The Master in International Cooperation and Development, a First-level Specialising Master Programme degree, is designed for:

• Recent graduates, having obtained a graduate or an undergraduate degree, with a strong interest in deepening the dynamics of cooperation and development, and in acquiring theoretical and professional skills;
• Young professionals, eager to deepen their professional skills in the field of international cooperation;
• Advanced professionals, seeking to update and strengthen their skills and to enhance the value of their experience in global development issues.

The Master in International Cooperation and Development is characterized by a multidimensional and interdisciplinary approach, which accompanies the four distinct levels of the Master throughout their duration.

The in-depth scientific and professional training programmes are closely connected, so as to allow a constant dialogue between theory and practice: field experience opens up new lines of research, while systematic reflection on practical activities fosters continuous learning.

From an academic perspective, MICAD explores international development issues, studying their Economics, Law and related institutions. Geopolitics, conflict situations and the management of post-conflict contexts are also addressed.

All of this provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the Project Cycle Management processes and the Theory of Change.

The professional training component, on the other hand, focuses on Development Actors and Strategies, Prevention, Rescue and Recovery for emergency situations. It also examines Human Rights issues and their application in situations of conflict and instability.

-          How to actively contribute to building "bridges" for development, with a bottom-up approach;

-          How to engage local civil society in identifying its own resources and managing them effectively;

-          Understand the technical, financial and administrative dynamics of cooperation initiatives;

-          Collaborate with national and international institutions, within local policies;

-          Promote initiatives of good governance, respect for human rights and dignity with state and non-state actors;

-          Seek and formulate solutions to transnational issues, such as migration and illicit trafficking;

-          Actively contribute to the building of processes, institutions and democratic governance in the world.

To submit your application for admission to the First Level Specialising Master’s program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree, an equivalent first-cycle degree, or an Italian laurea under the previous system;

• Possess a good command of the English language (minimum level B2, which will be assessed during the admission interview).

MICAD welcomes students from academic backgrounds in Political Science, Economics, Law, Linguistics, Philosophy, Humanities, Psychology, Social Sciences, and Environmental Studies. Applicants from other fields of study are also eligible. 

Relevant work experience in non-governmental organizations, public administrations, or international institutions will be positively evaluated.

For further details on eligibility and admission criteria, please refer to the following pages:

• For students holding an Italian degree: the dedicated page on the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore website;

• For students holding a non-Italian degree: the dedicated page on the Cattolica International website. 

Applications must be submitted through the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore website, following the specific procedure based on the type of degree obtained.

If you hold an Italian degree, access the application procedure at this link. 
If you hold an international (non-Italian) degree, access the application procedure at this link.

MICAD has a limited enrollment of 25 participants.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and in the order in which they are received. When deemed eligible, applicants will receive an admission confirmation via email. Early applications have a higher chance of acceptance. Once the maximum number of admitted students is reached, additional applications will be placed on a waiting list.

The Master’s Direction reserves the right to increase the maximum number of participants or, conversely, cancel the program if the number of admitted students is insufficient to ensure the high-quality delivery of the Master’s program.

Step 1: Submit your application.

If you hold an Italian degree, access the application procedure at this link. 
If you hold an international (non-Italian) degree, access the application procedure at this link.

Step 2: Academic credentials assessment.

Step 3: Motivational interview with the Program Assistant, covering:

• CV

• Academic and professional background

• Motivation for pursuing the Master’s program

• English language proficiency

Step 4: Admission to the Master’s program, upon evaluation by the Direction.

Step 5: Confirmation of enrollment and payment of the first installment.

Once admission is confirmed, applicants must finalize their enrollment by paying the first installment of the program fee. Typically, payment is required:

• Within 5 days of admission for applicants with an Italian degree;

• Within 15 days of admission for applicants with an international (non-italian) degree.

Payment instructions will be provided by the relevant administrative offices.

Step 6: Enrollment and start of the Master’s program, following instructions that will be sent by the administrative offices.

• Self-certification of Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, including transcript of records, uploaded as a single file. If the degree is in progress, the GPA may be considered for evaluation.*

• ID document and tax code

• CV and passport-style photo

• Motivation letter 

• Academic reference letter

• Residence permit (for non-EU citizens only)

* The Bachelor’s degree, if still in progress, must be awarded no later than March 2027 to be considered valid for admission.

The tuition fee for MICAD is €9,000, payable in three installments: the first upon admission and the remaining ones in February and April of the following year.

For students holding an Italian degree, up to 3 partial scholarships (covering 25% of the total tuition fee) are available and are awarded based on evaluation by the Scientific Direction.

Exclusively for students holding an international degree, up to 4 scholarships covering 25% of the tuition fee may be awarded following evaluation by the Scientific Direction.

Visa support:  
Accepted international applicants requiring a student visa will receive an official admission letter necessary for the visa application process.

Declaration of Value / Diploma Supplement:  
Degrees obtained outside of Italy must be accompanied by a Declaration of Value or a Diploma Supplement (for qualifications issued by universities in countries adhering to the Lisbon Convention). The administrative offices will provide detailed instructions regarding required documents.

For additional information on required documents for admission and enrollment for applicants with international degrees, please contact the International Recruiting Office at: mailto:international.inquiry@unicatt.it

For all other information regarding the First Level Specialising Master’s programs for students with international degrees, please refer to the dedicated page on the Cattolica International portal.

To learn more about the International Cooperation and Development - MICAD: