Master in International Studies at University of Siena
Two-year LM-52 master's at the University of Siena whose European Studies curriculum is taught in English, covering EU politics, economics, law and history. Entry needs 40 to 75 credits in set subject areas and English at B2.
Master
2 years
Siena
Multiple
University of Siena
International Studies is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-52) at the University of Siena whose European Studies curriculum is taught entirely in English. Entry needs a three-year degree with 40 or 75 credits in law, history, economics, politics or languages, plus English at B2. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Siena's International Studies master, with its English-taught European Studies curriculum, asks for a three-year degree with 40 CFU (listed classes) or 75 CFU (other classes) in law, history, economics, political and social sciences or languages, English at B2, and a committee review of your documents that may include an online test or interview. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and credit requirements
These rules come from the teaching regulations in force since 2025/26. [1]
You need a three-year degree (laurea or diploma universitario) or a foreign qualification judged suitable. [1]
- Listed classes: a degree in foreign languages and cultures (L-11), language mediation (L-12), legal services (L-14), tourism (L-15), administration and organisation (L-16), business economics and management (L-18), communication (L-20), legal sciences (L-31), economics (L-33), political science and international relations (L-36), social sciences for cooperation, development and peace (L-37), sociology (L-40) or history (L-42), or the corresponding older classes, with 40 CFU in the subject areas below.
- Other classes: at least 75 CFU in the same subject areas.
The subject areas are: law (including private, commercial, labour, constitutional, administrative, tax, international, EU and criminal law, legal history and philosophy of law); history and anthropology, including the history of Islamic countries, India and Central Asia; economics and statistics, including business economics, econometrics and demography; political science and sociology, including the history of international relations and of the Americas, Africa and Asia; and languages, literatures and area studies, including English, French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Persian, Chinese, Japanese and the modern languages of the Indian subcontinent. [1]
For a degree from outside Italy, the teaching committee decides whether your qualification is suitable and checks the curricular requirements. [1] The 2026/27 admissions portal adds that the committee expects good knowledge of contemporary history, public law, political economy, political science and sociology. [2]
What this means for your transcript
Italian CFU and the credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit, and the committee 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, History, Economics, Sociology or a foreign language, or a law degree such as a BA LLB, which usually covers the subject areas above.
- Check carefully: a B.Com, BBA or BA in Mass Communication. These are close to listed fields, but your economics, law, politics and language papers must add up to the credits the rule asks for.
- Often short: a B.Tech, B.E., B.Sc. or BCA, which rarely includes 75 credits in law, history, economics, politics or languages.
English
The English-taught European Studies curriculum needs English at CEFR B2 (the Italian-taught curricula ask for B1). The committee checks it through your previous studies, an international certificate the university recognises, or an equivalent certificate from the University Language Centre. [1]
- Exemptions: the admissions portal exempts citizens of some English-speaking countries, such as the UK, the US, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Applicants whose previous degree was taught in English may be exempt if they prove it, at the committee's discretion. [2]
- No certificate yet: candidates at B2 without a recognised certificate can book an online English interview, valid only for Siena programmes. [2]
The portal does not list minimum IELTS or TOEFL scores. [2]
Selection and the Preliminary Knowledge Test
There is no written entrance test. The committee reviews your documents and checks your curricular requirements and personal preparation. If it considers it necessary, it can set a further check: an interview with a panel of at least two professors from different subject areas. [1] The 2026/27 portal says applicants who pass the document review may be invited to a remote online test, an interview or both, and that results come about one month after the deadline. [2] The programme's admission page describes the interview as compulsory, so we prepare you for one either way. [4]
After enrolment, every first-year student takes the Preliminary Knowledge Test: 15 multiple-choice questions on law, history and economics. It is not an exam and does not decide admission, but a score below 3 out of 5 in any area means agreeing a plan to fill the gap, and if gaps are not addressed the committee can suspend exam recording from the second semester. [1][4]
Applying before you graduate
Final-year students can apply if they already have at least 120 CFU, including all the required subject credits. If successful, they are admitted conditionally and must graduate before enrolment closes. [1] The admissions portal accepts a provisional certificate if your degree is still in progress. [2]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, master's applicants who need a study visa had a single window, which closed on 6 May 2026, with no summer intake. Non-EU applicants who do not need a visa and EU applicants could also apply from 7 May to 30 September 2026. Applications outside the window for your category are rejected. [3]
The admissions portal says the 2027/28 intake opens in November 2026, and the next calendar sets the closing dates. [3]
Documents and application
Applications go through the University of Siena's international admissions portal. You upload: [2]
- an official academic transcript, or a provisional certificate if your degree is in progress (a Diploma Supplement can replace the transcript)
- a CV, preferably in Europass format
- a statement of purpose
- your English certificate
- a valid passport
- certified translations of any document not in Italian or English
Legalised documents are not needed to apply, but you need legalised copies of your qualifications to enrol if you are admitted. Admitted non-EU students then complete Universitaly pre-enrolment for the study visa. [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 Siena, Department of Political and International Sciences. Teaching regulations of the Master's degree in International Studies (Scienze Internazionali, class LM-52), in force from academic year 2025/26. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena, international admissions portal: European Studies (LM-52) programme entry for academic year 2026/27, with the undated pages on English proficiency and documents required for admission. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena, international admissions portal. Admission calendar for master's degree programmes, academic year 2026/27, and the notice on the 2027/28 intake. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena, International Studies programme website: admission page and Preliminary Knowledge Test page, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena. Study plan of the Master's degree in International Studies (LM-52), European Studies curriculum, 2025/26 cohort. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena. Regulation on tuition fees and contributions, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Siena. Degree courses taught in English, academic year 2025/26. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
International Studies (Scienze Internazionali) is a two-year laurea magistrale in class LM-52 at the Department of Political and International Sciences of the University of Siena. The degree has three curricula: two are taught in Italian, and the European Studies curriculum is taught entirely in English. It appears on the university's list of degree courses taught in English for 2025/26. [1][7]
The European Studies curriculum gives methodological and subject knowledge in history, economics, law, political science and languages, with a focus on the international dimension of political, economic and social change. It suits graduates in political science, economics, law or languages who want a career in European or international affairs.
What you will study
The European Studies study plan (2025/26 cohort) totals 120 ECTS and mixes compulsory units with choices between related courses:
- European Macroeconomics and Environmental Economics
- Contemporary European History or History of Political Systems
- European Human Rights Protection and International Economic Law
- European Union Politics, Comparative Politics or Political Change in the Euromediterranean Region
- International Monetary Economics and Systems
- History of International Organisations or History of International Relations
- Two years of a foreign language (French, Spanish or English) and skills courses
How the programme is taught
The first year includes a compulsory 4 ECTS English unit at C1 level. The second year includes a 4 ECTS internship, a 4 ECTS job market skills module and an 18 ECTS thesis, with 9 ECTS of free electives. With your supervisor's approval, you can write and present the thesis in a foreign language. [1][5]
Career paths
The degree trains specialists in international relations for the public and private sectors, with command of at least two foreign languages. The university lists these outlets:
- diplomatic service, embassies, consulates and cultural institutes abroad
- European Union institutions
- international governmental and non-governmental organisations
- development cooperation agencies
- multinational companies, banks, insurers and trade associations working internationally
- research centres
Fees and scholarships
The University of Siena's 2026/27 fee regulation does not allow an ISEE parificato. If you cannot produce a valid Italian ISEE, your yearly contribution is set by a coefficient based on the GDP per capita of your country of citizenship. DSU Toscana winners and eligible students are exempt, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. [6]
How to apply from outside the EU
The teaching committee checks that your foreign degree is suitable and reviews your documents. If it considers it necessary, it can invite you to an online test or an interview with a panel of at least two professors. [1][2] International applicants apply through apply.unisi.it.
For 2026/27, master's applicants needing a visa had one window, which closed on 6 May 2026. Admitted students then complete Universitaly pre-enrolment to request the study visa. The admissions portal says the 2027/28 intake opens in November 2026. [3]
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 Siena's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your online application on the admissions portal and Universitaly pre-enrolment, and get you ready for a possible interview.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your DSU Toscana 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 Siena's International Studies master?
A three-year degree in a listed field, such as political science, economics, law, history, sociology, languages or communication, with 40 credits in law, history, economics, politics or languages. Graduates of other fields need at least 75 credits in these areas. [1]
Is the whole master's taught in English?
No. International Studies (LM-52) has three curricula, and only European Studies is taught entirely in English. That is the curriculum international applicants apply for on the university's admissions portal. [1][2]
Is there an entrance exam or interview?
No written entrance test. The committee reviews your documents and may invite you to an online test or an interview with at least two professors. After enrolment, all first-year students take a short Preliminary Knowledge Test on law, history and economics. [1][2][4]
What English level do I need? Do I need IELTS?
English at B2 for European Studies. The committee accepts a recognised international certificate, a University Language Centre certificate or evidence from your previous studies. The portal lists no minimum IELTS score and offers an online English interview to B2 candidates without a certificate. [1][2]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants who need a visa had one window, which closed on 6 May 2026, with no summer intake. The admissions portal says the 2027/28 intake opens in November 2026. [3]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes. Final-year students with at least 120 credits, including all the required subject credits, can be admitted conditionally and must graduate before enrolment closes. The portal accepts a provisional certificate while your degree is in progress. [1][2]
I have a B.Com or BBA. Can I apply?
Possibly. A B.Com or BBA usually covers the economics area, but your economics, law, politics and language papers must add up to the credits the rule asks for: 40 for degrees close to the listed fields, 75 for others. [1]
How are fees set?
For 2026/27, fees for students without a valid Italian ISEE followed a coefficient based on their country's GDP per capita. DSU Toscana winners and eligible students are exempt, so the programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. [6]
Can someone handle my whole application to International Studies at Siena?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Siena's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the DSU Toscana 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 Studies?
A recognised Indian bachelor's in political science, history, economics, sociology or languages, or a law degree such as a BA LLB, can meet the rule if its subjects add up to the 40 or 75 credits in law, history, economics, politics or languages. You also need English at B2. The steps are the online application, the committee's review with a possible 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 Studies are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application, the committee's review with a possible online test or 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 Studies are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application, the committee's review with a possible online test or 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 Studies 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, the committee's review with a possible online test or 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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