Italy’s Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Opens Applications for 2026 MIMES Graduate Scholarship

The Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore) in Milan, Italy, is now accepting applications for the 2026 Master in Middle Eastern Studies (MIMES) program at its Graduate School of Economics and International Relations (ASERI). This one-year postgraduate program is designed for students and professionals seeking advanced knowledge of the political, cultural, economic, and social dynamics shaping the Middle East.

Founded in 1921, the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart is one of Europe’s most prestigious private universities, with nearly 40,000 students across multiple campuses in Milan, Brescia, Piacenza–Cremona, and Rome. The institution is widely recognized for academic excellence, global partnerships, and a tradition of preparing leaders for careers in diplomacy, international relations, NGOs, business, and research.

Program Overview

• Degree Level: First Level Specializing Master (Master Universitario di Primo Livello) – 65 ECTS credits
• Duration: January 2026 – December 2026
• Structure: Classroom learning, project work, and a three-month internship
• Location: Milan, Italy

Subjects Offered

The MIMES program provides a multidisciplinary curriculum, including:

1. History and politics of Muslim societies
2. Islamic law, economy, and political thought
3. Geopolitics, conflicts, and global security issues
4. Energy and water security in the Middle East
5. Development challenges and regional economies
6. Social movements, pluralism, and gender dynamics
7. Migration, the EU, and Mediterranean policies
8. Regional studies on Maghreb, Levant, Gulf, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan
9. Research methods and project work
10. Optional Arabic, Persian, or Turkish language training

Benefits of the Program

• Internationally recognized master’s degree from a leading Italian university
• Internship opportunities in Italy or abroad (NGOs, think tanks, international institutions, and the private sector)
• Networking with top academics and global professionals
• Career support through ASERI’s research centers and alumni network
• Scholarships and tuition reductions for eligible candidates

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Tuition Fee: €7,500 (payable in three installments)
• International Scholarships: Up to six partial tuition waivers (25%)
• MedOr Italian Foundation Scholarship: €12,000 for candidates from Middle Eastern countries (covers tuition, travel, housing, and living costs)
• Italian Students: Up to 25% tuition reduction available
• UCSC Alumni Discount: €500 for alumni in the UCSC Premium Program

Eligibility Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Political Science, Law, Economics, International Relations, or related fields – but open to all disciplines)
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, First Certificate, or evidence of a prior English-taught program). Applicants without certificates may demonstrate fluency during the selection interview.
• Strong motivation and interest in Middle Eastern studies, geopolitics, or international relations
• Final-year undergraduate students may apply if they will graduate by March 2026

Application Process

1. Online Application – via the international or domestic student portal
2. Profile Screening – evaluation of academic record, CV, and supporting documents
3. Selection Interview – online or in-person (assessing motivation, academic background, and English fluency)
4. Admission Confirmation – successful candidates must pay the first installment (€3,000) within the given deadline
5. Final Enrollment – submission of required documents (passport copy, Declaration of Value/Diploma Supplement, etc.)

Deadlines

• International Candidates: October 29, 2025
• Domestic Candidates: November 23, 2025

The program offers students the chance to gain a deeper understanding of one of the world’s most dynamic regions while building the skills needed for careers in diplomacy, academia, NGOs, and international organizations.