Master in International Relations at University of Naples Federico II
Two-year, 120 ECTS master (LM-52) taught in English at Federico II's Department of Political Sciences in Naples, combining history, political theory, economics and law, with a second-year curriculum in integration or in law, security and diplomacy.
Master
2 years
Naples
English
University of Naples Federico II
International Relations is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-52) taught in English by the Department of Political Sciences of the University of Naples Federico II. Entry needs a bachelor's in class L-16 or L-36 or equivalent, or enough credits in the core areas of class L-36, plus a certified B2 English certificate. Non-EU students pay a regional tax and stamp duty, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Federico II's International Relations master asks for a three-year degree in class L-16 or L-36 or equivalent, or at least 48 CFU in the core areas of class L-36 plus 12 in related subjects, and a certified B2 English certificate. Applicants pass a preliminary academic review and an English interview. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and credit requirements
You need a three-year bachelor's degree in class L-16 or L-36, the Italian classes for administration and for political science and international relations, or an equivalent degree. [2]
Graduates of other classes can be admitted after a preliminary evaluation of their curriculum, if their degree includes: [2]
- At least 48 CFU in the basic and characterising activities of all the disciplinary fields in the national table for class L-36
- At least 12 CFU in related or supplementary activities
Your personal preparation is always checked, by evaluating your previous university career. [2] The programme FAQ asks for a first-cycle degree in the social sciences or humanities and strongly recommends an introduction to law, politics and economics. [4] No minimum grade is published. [1][2]
What this means for your transcript
Italian CFU and the credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit, and the review looks at your subjects, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a BA in Political Science, International Relations or Public Administration, or a BA with politics, law and economics across most of the degree.
- Check carefully: a BA in Economics, History or Sociology, a BBA or a B.Com, which can cover part of the 48 credits but may lack politics or law.
- Often short: a B.Tech, B.E., B.Sc. or BCA, which usually has few social science credits.
English
You need an English certificate at CEFR level B2 or above, issued no more than two years before you apply. You must send it even if your bachelor's was taught in English. [1] Accepted bodies include: [1]
- Cambridge Assessment English
- IELTS
- ETS and TOEFL
- Pearson and Edexcel
- Trinity College London
- LanguageCert
- Duolingo, with a verification code
The admission page lists no minimum scores, while the programme FAQ equates B2 with IELTS 6.5 or above. [1][4] Your English is also assessed in a pre-enrolment interview. [2]
Preliminary assessment and interview
There is no written entrance test. A preliminary academic review board checks whether you have the knowledge, skills and motivation to complete the programme. [1] It looks at: [4]
- your academic record in your previous degree
- your language profile
- your motivation for this programme
- any work experience or practical skills related to international relations
Non-EU applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with results within eight weeks. [1] Your certified English is then checked in a pre-enrolment interview. [2]
2026/27 deadlines
- Applications opened: 1 December 2025. [1]
- Final admission date for non-EU applicants: 17 April 2026, because the university brought the pre-enrolment deadline forward. [1]
- EU applicants: until 30 September 2026. [1]
- Universitaly pre-enrolment at Federico II: by 15 June 2026, with visa applications by 30 November 2026. [5]
- Matriculation: normally from 1 September to 31 October. [6]
Applicants who are about to complete their bachelor's can apply. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [1]
Documents and non-EU steps
For the preliminary assessment you send: [1]
- Passport
- Bachelor's degree certificate, or a university enrolment certificate if you have not yet graduated, in Italian, English, French or Spanish
- Transcript of records with final marks and credits for each exam
- CV in English
- Statement of purpose in English, up to 750 words
- B2 English certificate
Non-EU applicants living abroad also complete Universitaly pre-enrolment, uploading the passport, degree or enrolment certificate, transcript and any extra documents, such as a programme description, motivation letter or recommendation letters. After a positive assessment, the Italian consulate handles the visa and the validation of your degree. [1]
To enrol in Naples you bring the original degree and transcript, with an official Italian translation if they are not in English, French or Spanish, plus a declaration of value or CIMEA statements of comparability and verification, the enrolment forms, a photo, your ID, a copy of your visa, your Italian fiscal code and proof of payment of the enrolment charges. [1]
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 Political Sciences. Admission and enrolment procedures for foreign students, Master's degree in International Relations, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Naples Federico II, Department of Political Sciences. Didactic regulations of the Master's degree programme in International Relations (class LM-52), in force from academic year 2025/26. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Naples Federico II, Department of Political Sciences. Study plan and teaching schedule of the degree programme in International Relations, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Naples Federico II, Department of Political Sciences. International Relations FAQs on the application process and fees for foreign students, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Naples Federico II, international office. Admission regulation for EU and non-EU students, with 2026/27 pre-enrolment and visa dates. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Naples Federico II, orientation portal. International Relations programme page (language, access, enrolment period, curricula, internships and career outcomes), undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
International Relations is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-52) worth 120 ECTS and taught in English. It is run by the Department of Political Sciences of the University of Naples Federico II, at Via Leopoldo Rodinò 22 in central Naples. [2][6]
The course trains graduates to analyse the economic, sociological, legal, historical and ethical sides of international society, and to read political systems, geopolitical areas, international organisations and conflict resolution through an interdisciplinary lens.
It suits graduates in the social sciences or humanities, ideally with some law, politics and economics, who want a flexible profile for business, NGOs or public institutions. [2][4]
What you will study
The first year is shared by all students and totals 60 ECTS.
In the second year you follow one of two curricula, listed in the 2026/27 study plan as Economic and Political Integration and as Law, Security and Diplomacy, and finish with an 18 ECTS final examination. [3]
Core units in the 2026/27 study plan include: [3]
- Global Political Theory (9 ECTS) and International Relations: History and Current Issues (9 ECTS)
- Global History of the Contemporary Age (6 ECTS) and Academic English (6 ECTS)
- Geography of the World Economy or Theory of Economic Development (9 ECTS)
- Population Dynamics and International Migration or Sources and Methods for Analysis (9 ECTS)
- Local and Global Development (9 ECTS), common to both second-year curricula
- Integration curriculum: Advanced European Law, International Business Administration, and Political Economy and Financial Markets or Global and Regional Economics
- Law, security and diplomacy curriculum: International Law of Security and Diplomacy (the alternative, Advanced International Law, is listed as deactivated for 2026/27), EU Commercial Law, and European Comparative and Constitutional Law
- Recommended electives such as International Food and Agricultural Policy, International Marketing and Global Environmental Politics
How the programme is taught
For 2026/27, first-semester lessons start on 21 September 2026 and run in Naples from Monday to Friday. Attendance is strongly recommended but not compulsory. Each year includes 6 ECTS of additional training activities and 6 ECTS of electives, and the regulations plan the study of an additional non-EU language, Chinese or Arabic. [2][3]
Internships are optional and can be done in Italy or abroad with organisations that have an agreement with the university, and Erasmus+ usually offers a semester at a partner university. The degree ends with a thesis written in English and discussed orally. [2][6]
Career paths
The university describes graduates as professionals with a multidisciplinary and flexible profile. Roles it names include: [2][6]
- market analysts and marketing professionals
- consultants
- human resources specialists
- middle and upper-level positions in national and international public or governmental institutions
- roles in NGOs and businesses working internationally
Fees and scholarships
Regional grants come from ADISURC, the Campania DSU body, through a separate selection, and the region decides awards. This programme can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
For this master, a three-year degree in class L-16 or L-36, or equivalent, gives direct access; graduates of other classes need at least 48 CFU in the core areas of class L-36 plus 12 CFU in related subjects. Your certified B2 English is also checked in a pre-enrolment interview. [2] Matriculation normally runs from 1 September to 31 October. [6]
You first send your passport, degree certificate, transcript, an English CV, a statement of purpose of up to 750 words and your English certificate for a preliminary assessment, with results within eight weeks. Non-EU applicants living abroad also pre-enrol on Universitaly, selecting Federico II, this degree and a consulate. [1]
For 2026/27, applications opened on 1 December 2025 and the programme set 17 April 2026 as the final admission date, because the university brought the pre-enrolment deadline forward. [1] Federico II's Universitaly deadline was 15 June 2026 and the visa deadline 30 November 2026. [5] The next call sets the 2027/28 dates.
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 preliminary assessment application, Universitaly pre-enrolment and enrolment documents.
- 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 International Relations at Federico II?
A three-year degree in class L-16 or L-36 or equivalent. Graduates of other classes need at least 48 CFU in the core areas of class L-36 and 12 CFU in related subjects, checked in a preliminary review of their curriculum. [2]
Is there an entrance exam?
No written test. A preliminary academic review looks at your academic record, language profile, motivation and any related work experience, and your certified English is checked in a pre-enrolment interview. [2][4]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
A B2 certificate or above, issued within two years of applying, from a listed body such as IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge or Duolingo. The programme FAQ equates B2 with IELTS 6.5, and you need it even if your bachelor's was in English. [1][4]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, applications opened on 1 December 2025 and were reviewed on a rolling basis, with 17 April 2026 as the final admission date. Federico II's Universitaly deadline was 15 June 2026. The next call sets the 2027/28 dates. [1][5]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes. The procedure covers students about to complete their bachelor's, who send a university enrolment certificate instead of the degree certificate. You need the degree, with a declaration of value or CIMEA statements, to enrol. [1]
I have a BBA, B.Com or B.Tech. Can I apply?
Possibly. A BBA or B.Com may cover part of the 48 credits in class L-36 areas but often lacks politics or law, and a B.Tech usually has few social science credits. The programme recommends prior study of law, politics and economics. [2][4]
What are the two curricula?
The first year is common. In the second year the 2026/27 study plan offers Economic and Political Integration, with European law, business and economics units, and Law, Security and Diplomacy, with international, EU commercial and comparative constitutional law. [3]
What careers does it lead to?
The university names market analysis and marketing, consulting and human resources, and middle and upper-level roles in national and international public institutions, non-profit organisations and NGOs. [2][6]
Can someone handle my whole application to International Relations 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 International Relations?
A three-year Indian bachelor's, such as a BA in Political Science or another social sciences degree, can fit if its subjects match class L-36, with at least 48 CFU in its core areas and 12 in related subjects, plus a certified B2 English certificate. The steps are the department's preliminary assessment, Universitaly pre-enrolment and enrolment in Naples. [1][2] 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 Relations are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: the department's preliminary assessment, Universitaly pre-enrolment and in-person enrolment in Naples, 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 Relations are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: the department's preliminary assessment, Universitaly pre-enrolment and in-person enrolment in Naples. 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 Relations 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: the department's preliminary assessment, Universitaly pre-enrolment and in-person enrolment in Naples, 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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