Italy · Master's
University of Bologna
MA International Relations
University of Bologna
Course Overview
The University of Bologna — the oldest university in the Western world (est. 1088) — runs a two-year, fully English-taught MA in International Relations through its renowned Department of Political and Social Sciences, partly based at the Forlì campus and closely linked to Bologna's strong tradition in European and global studies. The curriculum covers international-relations theory, global governance, security studies, international political economy, diplomacy, and area studies, with optional language training and study-abroad exchanges across Europe. Italy's income-assessed (ISEE) tuition means most Sri Lankan families pay near the lowest band — a fraction of comparable UK or US fees.
Sri Lankan applicants with a Bachelor's in Political Science, International Relations, History, Economics, Law, or related social sciences fit the cohort well, and English-medium Sri Lankan degrees can waive the IELTS requirement via an MOI letter. Bologna's deep links to EU institutions, think tanks, and international organisations support competitive internships, and Italy grants graduates a 12-month post-study residence permit. The degree is a strong foundation for diplomacy, international-organisation, policy, and research careers — including a return to Sri Lanka's foreign service and development sector.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree (SLQF Level 6) in Political Science, International Relations, History, Economics, Law, or a related social science, with a 2nd-Upper or better.
- check_circle Sufficient prior credits in social sciences (verified at application).
- check_circle Motivation letter, CV, and academic transcript.
- check_circle Relevant internships, MUN, or policy experience strengthen the application.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall.
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 87 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's was taught and assessed entirely in English at a recognised institution — most Sri Lankan English-medium degrees qualify with an MOI letter.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (€) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, ISEE-assessed) | €3,000 | Rs. 1,035,000 |
| Accommodation in Bologna (per year) | €6,000 | Rs. 2,070,000 |
| Living Expenses & Food (per year) | €6,000 | Rs. 2,070,000 |
| Visa, Insurance & Books | €1,200 | Rs. 414,000 |
| Estimated Annual Cost | €16,200 | Rs. 5,589,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Italy grants graduates a 12-month post-study residence permit, with the EU Blue Card to follow. Bologna International Relations alumni move into roles at EU institutions, the UN system, NATO (Italy hosts several agencies), international NGOs, and policy/research roles at think tanks and consultancies; many also enter diplomacy and development. Sri Lankan returnees join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the diplomatic service, UN agencies in Colombo, INGOs, the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, and policy-research organisations — careers where a Bologna IR master's carries real weight.
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ඔබට සුදුසු විශ්වවිද්යාලයක් තේරීම, අයදුම්පත් යොමු කිරීම, SOP සකස් කිරීම සහ වීසා ලබා ගැනීම ඇතුළු සෑම පියවරකදීම, ඔබ වෙනුවෙන් සියලුම වගකීම් විශ්වාසවන්තව අප භාර ගනිමු.