Master in International Business and Development at University of Parma
Two-year English-taught LM-77 master's in international economics and management at the University of Parma, covering accounting, branding, finance and development economics, with joint degree partners abroad.
Master
2 years
Parma
English
University of Parma
International Business and Development is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's (class LM-77) taught in English by the University of Parma's Department of Economics and Management, with partner degree links in Lithuania, France, Germany and Brazil. Fees are income-based, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent foreign qualification; applicants with high marks (90% or more) in economics, political science, law or business and management receive preferential access.
- English at B2: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 69, Cambridge FCE or CAE, or another recognised certificate obtained in 2021 or later; native speakers and holders of an English-medium degree letter are exempt.
- No entrance test: applications are assessed on your degree, grades and documents.
- At least one reference is welcome but not mandatory.
- Original documents and a declaration of value or CIMEA statement at enrolment in Parma.
About the programme
International Business and Development (IBD) is a two-year laurea magistrale in class LM-77 (economics and management) worth 120 ECTS, run by the Department of Economics and Management of the University of Parma. It has been running for many years and was the first Parma degree to be taught entirely in English.
IBD focuses on the international side of economics and management, with a practical approach that links theory and practice. It suits graduates in economics, business, political science or law, and also students coming from other three-year degrees who want a master's in economics with an international outlook.
What you will study
The first year gives a common base in quantitative, accounting and market subjects; the second year widens to policy, development and finance. Units in the 2026/27 plan include:
- Economic statistics (9 ECTS)
- International accounting and governance (10 ECTS)
- Sociology and economics of globalisation, or micro and macro economics (9 ECTS)
- International branding and retailing (10 ECTS)
- Economics of innovation and sustainability (9 ECTS) and growth and history of the global economy (9 ECTS)
- Development economics and international cooperation (9 ECTS)
- International financial management (9 ECTS) and environmental economics and policy (6 ECTS)
- Law, economics and culture (8 ECTS) and contemporary issues and tools in economics (7 ECTS)
How the programme is taught
The course page lists joint degree partnerships with Vilnius University (Lithuania), Grenoble Ecole de Management (France), Hochschule Bochum University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and FECAP (Brazil), and study abroad is also possible through bilateral agreements. The second year includes a communication skills unit, 8 to 12 credits of electives and a 14-credit final dissertation. Attendance is not compulsory, and students on English-taught degrees pass an Italian language assessment before graduating.
Career paths
IBD graduates work in Italy or abroad wherever economic and socio-cultural skills with an international angle are needed. The department highlights:
- Industrial and service companies that deal with foreign partners and markets
- International institutions
- Organisations working in international cooperation and development
- Roles where fluent English and international internship experience make a difference
Fees and scholarships
Parma's 2026/27 rules set a €156 payment at enrolment, covering the regional tax and stamp duty, and a personalised contribution from zero to about €2,000 a year. The contribution follows your family's economic situation, merit and years enrolled. ER.GO handles fee reduction requests from international students with foreign income and runs the regional scholarship call, so IBD can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
IBD gives preferential access to applicants with high marks in economics, political science, law or business and management. A reference letter is welcome but optional. You apply on apply.unipr.it with your transcript, degree, CV and English certificate, paying a €30 one-time fee that covers up to three requests per call.
For 2026/27, the call for non-EU students needing a visa ran from 15 January to 6 April 2026. Accepted students then pre-enrol, complete Universitaly pre-enrolment and apply for a type D study visa, bringing a declaration of value or CIMEA statement to enrolment.
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 International Business and Development taught in English?
Yes. IBD was Parma's first degree taught entirely in English. You need B2 English, such as IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 69, or Cambridge FCE or CAE obtained in 2021 or later, unless you are a native speaker or have an English-medium degree.
Which bachelor's degrees are accepted?
Applicants with a bachelor's degree can apply. Those with marks of 90% or more in economics, political science, law or business and management receive preferential access.
Is there an entrance test?
No. Selection is based on your degree, grades and documents. A reference letter is appreciated but not required.
Can I study abroad during the degree?
Yes. The course lists joint degree partners in Lithuania, France, Germany and Brazil, and exchange places through bilateral agreements.
When can I apply for 2027/28?
The 2027/28 call has not been published. For 2026/27, non-EU applicants applied on apply.unipr.it from 15 January to 6 April 2026, with a €30 one-time fee.
How much does it cost?
In 2026/27, students paid €156 at enrolment plus a contribution from zero to about €2,000 a year, set by family finances. Eligible students can apply for an ER.GO regional scholarship.
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