Italy Catholic University MIMES Scholarship 2026, Master in Middle Eastern Studies

Italy Catholic University MIMES Scholarship 2026, Master in Middle Eastern Studies

The Master in Middle Eastern Studies (MIMES) 2026 at the Graduate School of Economics and International Relations (ASERI), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC), Milan, Italy, is a prestigious one-year postgraduate program designed for ambitious students and professionals.

The program adopts a multidisciplinary approach to explore the history, politics, culture, economics, and security dynamics of the Middle East. Graduates gain the expertise and skills necessary to pursue careers in international relations, diplomacy, NGOs, research institutes, multinational organizations, and think tanks.

Founded in 1921, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Cattolica) is Europe’s most prominent Catholic university, with over 40,000 students across multiple campuses. Known for academic excellence and a strong international outlook, Cattolica offers a wide range of programs taught in English and Italian, preparing global leaders in various fields.

Degree Level

• Program: First Level Specializing Master (Master Universitario di Primo Livello)

• Duration: January 2026 – December 2026

• Credits: 65 ECTS

• Structure: Classroom teaching, project work, and a 3-month internship

Available Subjects

The curriculum covers:

• History and politics of Muslim societies

• Islamic law, economy, and political thought

• Geopolitics, conflicts, and global security

• Energy and water security

• Development and economic challenges

• Social movements, pluralism, and gender issues

• Migration, the EU, and Mediterranean policies

• Regional focus: Maghreb, Levant, Gulf, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan

• Research methods and project work

• Optional language courses: Arabic, Persian, Turkish

Benefits

• Advanced expertise in Middle Eastern history, politics, and society

• Internationally recognized degree from UCSC

• Internship opportunities in Italy or abroad (NGOs, international organizations, think tanks, private sector)

• Partial scholarships and tuition waivers available

• Global networking with leading academics and professionals

• Career support, alumni network, and access to ASERI’s research centers

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Tuition Fee: €7,500 (in 3 installments)

• International Students: Up to 6 tuition waivers (25%)

• MedOr Italian Foundation Scholarship: €12,000 for students from Middle Eastern countries (covers tuition, housing, travel, and living expenses)

• Italian Students: Up to 25% tuition reduction

• UCSC Alumni Discount: €500 (for students in the UCSC Premium Program)

Eligible Nationalities

The program is open to:

• International students from all countries

• Domestic students with a degree earned in Italy

Special scholarships are available for candidates from Middle Eastern countries, including: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Palestine.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Political Science, Economics, Law, International Relations, or related fields, but open to all disciplines)

• English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, First Certificate, or proof of English-taught degree (fluency assessed during interview if no certificate provided)

• Strong motivation in Middle Eastern studies, geopolitics, or international affairs

• Final-year students may apply if graduation is completed by March 2026

Application Procedure

Step 1: Submit online application

• International candidates: Apply via the International Portal

• Domestic candidates: Apply via the Domestic Portal

Step 2: Profile assessment (academic record, CV, supporting documents)

Step 3: Selection interview (online or in-person) assessing motivation, academic background, and English proficiency

Step 4: Admission & confirmation – Successful applicants must pay the first installment:

• International students: €3,000 within 15 days

• Domestic students: €3,000 within 5 days

Step 5: Final enrollment (submit Declaration of Value/Diploma Supplement, passport copy, and other documents)

Application Deadlines

• International Candidates: 29 October 2025

• Domestic Candidates: 23 November 2025

FAQs – Catholic University of the Sacred Heart MIMES Scholarship 2026

1. What is the MIMES program at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore?
The Master in Middle Eastern Studies (MIMES) is a one-year postgraduate program focusing on the history, politics, economics, and culture of the Middle East.

2. What type of degree will I receive?
Graduates earn a First Level Specializing Master (Master Universitario di Primo Livello) worth 65 ECTS credits.

3. Is the program taught in English?
Yes, the program is fully taught in English.

4. Do I need to know Arabic, Persian, or Turkish?
No, but optional courses in these languages are available.

5. What are the tuition fees?
The tuition fee is €7,500, payable in three installments.

6. Are scholarships available for international students?
Yes, international students can receive tuition waivers (up to 25%). Candidates from Middle Eastern countries may also apply for the MedOr Foundation Scholarship (€12,000).

7. Can I apply if I have not yet completed my bachelor’s degree?
Yes, but you must graduate by March 2026.

8. What career opportunities are available after graduation?
Graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international organizations, NGOs, think tanks, and research centers.

9. How do I prove my English proficiency?
You can submit TOEFL, IELTS, or other certificates. If unavailable, proficiency will be evaluated during the selection interview.

10. When is the application deadline?

• International students: 29 October 2025

• Domestic students: 23 November 2025