Deadlines
The programme page sets 30 September as the application deadline, with selection in the first week of October, and the orientation portal gives an enrolment period of 1 September to 31 October. Neither states the academic year. [1][2]
In 2023/24, applicants sent a preliminary application by 10 September 2023 and the formal application by 30 September 2023, and early applicants had a better chance of admission and financial support. [3] The next call sets the dates for 2027/28.
Documents and non-EU steps
The application includes an official transcript with your grades and exams, with a sworn English translation if it is not in Italian or English, and the programme's application form. Non-resident non-EU applicants are admitted subject to visa and immigration rules. [1]
Pre-enrolment for the visa is made only through Universitaly. The declaration of value is processed at the Italian embassy during the visa stage, and a CIMEA statement is accepted instead. [4]
Sources and verification
Checked by the ApplyAZ admissions team against the university's official documents listed below. Entry rules can change with each new call, and we re-check them before every application.
- University of Naples Federico II, Department of Economics and Statistics (DISES). Master's degree in Economics and Finance (LMEF): programme and admission page, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Naples Federico II, orientation portal. Economics and Finance (LM-56) degree programme page, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Naples Federico II, Economics and Finance (LMEF) programme website: admission and scholarships page, academic year 2023/24, and course list, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Naples Federico II, International Office. Frequently asked questions for international students, last updated 2022. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Economics and Finance (LMEF) is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-56) at the University of Naples Federico II. It is run by the Department of Economics and Statistics (DISES) and taught entirely in English, with classes at the Monte Sant'Angelo complex in Fuorigrotta, Naples. Access is open to students with a three-year undergraduate degree. [1][2]
The programme gives advanced training in economics and finance, built on game theory, microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and asset pricing. It suits graduates with a solid background in economics, mathematics and statistics who want analytical roles in finance or policy, or a PhD. [1][3]
What you will study
The degree totals 120 credits: six core modules (66 credits), four electives (24 credits), other training activities (6 credits) and a final dissertation (24 credits). [1] Courses listed on the programme website include: [3]
- Game Theory, Microeconomics I and II and Macroeconomics I and II
- Econometrics, Time Series Econometrics and Microeconometrics and Panel Data
- Asset Pricing, Derivatives and Corporate Finance
- Banking, Banking Regulation and Market Microstructure
- Options such as Development Economics, Law and Economics, Auction Theory and Psychology and Economics
Extracurricular labs in MATLAB and in methods for economic analysis are also offered. [2]
How the programme is taught
Teaching is in English and in person in Naples. In the second year, students can spend a full semester at a European university through Erasmus, or join a double degree with the Universidade Católica Portuguesa or the Università della Svizzera italiana, spending the second year abroad and earning two diplomas. [2]
Career paths
The programme prepares graduates for: [2]
- competitive PhD programmes in Europe and the United States
- roles as economists, analysts, researchers or consultants
- banks and other financial institutions
- international organisations, consultancies and research institutions
- the public sector
Fees and scholarships
Federico II sets tuition by family income (ISEE). The regional scholarship body for Naples is ADISURC Campania, and its scholarship winners are also exempt from tuition contributions, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. The region decides scholarship awards. In 2023/24 the department also offered DISES scholarships to new LMEF students, and Compagnia di San Paolo funded 25 two-year scholarships for international students in selected degree courses. [3]
How to apply from outside the EU
The programme's admission committee assesses each application from your official transcript, with a sworn English translation if it is not in Italian or English, and the application form; course outlines help where subject names differ. For a foreign degree, the committee decides individually whether your credits meet the requirements, and it may hold an interview by phone or video call. [1]
Non-resident non-EU applicants are admitted subject to visa and immigration rules. They complete pre-enrolment on Universitaly and then apply for a type D study visa. The declaration of value is processed at the Italian embassy during the visa stage, and a CIMEA statement is accepted instead. [1][4] The 2027/28 dates are not yet published.
How ApplyAZ helps
ApplyAZ is an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities. We can include this programme in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes that fit your profile, so your plan never rests on a single application.
For eligible students who start with us, a named person owns each stage, from A to Z:
- We check your transcript against Federico II's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your application to the admission committee and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your ADISURC Campania scholarship application at the right time and in the right format.
- We prepare your visa file.
With operations in all 20 Italian regions, we follow each region's scholarship rules and deadlines as they change. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa, so no one can promise an outcome. You pay in milestones, and every service you pay for is either delivered or its fee is refunded (terms apply).
Programmes at Italian public universities can be tuition-free for eligible students. Check if you are eligible and book a one-to-one consultation session with one of our Italy experts, or see how ApplyAZ works.
Questions and answers
What bachelor's degree do I need for Federico II's Economics and Finance master?
A three-year degree, or a foreign equivalent, with a solid background in economics, mathematics and statistics. For foreign degrees, the admission committee decides individually whether your credits meet the requirements. [1][2]
Is there an entrance exam?
No entrance test. The admission committee assesses your credits, your previous academic performance and your English, and the selection may include an interview, by phone or video call for applicants living abroad. [1][2]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
The programme asks for a good command of English, but the sources we reviewed do not set a CEFR level or an IELTS score, so we check which proof of English your file can use. [1][2]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
The programme page gives 30 September as the application deadline without naming the year. In 2023/24, the preliminary application closed on 10 September 2023 and the formal one on 30 September 2023. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [1][3]
I have a B.Com or a B.Tech. Can I apply?
Possibly. A B.Com often covers accounting and business but can be light on micro, macro and maths, while a B.Tech usually lacks economics. The committee assesses foreign credits individually, so the economics, maths and statistics on your transcript decide it. [1]
Can I earn a double degree?
Yes. Students can join a double degree with the Universidade Católica Portuguesa or the Università della Svizzera italiana, spending the second year abroad and earning two diplomas. Erasmus semesters in Europe are also available in the second year. [2]
What careers does it lead to?
Graduates go on to competitive PhD programmes in Europe and the United States, or work as economists, analysts, researchers or consultants in banks, financial institutions, international organisations, consultancies, research institutions and the public sector. [2]
Where is the programme taught?
At the Monte Sant'Angelo complex in Fuorigrotta, Naples, by the Department of Economics and Statistics. Teaching is entirely in English over two years and 120 credits. [2]
Can someone handle my whole application to Economics and Finance at Federico II?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Federico II's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the ADISURC Campania scholarship application at the right time and in the right format, and prepares your visa file, for eligible students. Start by checking your eligibility.
I'm applying from India. What is the route into Economics and Finance?
A recognised three-year Indian bachelor's with a solid base in economics, mathematics and statistics, such as a BA or B.Sc. in Economics, matches the background the programme asks for, and the admission committee assesses your credits individually. You also need a good command of English. The steps are the application to the committee, admission and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1] Indian students apply for the type D study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate that covers their state, such as New Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Is the route different from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?
No. The academic rules for Economics and Finance are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: application to the programme's admission committee, admission and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for their country of residence. Read our guide for students in Dhaka.
I live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain. Where do I apply for the visa?
At the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you legally live, after Universitaly pre-enrolment. The academic rules for Economics and Finance are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: application to the programme's admission committee, admission and Universitaly pre-enrolment. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I studied or live in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. What is the route?
The academic rules for Economics and Finance are the same whatever your nationality, and your degree is assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: application to the programme's admission committee, admission and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for where they live. Read our guides for students in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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