Master in International Relations at University of Palermo
Two-year English-taught LM-52 R master's at the University of Palermo with International Studies and International Trade curricula, covering global politics, international law, economics and trade. Entry needs a degree in a listed field, at least 80% of the maximum grade or an interview, and B2 English.
Master
2 years
Palermo
English
University of Palermo
International Relations is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-52 R) taught in English at the University of Palermo, with International Studies and International Trade curricula. Entry needs a degree in a listed field such as political science, law, economics or languages, at least 80% of the maximum grade or an interview, and English at B2. The programme can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Palermo's International Relations master is a free-access course with direct admission for graduates in set fields such as political science, law, languages, economics, business, sociology and history. International applicants need a final grade of at least 80% of the maximum, or an interview or questionnaire, and English at B2. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree requirement
Direct admission is open to holders of a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent Italian or foreign qualification, in these Italian degree classes: [1]
- political science and international relations (L-36)
- legal services (L-14) or law (class 31 or LM-1)
- modern languages and cultures (L-11)
- social sciences for cooperation, development and peace (L-37)
- administration and organisation (L-16)
- communication (L-20)
- social work (L-39) and sociology (L-40)
- industrial or management engineering (L-9)
- business administration (L-18) and economics (L-33)
- history (L-42)
The programme's admission requirements page sums these up as political science, social science, economics and management, foreign languages, history, international relations, sociology, international cooperation, administrative studies, law and engineering. [3]
Grade and personal preparation
Your personal preparation is assessed on your final bachelor's grade. International students need at least 80% of the maximum possible grade, and Italian graduates at least 90/110. Applicants with a lower grade attend an interview with a committee or complete a questionnaire on their preparation and motivation, which looks at maturity, critical thinking and language skills. [1]
What this means for your transcript
As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a BA in Political Science, History, Sociology or Economics, a B.Com or BBA, an LLB or BA LLB, a BA in a modern language, a BSW, or a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication, as these match the listed fields.
- Check carefully: a B.Tech or B.E. The list names only industrial or management engineering, so mechanical, production or industrial engineering sits closer to it than computer science or electronics.
- Often short: a B.Sc. in a pure science, a BCA or a health sciences degree. These sit outside the listed fields, and the regulations describe no other route.
On the grade rule, 80% of the maximum grade means 80% on a percentage scale or 8.0 on a 10-point CGPA scale. Below that, expect the interview or questionnaire. [1]
English
English at CEFR B2 is a mandatory prerequisite in all cases. [1] The programme's admission requirements page accepts IELTS Academic (minimum 5.5), TOEFL iBT (minimum 72), PTE General or Academic (minimum 46), Trinity ISE II to IV, British Institutes and Cambridge English certificates. It exempts holders of a degree taught entirely in English or an International Baccalaureate taught in English. [3]
The 2026/27 regulations also let non-EU applicants prove English through an English exam passed in their degree or a statement from an English professor at their university, exempt native speakers and those who studied in English-speaking countries, and otherwise allow self-certification. [1] UniPa's non-EU procedure asks for a B2 certificate or a Medium of Instruction certificate from your institution, and the personal knowledge interview also checks your English. [2]
Selection and interview
The regulations set no entrance test. [1] For non-EU applicants, the administrative office reviews your documents first, then the course coordinator evaluates them and can issue an admission letter. You then have a personal knowledge interview on your academic preparation, motivation and expectations, and English. Passing it lets you complete enrolment, and the admission letter alone does not secure enrolment or a visa. [2]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants had until 20 July 2026 to create the UniPa portal application and until 4 August 2026 to start the Universitaly application, and had to complete visa procedures by 30 November 2026. [2] The academic year starts on 1 October. [1] The 2027/28 calendar is not yet published.
Documents and non-EU steps
- Portal application: valid passport, passport photo, bachelor's degree, transcript of records, a B2 certificate or Medium of Instruction certificate, and your CV.
- Universitaly: the same documents. The International Office sends the embassy only applications that hold an admission letter.
- Enrolment in Palermo: your original degree with a legalised Italian or English translation, plus a declaration of value, or a CIMEA statement of comparability, Diploma Supplement or ARDI with a CIMEA statement of verification; your transcript with a legalised translation; and proof of your residence permit request.
These steps come from UniPa's non-EU procedure for master's degrees. [2]
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 Palermo, Department of Political Sciences and International Relations (DEMS). Academic regulations of the Master's degree programme in International Relations, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Palermo, International Affairs. Enrolment procedure for non-EU candidates, master's degree courses, 2026/27 intake. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Palermo, Department of Political Sciences and International Relations. International Relations admission requirements and on-campus programme structure, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Palermo, International Relations (class LM-52 R) programme website, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Palermo, International Affairs. Tuition fees and scholarships for international students, undated (ERSU scholarship section for 2025/26). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
International Relations (Relazioni Internazionali) is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree in class LM-52 R at the University of Palermo, run by the Department of Political Sciences and International Relations (DEMS). [4] UniPa's 2026/27 course regulations give English as the language of instruction, with traditional on-campus teaching in Palermo, and make it a free-access course. [1]
The degree builds advanced knowledge for analysing international, multilevel and global political processes and policies, plus the specialised language skills needed in international workplaces. In the first year all students take history, politics, economics and law, with a focus on regional politics in specific areas of the world. [1] This page covers the in-person degree; UniPa also runs a separate, fully online master called International Relations, Politics and Trade.
What you will study
You follow one of two English-taught curricula. Both share the same degree class and department, but they point in different directions:
- International Studies: complex decision-making, finding and analysing data on global political, legal and economic processes, and using at least two foreign languages. The second year focuses on human rights protection and how public administrations regulate global challenges.
- International Trade: legal and economic tools for international trade, foreign direct investment, and the political and security risks behind investment and trade. The second year builds business and legal skills, with a focus on international taxation and commercial law, and includes an internship.
The programme structure published on the course website lists these units: [3]
- International Studies: Gender: institutions and theories, Contemporary world history, International law, Political anthropology, African history and institutions, Global politics and international security, and Globalization and European economic history in year one; Global administrative law, a workshop, an optional language (Spanish, German, Chinese or Arabic) and optional law units in year two.
- International Trade: Contemporary world history, International contract law, Global politics and international security, and Globalization and European economic history in year one; Business English, Competition law and intellectual property rights, a 12 CFU internship and electives such as Customs law, Global trade and labour rights or Business strategy in year two.
Both curricula end with an 18 CFU thesis written in English. [1][3]
Career paths
The 2026/27 regulations describe three graduate profiles: [1]
- Official at international organisations or in development cooperation, for example an NGO manager, in intergovernmental organisations, NGOs and public bodies.
- Researcher, political or economic analyst, or journalist (with the professional qualification), in news outlets, think tanks and multinational companies.
- Business consultant for global markets, multinational company officer or internationalisation specialist, in multinationals, freight forwarding, shipping, international logistics and internationalisation consultancies.
Graduates can also go on to second-level master's programmes, specialisation courses and PhDs. [1]
Fees and scholarships
Non-EU students living abroad choose between two fee routes. The fixed route depends on your country list (List B2A, List B2B or neither). The income-based route depends on an ISEE parificato. [5] The regional body ERSU Palermo awards scholarships on merit and family income, and UniPa lists a tuition fee waiver, accommodation and free meals among the benefits, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. [5]
How to apply from outside the EU
When we apply on the UniPa student portal, we choose the curriculum that fits you and upload your passport, a photo, your bachelor's degree and transcript, a CV and an English B2 or Medium of Instruction certificate. The administrative office checks your documents, then the course coordinator evaluates your file, can issue an admission letter and then holds a personal knowledge interview on your academic preparation, motivation and English. [2]
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants had until 20 July 2026 to create the portal application, 4 August 2026 for Universitaly pre-enrolment and 30 November 2026 to complete visa procedures. The 2027/28 calendar is not yet published. [2] After admission you apply for a type D study visa, decided by the consulate, and enrol in Palermo with your original degree and a declaration of value or CIMEA statement. [2]
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 Palermo's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your UniPa portal application and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your ERSU Palermo 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 Palermo?
A degree in a listed field gives direct admission: political science and international relations, law, modern languages, cooperation and development, administration, communication, social work, sociology, industrial or management engineering, business, economics or history. International students also need a final grade of at least 80% of the maximum. [1]
Is there an entrance test?
No. Access is free and assessed on your final grade. Below 80% of the maximum grade, you have an interview with a committee or a questionnaire. Non-EU applicants also have a personal knowledge interview with the course coordinator on preparation, motivation and English. [1][2]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at B2 is mandatory. The programme accepts IELTS Academic 5.5, TOEFL iBT 72, PTE 46, Trinity ISE II to IV, British Institutes or Cambridge certificates, and exempts English-taught degrees. UniPa's non-EU procedure also accepts a Medium of Instruction certificate. [1][2][3]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants had until 20 July 2026 for the UniPa portal application, 4 August 2026 for Universitaly and 30 November 2026 for visa procedures. The 2027/28 calendar is not yet published. [2]
I have a B.Com or a B.Tech. Can I apply?
A B.Com is close to the listed business administration and economics fields, so it can give direct admission with a final grade of at least 80% of the maximum. A B.Tech needs a closer check, as only industrial or management engineering is listed. We check your transcript against the rule. [1][3]
What are the two curricula?
International Studies covers decision-making, global data analysis, two foreign languages and, in year two, human rights and public regulation. International Trade covers trade law, foreign direct investment and country risk, then international taxation, commercial law and an internship. [1]
Is this the online International Relations degree?
No. This is the on-campus degree in Palermo, taught in English. UniPa runs a separate, fully online master called International Relations, Politics and Trade, under the same degree programme council. [1]
How do the fees work?
Non-EU students living abroad pay either a fixed fee set by their country list or an income-based fee. ERSU Palermo scholarships consider merit and family income and include a tuition fee waiver. [5]
Can someone handle my whole application to International Relations at Palermo?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Palermo's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the ERSU Palermo 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 recognised Indian bachelor's in a listed field, such as a BA in Political Science, History, Sociology or Economics, a B.Com, a BBA or an LLB, can give direct admission if your final grade is at least 80% of the maximum. A lower grade leads to an interview or questionnaire. You also need English at B2. The steps are the UniPa portal application, an admission letter, a personal knowledge interview and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [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: UniPa portal application, admission letter, personal knowledge 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 Relations are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: UniPa portal application, admission letter, personal knowledge 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 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: UniPa portal application, admission letter, personal knowledge 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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