Master in World Politics and International Relations at University of Pavia
Two-year English-taught LM-62-R master's at the University of Pavia in international relations, comparative politics, human rights and the history of diplomacy, with an English research thesis and double degrees in Argentina and Finland. Entry needs 36 social science credits and English at C1.
Master
2 years
Pavia
English
University of Pavia
World Politics and International Relations is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-62-R) taught in English at the University of Pavia in Pavia. Entry needs a degree of at least three years with at least 36 credits in politics, history, economics, law or sociology, plus English at C1, such as IELTS Academic 7. Non-EU students can choose income-based fees, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Pavia's World Politics and International Relations master asks for a degree of at least three years in the humanities or social sciences with at least 36 credits in politics, history, economics, law or sociology, English at C1, and a committee review that can include an online interview. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and credit rule
You need a university degree of at least three years, or a foreign qualification the university recognises as suitable. [1] The course website asks for a first degree in the humanities or social sciences. [2]
- At least 36 credits in political studies (including political philosophy), modern or contemporary history, economics (not business studies), demography and statistics, public, private or international law, and sociology. [2]
- Accepted subject sectors: the 2026/27 regulations list political and social science sectors GSPS-01/A to GSPS-08/B, plus SDEA-01/A, PHIL-03/A, GEOG-01/B, HIST-02/A, HIST-03/A and 03/B, several law sectors (GIUR), economics sectors ECON-01/A to 04/A, STEC-01/B and STAT-03/A and 03/B. [1]
- Timing: the 36 credits must already be earned by the application deadline. [1]
If the committee decides you need more preparation in some areas, even when you meet the minimum, it tells you how to make it up. [1]
What this means for your transcript
The committee counts credits by subject, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a three-year BA in Political Science, International Relations, History, Economics or Sociology whose transcript shows at least 36 credits in those subjects or in law.
- Check carefully: a BA in English, Philosophy, Journalism or Mass Communication. These are humanities degrees, but they need 36 credits in the listed subjects, and only political philosophy counts from philosophy. A law degree such as an LLB has law credits that count, and we check how the rest of the degree fits.
- Often short: a B.Com or BBA, because business studies do not count as economics, and a B.Tech, B.E., B.Sc. or BCA, which are not humanities or social science degrees and rarely include the listed subjects.
English
English at CEFR level C1, shown with one of these minimum results: [1]
- TOEFL iBT 92 or TOEFL paper-based 590
- IELTS Academic 7
- Cambridge Advanced (CAE) at grade C or Cambridge Proficiency (CPE) at C1
You do not need a certificate if you completed a higher education course in Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, the United States or another country on the university's list. An English-medium degree from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka still needs a certificate. [1]
Committee review and interview
The regulations require an admission assessment by a committee to check your preparation and your English. [1] The committee first checks the minimum requirements, then assesses your overall academic record, your results in the most relevant subjects, your academic potential and your English. It either admits you directly or invites you to an online interview. [2]
- The interview is normally online, in English, with video and audio.
- It tests analytical, argumentative and critical thinking and does not normally need specialist knowledge.
- Interview appointments are emailed shortly after the call deadline, and results usually follow within a week of the interview.
Submitting a complete application also registers you for the interview. Incomplete applications are not considered. [2]
2027/28 deadlines
Pavia's 2027/28 calendar for non-restricted access programmes lists these calls: [3]
- First call: 12 to 18 November 2026, results on 18 December 2026.
- Second call: 12 to 20 January 2027, results on 25 February 2027.
- Third call: 12 to 22 March 2027, results on 30 April 2027. It opens to non-EU applicants living abroad only if places remain.
- Fourth and fifth calls: June and September 2027, for EU applicants and non-EU applicants living in Italy only.
Admitted students from the first three calls enrol and pay the first instalment from 17 to 24 May 2027, and non-EU applicants living abroad complete the Universitaly visa application by 24 May 2027. [3] For comparison, the 2026/27 first call ran from 12 to 20 November 2025. [2]
Documents and non-EU steps
You apply online on Pavia's portal with: [2]
- a passport or ID;
- your transcript, listing exams taken or still to be taken, with marks and credits where available;
- the programme's table of exams that count toward the 36-credit rule;
- a CV with a photo;
- your English certificate;
- a short motivation letter and the names and emails of two academic referees, whose references must arrive by the deadline.
If you have not graduated yet, the regulations allow conditional enrolment when you already hold at least 150 credits at the application deadline and graduate by the date set in the academic calendar. [1] After admission, non-EU applicants living abroad complete Universitaly pre-enrolment, which is needed to confirm enrolment, and apply for a type D study visa. [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 Pavia, Department of Political and Social Sciences. Degree programme regulations, Master's degree in World Politics and International Relations (class LM-62), 2026/2027 entering class. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pavia, World Politics and International Relations course website: access requirements and instructions for applicants with a first degree from outside Italy, undated, with the 2026/2027 call table. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pavia, application portal. Application calendar 2027/2028, non-restricted access degree programmes. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Pavia, application portal. Information on pre-enrolment and visa application, academic year 2026/2027. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
World Politics and International Relations is a two-year master's degree in class LM-62-R, taught entirely in English by the Department of Political and Social Sciences in Pavia. Core courses have a comparative and international focus and build research and analytical skills in global governance and diplomacy.
The degree sets a higher English bar than most Pavia masters: C1 level. It suits graduates in political science, history, economics, law or sociology who want an academic grounding in international politics.
What you will study
The first year combines compulsory courses with choices in international relations, development, migration law, diplomacy and international organisations. The second year adds political economy, ethics and two options. Units in the study plan include:
- History of International Relations
- Comparative Politics
- Human Rights and International Justice
- International Political Thought
- International Dispute Settlement (option)
- EU Law and Policies in Managing Migration (option)
- Economic Models of Politics
- Ethics and International Relations
Second-year options include Contemporary Democratic Theory, Environmental Justice and Climate Mitigation, and European Union Politics and Governance.
How the programme is taught
Contact hours are high, with 40 hours for a standard 6-credit course and interactive teaching. Attendance is compulsory, except for free-choice courses. [1] Assessment combines written coursework, written and oral exams, and a research thesis (24 ECTS) supervised by a member of the department. Each year includes 6 ECTS for a foreign language, the Italian course or a stage, and internships can count for up to 12 ECTS. Students with a qualification from outside Italy take Italian Language for Foreign Students (6 ECTS) unless they show Italian at B1 or are otherwise exempt. The thesis is written and defended in English. [1] Outside speakers include ambassadors, international judges and consular staff. Double degrees are available with Universidad de Belgrano (Argentina) and the University of Vaasa (Finland).
Career paths
The university's professional profile is the analyst of political phenomena on the global stage. The destinations it lists are:
- Government and non-governmental institutions
- Public and private companies
- Think tanks and research institutes
- Publishing, journalism and political and institutional communication
- Doctoral research
Fees and scholarships
Non-EU students choose between two fee routes. The flat rate depends on citizenship and subject area, and countries like India, Nepal, Nigeria and Pakistan are in the lowest bracket. It stays fixed for the normal length of the degree plus one year.
The income-based route uses an equivalent ISEE calculated from your family's income and assets abroad. With an ISEE of €32,000 or less, students are exempt from the all-inclusive fee, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. You need this route to apply to EDiSU Pavia, the regional right-to-study body, whose scholarship can include a college place, one meal a day and a cash grant. EDiSU decides awards on merit and income.
How to apply from outside the EU
Applicants with a degree from outside Italy apply on Pavia's portal, apply.unipv.eu. The file includes your passport, a transcript listing exams taken or still to be taken, a table of the exams that meet the 36-credit rule, a CV with a photo, a C1 English certificate, a short motivation letter and the names of two academic referees. [2]
For 2027/28 the first call runs from 12 to 18 November 2026 and the second from 12 to 20 January 2027. A March 2027 call opens to non-EU applicants living abroad only if places remain, so we apply in the early calls. [3]
After admission we complete the Universitaly pre-enrolment and visa request, due by 24 May 2027 for non-EU applicants living abroad, and you apply for a type D study visa at the Italian consulate, which decides the visa. [3][4] On enrolment your degree must be legalised, apostilled or verified by CIMEA, and degrees from countries outside the Lisbon Recognition Convention also need a declaration of value, a CIMEA statement of comparability or a Diploma Supplement.
Compare related master's programmes
If you are exploring politics, diplomacy and communication, compare the curriculum and entry requirements on these programme pages before choosing your shortlist.
- Master in Public and Cultural Diplomacy at University of Siena
- Master in Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs at University of Milan
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 Pavia's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your online application with your exam table, motivation letter and referees, 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 World Politics and International Relations at Pavia?
A degree of at least three years in the humanities or social sciences, with at least 36 credits in political studies, modern or contemporary history, economics, demography and statistics, law or sociology. The credits must already be earned by the application deadline. [1][2]
Is there an entrance exam?
The admission test is run by a committee. It checks your minimum requirements, then assesses your academic record, relevant results, academic potential and English, and either admits you directly or invites you to an online interview in English on analytical and critical thinking. [1][2]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at C1: IELTS Academic 7, TOEFL iBT 92, TOEFL paper-based 590, Cambridge CAE at grade C or CPE. Higher education in Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, the United States or another country on the university's list exempts you, but an English-medium degree from India still needs a certificate. [1]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2027/28, the first call runs from 12 to 18 November 2026 and the second from 12 to 20 January 2027. A March 2027 call opens to non-EU applicants living abroad only if places remain, and the Universitaly visa application is due by 24 May 2027. [3]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes. You upload a transcript listing exams taken and still to be taken. The regulations allow conditional enrolment if you hold at least 150 credits at the application deadline and graduate by the date in the academic calendar. [1][2]
I have a B.Com or BBA. Can I apply?
It is often short. The course website counts economics but not business studies toward the 36 credits, and asks for a humanities or social sciences degree. A B.Com or BBA can work only if your transcript shows enough economics, law, politics, history or sociology. [2]
Are double degrees available?
Yes. The programme has double degree agreements with Universidad de Belgrano in Argentina and the University of Vaasa in Finland. Students on a double degree may defend the thesis at the partner university where the agreement allows it. [1]
What careers does the degree lead to?
The university prepares analysts of global politics for government and non-governmental institutions, companies, think tanks, research institutes, publishing, journalism, political communication and doctoral research.
Can someone handle my whole application to World Politics and International Relations at Pavia?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Pavia'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 World Politics and International Relations?
A three-year Indian BA in Political Science, History, Economics or Sociology can meet the rule if your transcript shows at least 36 credits in politics, history, economics, law or sociology. An English-medium Indian degree does not exempt you from the C1 certificate, such as IELTS Academic 7. The steps are the online application, committee review or online 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 World Politics and International Relations are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online application, committee review or online 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 World Politics and International Relations are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online application, committee review or online 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 World Politics and 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: online application, committee review or online 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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