Master in International Economics at University of Milan-Bicocca
Two-year English-taught LM-56 R master's at the University of Milano-Bicocca in Milan in advanced macro, micro, international economics and econometrics, with management and law. Entry needs a strong economics background, English at B2 and an interview.
Master
2 years
Milan
English
University of Milan-Bicocca
International Economics is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-56 R) taught in English at the University of Milano-Bicocca in Milan. Entry needs a bachelor's degree with a strong background in economics, English at B2 and an admission interview. International students pay a fixed yearly fee by country group, and with a DSU scholarship it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Milano-Bicocca's International Economics master asks for a bachelor's degree or higher with a strong background in economics, English at B2 and an admission interview, and applicants with foreign qualifications apply only through DreamApply. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree requirement
You need a first-cycle university degree, a bachelor's or higher, and a strong background in economics. Applicants with a foreign qualification apply only through the university's DreamApply portal, and selection includes an admission interview. [1][2][4]
The 2026/27 call for applicants with Italian degrees shows what the department looks for. Graduates in economics classes L-18 or L-33 (L-17 or L-28 under the older system) with a final mark of at least 110/110 meet the rule directly. Others need a three-year degree and a positive assessment of their knowledge in: [1]
- economics and business studies
- mathematical and statistical methods
- legal principles and institutions
A degree in economics or a related subject counts as a preferential title. [1]
What this means for your transcript
Your background is assessed from your transcript of records, other academic documents and the interview, so the courses you passed matter more than the degree title. [1] As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a BA or B.Sc. in Economics, or a B.Com or BBA with substantial economics, maths and statistics courses.
- Check carefully: a B.Com or BBA weighted towards accounting or management, or a B.Sc. in Mathematics or Statistics with few economics courses. The assessment areas above cover economics, quantitative methods and law.
- Often short: a B.Tech, B.E., BCA or a humanities BA without economics courses, since the rule asks for a strong economics background.
English
English at CEFR level B2 is required for enrolment. [1][2] On the university's list of accepted certificates, B2 starts at IELTS Academic or General Training 5.5, TOEFL iBT 72, PTE Academic 59 or a Cambridge English score of 160, and certificates must be no more than 5 years old when you submit them. [5]
You do not need a separate certificate if your previous degree was taught entirely in English or English is your native language, for example in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland or South Africa. For 2026/27, visa applicants had to hold their English certificate by 31 July 2026 or by the course's own deadline. [2][3]
Selection and admission interview
There is no written entrance test. Your academic background is assessed from your transcript of records and any other academic documents, and the selection includes an admission interview. [1][2]
In the 2026/27 call, interviews were held online via Google Meet on set dates from April to September 2026, and missing the interview prevented admission. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, applicants with a foreign qualification applied on DreamApply. Non-EU applicants living abroad could use two calls: 7 November 2025 to 16 January 2026, and 16 March to 16 April 2026. Two later calls, closing on 15 June and 7 September 2026, were only for EU citizens and non-EU citizens living in Italy. [3]
Visa applicants also had to complete Universitaly pre-enrolment by 31 July 2026, obtain their bachelor's degree by 31 August 2026 and arrive in Italy by 31 January 2027. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [3]
Applicants with Italian qualifications followed a separate call from 1 April to 7 September 2026, could graduate up to 31 December 2026 and had to enrol by 21 October 2026. [1]
Documents and non-EU steps
On DreamApply you upload a CV in English, your transcript of records, your degree certificate (or an enrolment or provisional certificate if you have not yet graduated), your passport and your English certificate. Documents are accepted in English or Italian; otherwise you need official translations and verified copies of the originals. [2][4]
The receipt of your request for a CIMEA statement of comparability must be presented before the call you apply in closes. The same applies to the CIMEA statement of verification, although a missing one does not block admission. [3]
To complete enrolment, visa applicants add the legalised degree diploma, a translation if it is not in Italian, English, French, Spanish or German, an Italian tax code, the Universitaly pre-enrolment receipt and the entry visa. [2][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 Milano-Bicocca. Admission procedure for the Master's degree programme in International Economics (applicants with Italian qualifications), academic year 2026-2027. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milano-Bicocca, admissions portal for applicants with foreign qualifications. International Economics programme listing: entry qualification, English, fees and overview, Fall semester 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milano-Bicocca, admissions portal for applicants with foreign qualifications. Apply for 2026/27: admission calls and deadlines. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milano-Bicocca, admissions portal for applicants with foreign qualifications. Master's degree required documents, visa procedure, FAQ and fees and funding, 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milano-Bicocca. English language certifications accepted by the University, approved by the Academic Senate on 5 November 2025. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milano-Bicocca. Contribution guide, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milano-Bicocca. Exemption guide, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milano-Bicocca, International Economics programme page (degree class, language, department, description and careers). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
International Economics is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-56 R) taught in English by the Department of Economics, Management and Statistics (DEMS) of the University of Milano-Bicocca in Milan. Access is open, with a check of entry requirements. [1][8]
It gives advanced knowledge and analytical skills for complex situations that mix economic, institutional and managerial issues. Admission depends on a strong background in economics and good English, so it suits economics graduates aiming at analyst, policy or research roles.
What you will study
The core covers the main areas of economics at graduate level, combined with management and law. Electives let you shape the second part of the degree. Course units named by the department include:
- Advanced macroeconomics and advanced microeconomics
- International economics and econometrics
- Management, corporate finance and business strategy
- European and international contract law, competition law and employment law
- Electives such as game theory, industrial organisation, European studies, international financial markets and labour economics
How the programme is taught
The department describes internships and time spent abroad as an essential feature of the programme, supported by the university's international mobility schemes. The didactic regulations and class schedule are published on the university's e-learning and timetable portals.
Career paths
Graduates work as junior economists, business analysts, policy advisors and researchers. Employers include private companies, financial institutions, government bodies and international organisations. The programme also prepares students for doctoral studies.
Fees and scholarships
International Economics is in Bicocca's fee Area A. International students (foreign citizenship, qualification and residence) pay a fixed yearly tuition set by country group, and group 1, which includes India, has the lowest rate. [6] The university runs the DSU scholarship call, and scholarship winners get a 100% or 50% reduction of the university tuition fee depending on the type of scholarship, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. [7]
How to apply from outside the EU
Applicants with a foreign degree apply only through the university's DreamApply portal, and one application covers up to three programmes. Candidates are assessed on their qualifications and an admission interview. [1][2][4] For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living abroad could use the calls from 7 November 2025 to 16 January 2026 or from 16 March to 16 April 2026. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [3]
If admitted, you confirm your place and we complete your Universitaly pre-enrolment (the 2026 deadline was 31 July). Once you are admitted and enrolled, the university validates the pre-enrolment and you apply for a type D study visa. [3][4]
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 Milano-Bicocca's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your DreamApply application and documents, and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your regional DSU 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 International Economics at Milano-Bicocca?
A bachelor's degree or higher with a strong background in economics. For Italian degrees, economics classes L-18 or L-33 with 110/110 qualify directly, and other graduates are assessed in economics and business, maths and statistics, and law. A degree in economics or a related subject is preferred. [1][2]
Is there an entrance exam?
No written test. Your transcript and academic documents are assessed, and the selection includes an admission interview. In the 2026/27 call, interviews ran online via Google Meet and missing the interview prevented admission. [1][2]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at B2. On Bicocca's list, IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 72 or PTE Academic 59 count as B2. You are exempt if your previous degree was taught entirely in English or English is your native language, and we check which proof your file can use. [2][5]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living abroad could apply from 7 November 2025 to 16 January 2026 or from 16 March to 16 April 2026, and had to complete Universitaly pre-enrolment by 31 July 2026. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [3]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes. With a foreign qualification you can apply with an enrolment or provisional certificate. For 2026/27, visa applicants had to obtain their bachelor's degree by 31 August 2026 so their visa documents were ready in time. [3][4]
I have a B.Com or BBA. Can I apply?
Possibly. The rule asks for a strong economics background, so a B.Com or BBA with solid economics, maths and statistics courses can fit, while one weighted towards accounting or management needs a careful check. Your transcript and the interview decide. [1][2]
How do the fees work?
International Economics is in fee Area A, where international students pay a fixed yearly tuition set by country group, and group 1, which includes India, has the lowest rate. DSU scholarship winners get a 100% or 50% tuition reduction, so the programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. [6][7]
What jobs do graduates get?
The department lists junior economist, business analyst, policy advisor and researcher roles in companies, financial institutions, government and international organisations. The programme also prepares students for doctoral studies in Italy and abroad. [8]
Can someone handle my whole application to International Economics at Milano-Bicocca?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Milano-Bicocca's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the regional DSU 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 International Economics?
An Indian bachelor's in Economics, or a B.Com or BBA with solid economics, maths and statistics courses, can match the rule of a strong economics background, and you also need English at B2. The steps are the DreamApply application in one of the non-EU calls, the admission interview and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1][2][3] 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 International Economics are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application on DreamApply, admission interview 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 International Economics are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application on DreamApply, admission interview 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 International Economics 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: online application on DreamApply, admission interview 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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