Italy Catholic University of the Sacred Heart ASERI Graduate School MIMES Scholarship 2026
The Master in Middle Eastern Studies (MIMES) 2026 at the Graduate School of Economics and International Relations (ASERI), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy, is a prestigious one-year postgraduate program designed for students and professionals eager to understand the historical, political, cultural, and economic dynamics of the Middle East.
With a multidisciplinary and global approach, the program equips graduates with critical knowledge and practical skills to pursue careers in international relations, diplomacy, NGOs, research centers, think tanks, and multinational organizations.
The Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—commonly referred to as Cattolica—is a prestigious private research university founded in Milan in 1921 by Father Agostino Gemelli and Catholic intellectuals; it has since expanded to become Europe’s most important Catholic university, with additional campuses in Brescia, Piacenza–Cremona, and Rome, and includes the Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic as its teaching hospital. Organized into twelve faculties and seven postgraduate schools, it offers a broad spectrum of programs—ranging from humanities and social sciences to medicine, economics, law, and healthcare—many taught in both Italian and English. With nearly 40,000 students and a strong tradition of shaping leaders in various fields, Cattolica is renowned for academic excellence, holistic education grounded in Christian values, and a significant international presence through exchange programs and global partnerships.
Degree Level
The program awards a First Level Specializing Master (Master Universitario di Primo Livello) under Italian law (D.M. 509/99). It carries 65 ECTS credits and runs from January 2026 to December 2026, including classroom teaching, project work, and a 3-month internship.
Available Subjects
The program provides holistic training through courses on:
History and politics of Muslim societies
Islamic law, economy, and political thought
Geopolitics, conflicts, and global security issues
Energy and water security
Development challenges and economic scenarios
Social movements, pluralism, and gender issues in the Middle East
Migration, the EU, and Mediterranean policies
Sub-regional contexts: Maghreb, Levant, Gulf, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan
Research methodologies and project work
Optional Arabic, Persian, or Turkish language studies
Benefits
Multidisciplinary expertise in Middle Eastern history, politics, economics, and society.
Internationally recognized degree from one of Italy’s top universities.
Internship opportunities in Italy or abroad (NGOs, international institutions, think tanks, private sector).
Scholarships and tuition waivers for eligible students.
Networking opportunities with leading academics and professionals worldwide.
Access to ASERI’s research centers, career support, and alumni network.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Tuition Fee: €7,500 (payable in 3 installments).
Scholarships for international students: Up to 6 tuition waivers (25% of the fee).
MedOr Italian Foundation Scholarship: €12,000 for candidates from Middle Eastern countries, covering tuition, travel, housing, and living expenses.
Scholarships for Italian students: Up to 25% tuition reduction.
UCSC Alumni Discount: €500 (for alumni enrolled in the UCSC Premium Program).
Eligible Nationalities
The Master in Middle Eastern Studies is open to:
International candidates from any country.
Domestic candidates (students who obtained their Bachelor’s degree in Italy).
Special scholarships are available for students from Middle Eastern countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Palestine.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Political Science, Economics, Management, Law, International Relations, or Linguistics, but open to all academic backgrounds).
English proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS/First Certificate or proof of a previous English-taught program. If no certificate is provided, fluency will be assessed in the selection interview.
Motivation: Strong interest in Middle Eastern studies, geopolitics, or international affairs.
Students who have not yet graduated may apply, provided they complete their degree by March 2026.
Application Procedure
Step 1: Online Application
International students: Apply via the International Online Portal.
Domestic students: Apply via the Domestic Online Portal.
Step 2: Profile Assessment
Applications are screened based on CV, academic record, and supporting documents.
Step 3: Selection Interview
Shortlisted candidates attend an online or in-person interview (assessing motivation, English proficiency, and academic background).
Step 4: Admission & Confirmation
Successful applicants pay the first installment (€3,000) within 15 days (international students) or 5 days (domestic students).
Step 5: Enrollment
Complete final enrollment steps with supporting documents (Declaration of Value/Diploma Supplement, passport copy, etc.).
Application Deadlines
International Candidates: 29 October 2025
Domestic Candidates: 23 November 2025
