Master in European and International Studies at University of Trento
Two-year English-taught LM-52 master's at the University of Trento combining economics, history, law, political science and sociology, with four tracks from international affairs to sustainability and rights.
Master
2 years
Trento
English
University of Trento
European and International Studies (MEIS) is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-52) taught entirely in English by the School of International Studies at the University of Trento. Non-EU fees depend on the admission score, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree (or higher) from a recognised university that includes at least 60 ECTS in at least two of: history and philosophy, economics, law, political science, sociology or foreign languages.
- A personal background of academic and professional experience suited to an interdisciplinary degree.
- English at B2 level: IELTS with no skill below 5.5, TOEFL iBT with no skill below 21 or Cambridge B2 First with no skill below 165, dated March 2024 or later. A degree taught entirely in English is accepted instead.
- No entrance test: a committee scores your file out of 100 and may interview you if it needs more information. Candidates scoring 50 or more are suitable.
- Non-EU applicants graduating abroad must hold their bachelor's by 30 June of the intake year (2026/27 rule), and UniTrento may ask for a statement of verification or comparability.
About the programme
European and International Studies (MEIS) is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-52, European and international studies) worth 120 ECTS. It is run by the School of International Studies of the University of Trento and taught entirely in English, in Trento.
The course is multidisciplinary: economics, history, law, political science and sociology are taught side by side, so you learn how governance systems, markets and international institutions work and how they shape the economic, legal, political and social changes in Europe and the wider world. It suits graduates in political science, economics, law, history, sociology or languages who want a career in European or international affairs.
What you will study
You choose one of four tracks: International Affairs, Europe and the World, Sustainability Environment and Rights, or an Open track built from electives. The first year sets a shared base and lets you pick between two versions of each core subject; the second year adds a policy lab, track courses and the thesis. Units in the current plan include:
- Data Analysis and Statistics (8 ECTS) and Research Design
- International Political Philosophy and History of Ideas
- European and International Politics, International Economics, International and European Union Law, and International History
- English for International Studies, plus a second language at B2 (such as Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Russian or Spanish)
- Second-year options such as European Union Politics: Integration and Policies, Foreign Policy Analysis, Labour Rights in the Global Economy and The Economics of European Integration
- A Policy Lab (6 ECTS) and a master's thesis (16 ECTS)
How the programme is taught
Alongside lectures by international experts, the School runs seminars, conferences, debates and professional workshops, and you can take an internship or applied workshops on global affairs as part of your credits. Each student has a tutor, and language workshops support your language skills. Double degree agreements link MEIS with Metropolitan University Prague (International Relations and European Studies) and Masaryk University in Brno (Energy Policy Studies).
Career paths
The university prepares MEIS graduates for responsible roles in organisations and institutions working on European and international affairs, in companies active on international markets, and in governmental and non-governmental organisations dealing with human rights, international relations, environmental protection or institutional design. The degree also leads towards a diplomatic career and to PhD programmes in international studies.
Fees and scholarships
Under the 2026/27 call, non-EU students living abroad pay up to €10,000 a year, reduced by admission score: a score of 90 or more means no fees, while 70 to 89.9 pays €1,000, 60 to 69.9 pays €3,000 and 50 to 59.9 pays €6,500. Second-year fees depend on credits earned by 10 August. Applicants scoring 90 or more can receive a UniTrento scholarship with a fee waiver, and Opera Universitaria di Trento offers income-based grants. MEIS can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
MEIS offered 10 places to non-EU citizens living abroad for 2026/27. The committee scored academic background and a reference letter (60 points), a statement of purpose (15) and the relevance of your studies and experience (25).
The 2026/27 online application closed on 4 March 2026 at 12:00 CET, with a €30 fee and rankings by 30 April 2026. Admitted students pay a €100 confirmation fee, pre-enrol on Universitaly within two weeks and then apply for a type D study visa. The 2027/28 call has not been published yet.
How ApplyAZ helps
If this programme fits your goals, ApplyAZ can include it in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes at Italian public universities. We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose, submit your applications and Universitaly pre-enrolment, file your DSU scholarship application and prepare your visa file, with a named person on each stage. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa. See how ApplyAZ works or check your eligibility.
Questions and answers
Is European and International Studies taught in English?
Yes, the whole degree is in English. You need English at B2 level, shown by IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge results, or by a previous degree taught entirely in English.
Which bachelor's degrees are accepted?
Any bachelor's from a recognised university, provided it includes at least 60 ECTS in two or more of: history and philosophy, economics, law, political science, sociology or foreign languages.
Is there an entrance test?
No. A committee scores your academic record, reference letter, statement of purpose and relevant experience out of 100 and may call you for an interview. The minimum score is 50.
Which tracks can I choose?
Four: International Affairs, Europe and the World, Sustainability Environment and Rights, and an Open track that lets you combine electives across the three areas.
When can I apply for 2027/28?
The 2027/28 call is not out yet. For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living abroad applied by 4 March 2026 at 12:00 CET, paid a €30 fee and received rankings by 30 April 2026.
How much does MEIS cost?
For 2026/27, first-year non-EU fees ranged from no fees (score of 90 or more) to €6,500, depending on the admission score. UniTrento and Opera Universitaria scholarships are open to eligible students.
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