Programme enrolment: requirements, deadlines and methods

The second-cycle degree/master’s programme in Global Cultures is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits) with open access, subject to an assessment of adequate personal knowledge and skills. Entirely taught in English, the programme includes dedicated courses and support services for enrolled students. Non-EU applicants must also comply with the enrollment procedures for Italian universities by contacting the Italian embassy or consulate in their home country.

Access to the second-cycle degree programme in Global Cultures is open, meaning there is no maximum number of enrollments for the academic year 2025/2026. However, enrollment is conditional upon meeting the requirements outlined in this notice and obtaining a positive evaluation from a designated committee

Admission to the second-cycle degree programme/two-year Master’s in Global Cultures requires a bachelor’s degree, a three-year university diploma, or an equivalent qualification obtained abroad that is officially recognized as suitable. In addition, candidates must meet the curricular requirements and pass an assessment of adequate personal knowledge and skills. If a candidate holds a foreign qualification, the Committee will evaluate the candidate’s knowledge and competencies based on his/her academic background.

The assessment of adequate personal knowledge and skills is deemed fulfilled if the applicant has obtained a final grade equal to or higher than 100/110. For candidates required to take only the final examination, this requirement is considered fulfilled if their weighted average mark is equal to or greater than 27.14. Candidates with a recognized foreign qualification will undergo an assessment of adequate personal knowledge and skills through an in-depth interview conducted in English. The interview will evaluate the areas of knowledge necessary for admission to the master’s degree programme.

Candidates who are not admitted in one intake may apply for other intakes.

2.1. Deadlines – Intake 1

The first intake is open only to graduate candidates, both European and non-European. To be considered for the first intake, candidates must submit their diploma or graduation certificate by January 13^th, 2025.

Opening of applications (Section 5): December 2^nd, 2024

Closing date for applications (Section 5): At 11:59 pm on January 13^th, 2025

Publication of the results (Section 6): From January 21^st, 2025

Interview dates (for candidates with a foreign degree only): From January 27^th to February 7^th, 2025

Matriculation (also in the case of changing programme or university) (Section 7): From February 13^th, 2025 to November 20^th, 2025.

2.2. Deadlines – Intake 2

The second intake is open only to graduate candidates, both European and non-European. To be considered for the second intake, candidates must submit their diploma or graduation certificate by March 24^th, 2025.

Opening of applications (Section 5): February 10^th, 2025

Closing date for applications (Section 5): At 11:59 pm on March 24^th, 2025

Publication of the results (Section 6): From April 1^st, 2025

Interview dates (for candidates with a foreign degree only): From April 7^th to 30^th, 2025 

Matriculation (also in the case of changing programme or university) (Section 7): From February 13^th, 2025 to November 20^th, 2025.

2.3. Deadlines – Intake 3

The third intake is open to both graduate and non-graduate candidates, European and non-European.

Opening of applications (Section 5): April 28^th, 2025

Closing date for applications (Section 5): At 11:59 pm on June 16^th, 2025

Publication of the results (Section 6): From June 24^th, 2025

Interview dates (for candidates with a foreign degree only): From June 30^th to July 11^th, 2025

Matriculation (also in the case of changing programme or university) (Section 7): From February 13^th, 2025 to November 20^th, 2025.

3.1. Recipients

This call is addressed to candidates who meet the admission requirements outlined in Section 4, and wish to enroll in this Degree Programme, including those transferring from another programme or university, or those who are waiving a programme.

3.2. Information for graduating students

Graduating students can apply only for the third intake and, if eligible, register for the programme (see Section 4.1), provided they only need to complete the final examination and their weighted average mark is equal to or greater than 27.14. Graduating students from foreign institutions, if eligible, will undergo an adequate personal knowledge and skills assessment through an in-depth interview conducted in English.

The degree must, in any case, be obtained by December 30, 2025; otherwise, any registration will be cancelled. If you have not yet obtained your degree at the time of registration, please refer to Section 7.1 for information on how to activate your career.

3.3. Information for international students

 Specific procedures apply to:

• Students with a foreign qualification, regardless of citizenship
• Non-EU nationals with an equivalent qualification
• Non-EU nationals residing abroad

Check which category applies to you at www.unibo.it/StudentiInternazionaliChiSono .

For any questions, please contact the International Desk: www.unibo.it/ContattiPerStudentiInternazionali.

To be admitted to the Second Cycle Degree Programme in Global Cultures, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. the required academic qualification (Section 1);
2. specific curricular requirements (Section 2);
3. specific language requirements (Section 3);
4. adequate personal knowledge and skills, verified according to the criteria established by the programme (Section 4).

4.1. Qualifications

• First cycle academic qualification: a three-year university diploma or degree

or 

• A qualification obtained abroad that is recognized as suitable under Italian law, current international agreements, and the provisions outlined in the MUR Circular "Procedures for entry, residency, and enrollment of international students and the respective recognition of qualifications for higher education courses in Italy" for the academic year 2025/2026. This circular will be published on https://www.universitaly.it/studenti-stranieri.

Graduating students can apply only for the third intake and, if eligible, register for the programme (see Section 4.1), provided they only need to complete the final examination and their weighted average mark is equal to or greater than 27.14. Graduating students from foreign institutions, if eligible, will undergo an adequate personal knowledge and skills assessment through an in-depth interview conducted in English.

4.1.a. What happens if you do not have the necessary qualification

If you do not possess the necessary academic qualification and do not fall under the provisions outlined in Section 3.2 - 'Information for graduating students', you will not be eligible to register for the programme.

4.2. Curricular requirements

1. Possession of a first-cycle degree in the L-42 History class, or an equivalent degree from a previous degree programme system.
   
   or
2. Possession of a first-cycle degree in a class other than that specified in point 1, or a first-cycle degree from a previous degree programme system other than that specified in point 1, or an equivalent qualification (including qualifications obtained abroad), provided it includes at least 30 university educational credits in one or more of the following subject groups:

• L‐OR/10 ‐ HISTORY OF ISLAMIC COUNTRIES
• L‐OR/13 ‐ ARMENIAN, CAUCASIAN, MONGOLIAN AND TURKISH STUDIES
• L‐OR/17 ‐ INDIAN AND CENTRAL ASIAN PHILOSOPHY, RELIGIONS AND HISTORY
• L‐OR/23 ‐ HISTORY OF EAST AND SOUTH‐EAST ASIA
• M‐DEA/ 01 – DEMOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
• M‐GGR/01 – GEOGRAPHY
• M‐GGR/02 – ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY
• M‐STO/02 – MODERN HISTORY
• M‐STO/03 – HISTORY OF EASTERN EUROPE
• M‐STO/04 ‐ CONTEMPORARY HISTORY
• M‐STO/05 – HISTORY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
• SPS/02 ‐ HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT
• SPS/03 ‐ HISTORY OF POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS
• SPS/04 ‐ POLITICAL SCIENCE
• SPS/05 ‐ AMERICAN HISTORY AND INSTITUTIONS
• SPS/06 ‐ HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
• SPS/08 ‐ SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION
• SPS/13 ‐ AFRICAN HISTORY AND INSTITUTIONS
• SPS/14 ‐ ASIAN HISTORY AND INSTITUTIONS

If a candidate holds a foreign qualification or a degree other than that specified in point 1 from a previous degree programme system, the Committee will evaluate the candidate’s knowledge and competencies based on their academic background.

4.2.b. What happens if you do not meet the curricular requirements

If you do not satisfy all the specified curricular requirements, you will not be eligible to enroll in the programme.

4.3. Language requirements

English language proficiency is required to at a minimum CEFR level B2. A list of recognized certificates is available on the webpage: https://corsi.unibo.it/2cycle/GlobalCultures/language-certificate

4.3.a.   How to fulfil the language requirement

The English language requirement must be satisfied during the application phase by submitting an appropriate certificate. The list of recognized certificates is available at https://corsi.unibo.it/2cycle/GlobalCultures/language-certificate

The English language requirement can also be satisfied by:

• submitting a self-declaration confirming that you are a native English speaker;
• providing evidence of a bachelor’s or master’s degree with English as the medium of instruction.

4.4. Adequate personal knowledge and skills

Admission to the master’s degree programme requires candidates to undergo an assessment of adequate personal knowledge and skills, conducted according to the methods outlined below.

4.4.a. How the adequacy of personal knowledge and skills is verified

The assessment of adequate personal knowledge and skills is deemed fulfilled if the graduate has achieved a final grade of 100/110 or higher. Similarly, for candidates who are required to complete only the final examination, the assessment is considered fulfilled if their weighted average mark is equal to or greater than 27.14.

Candidates holding a recognized foreign qualification will receive an invitation to attend an in-depth interview for the assessment of adequate personal knowledge and skills, conducted in English, at their institutional email address (name.surname@studio.unibo.it). The interview will evaluate the areas of knowledge required for admission to the master’s degree programme. The interview will take place on the dates listed in Section 2.

4.4.b. What happens if my personal knowledge and skills does not meet the adequacy criteria

Graduates who have obtained a final degree mark below 100/110, and candidates who are required to complete only the final examination with a weighted average mark below 27.14, will not be admitted, even if they meet the curricular requirements.

Candidates holding a recognized foreign qualification whose interview outcome is negative will have their knowledge and skills deemed unsuitable and will not be eligible to register for the programme.

Within the period set for each intake (see Schedule of Procedures - Section 2) you can apply by following the steps below:

1. Log in to Studenti Online (studenti.unibo.it)
   • If this is your first time accessing the system, select ‘Register’ and log in with SPID or CIE. The system will automatically retrieve your personal details and create your University credentials (name.surname@studio.unibo.it).
    • If you reside abroad and do not have an identity document issued in Italy you may log in using your University username and password, These can be obtained by visiting Studenti Online (www.studenti.unibo.it) and clicking on “Register” and then choosing “International students registration”.
2. Click on “Admission application”, select “Second Cycle Degree Programme” and choose the programme titled “Global Cultures”.
3. Upload the following documents in PDF:
   If you obtained your degree at the University of Bologna, you do not need to upload documentation already held by the University. You may upload the optional documents listed below.
   
   Compulsory documents (only for those who obtained their degree at a university other than the University of Bologna):
   
   • front and back copy of a valid identity document.  If you are a citizen of a foreign country and your identity document does not have an English translation: a copy of your passport;
   
   • if the qualification was obtained in Italy: self-certification of the first-level academic qualification, including a list of examinations taken. If you have not yet obtained the qualification, upload the list of exams taken;
   
   • if the qualification is obtained abroad: a copy of the qualification, translated into Italian or English, allowing access to Second Cycle Degree Programmes in the country of attainment, accompanied by a transcript of records and, where available, a Diploma Supplement. If you have not yet obtained the qualification, upload the list of exams taken (Transcript of Records).
   
   • Proof of B2 level English language proficiency. A list of recognized certificates is available on the webpage: https://corsi.unibo.it/2cycle/GlobalCultures/language-certificate
   
   Optional documents
   
   – Your CV
   – A statement of purpose (detailing your interests and personal and professional goals – max. 500 words)
   – A copy of a valid residence permit, if held.
   
   The committee will only assess documents uploaded through the Studenti Online application (www.studenti.unibo.it). Any mandatory documents that are missing or only partially uploaded by the application deadline will result in the candidate not being considered.
   
   Documents must not be sent by post or email to the administrative offices.
   
   In the event of false declarations, in addition to incurring the penalties laid down in Article 496 of the Italian Criminal Code, you will automatically forfeit your right to registration and any benefits obtained, without being entitled to any reimbursement of the sums paid.

 If you are a non-EU citizen and reside abroad, in compliance with the procedures defined by the Italian Ministry of University and Research in the Circular "Procedures for entry, residency and enrollment of international students and the respective recognition of qualifications for higher education courses in Italy" for A.Y. 2025/2026 published on https://www.universitaly.it/studenti-stranieri, in addition to following the steps required for admission to the degree programme, you will have to pre-enroll on Universitaly and request an entrance visa for study purposes.

6.1. Evaluation committee

A committee will check the candidates’ adequate personal knowledge and skills and ensure they meet the requirements for admission.

The committee, appointed by the Department of History and Cultures at the University of Bologna, is made up of: Prof. Paola Rudan (Chairman); Prof. Marica Tolomelli (Member); Davide Domenici (Secretary).

Faculty members in the first and second year of the degree programme may also sit on the committee as alternate members.

6.2. Results of the checks

The results of your application will be published on Studenti Online (www.studenti.unibo.it) and sent to your institutional email address (name.surname@studio.unibo.it), as from the date indicated for each intake in the Schedule of Procedures (Section 2).

The outcome will be either

• “application checked”: in this case, you can register for the programme;
• “not admitted to the selection”: in this case, you cannot register for the programme, but can participate in any subsequent intake(s).

7.1. Matriculation

If you receive confirmation of admission, you can register from the date indicated in the Schedule of Procedures (Section 2), following the steps below.

1. Log in to Studenti Online (www.studenti.unibo.it) using your SPID or CIE credentials or by entering the username and password you obtained during the application procedure.
2. Select "Registration”, then select “Single Cyle Degree Programme”, and then the degree programme “Global Cultures” and enter the required data, attaching a jpg file containing a passport-size photo of your face.
   
   In the event of false declarations, in addition to incurring the penalties laid down in Article 496 of the Italian Criminal Code, you will automatically forfeit your right to registration and any benefits obtained, without being entitled to any reimbursement of the sums paid.
3. Pay the first enrollment instalment via the PagoPA platform, as indicated on Studenti Online (www.studenti.unibo.it).
4. After you have made your matriculation payment, check under Registration on Studenti Online (www.studenti.unibo.it) what you need to do for the purposes of identification and career activation.

7.1.a. University identification and career activation

Identification

• If you submitted your application by logging in with SPID or CIE: after making the payment, your identity will be automatically validated.
• If you submitted your application by logging in with your username and password: complete the identification procedure specified under Matriculation on Studenti Online (www.studenti.unibo.it).

Career activation

Activating your career enables you to take part in all the activities you will carry out as a student (e.g. submitting your study plan, booking exams, carrying out any other procedures related to your career, accessing the Wi-Fi network and online library resources, and using the MyUnibo app).

After identification, career activation will take place automatically, unless you fall into one of the following cases.

• If you have not yet graduated at the time of matriculation, you must obtain your degree by 30 December 2025 at the latest. Otherwise, your matriculation will be cancelled.

If you are graduating from the University of Bologna, the system will automatically update your position once you have obtained your degree.

If you are graduating from another university, after matriculating please check on Studenti Online (www.studenti.unibo.it) for any further steps required.

• If you are a non-EU citizen but hold a qualification equivalent to one obtained in Italy, in order to activate your career you must submit a copy of your valid residence permit allowing equivalence to the Student Administration Office responsible for your degree programme.
• If you have a foreign qualification, check the documentation required for matriculation purposes.

The documentation submitted in your application for admission (e.g. degree, transcript, etc.) must be translated and its authenticity and value must be verified, where required.

You must upload the documents related to foreign qualifications in the Studenti Online application (www.studenti.unibo.it) by clicking on "Call for applications" and then "Matriculation for A.Y. 25_26 - document upload for international students with foreign qualifications".

When you arrive at the University of Bologna, you must make an appointment with the International Student Administration Office in Bologna or on your campus in order to show the original copies of your documentation.

• If you are a non-EU citizen, but hold an equivalent qualification and have obtained your qualification abroad: check the documentation required to enrol.

Remember that the documentation submitted in your application for admission (e.g. degree, transcript, etc.) must be translated and its authenticity and value must be verified, where required.

In the “Calls” section of Studenti Online (www.studenti.unibo.it), select “Matriculation A.Y. 25_26 - document upload for international students with foreign qualifications” and upload your qualification diploma and a copy of your residence permit allowing equivalence. Moreover, make an appointment with the International Student Administration Office in Bologna or on your campus in order to show the original copies of your documentation. PLEASE NOTE: Check very carefully, at www.unibo.it/StudentiInternazionaliChiSono, what is meant by 'non-EU students with equivalent status' and what types of residence permits allow for equivalence. Lack of an equivalent qualification will prevent you from matriculating, even if you have been admitted and have paid the first instalment.

• If you are a non-EU national, are resident abroad and have obtained your qualification abroad: see details at unibo.it//IscrizioneLaureaMagistraleNonUE. Check the foreign qualification documentation required to matriculate. Remember that the documentation submitted in your application for admission (e.g. degree, transcript, etc.) must be translated and its authenticity and value must be verified, where required.

In the “Calls” section of Studenti Online (www.studenti.unibo.it), select “Matriculation A.Y. 25_26 - document upload for international students with foreign qualifications” and upload your qualification diploma and a copy of your entry visa for study purposes. When you arrive in Italy, make an appointment with the International Student Administration Office in Bologna or on your campus in order to show the original copies of your documentation. 

Warning: if you have a foreign qualification, admission to the programme and any subsequent validation of your pre-enrollment with or without reserve by the University do not confer any right to finalise your matriculation, even in the event of obtaining an entry visa, being physical present in the country, becoming eligible for and/or actually receiving scholarships or contributions of any kind. For matriculation purposes, it will be necessary to verify the actual suitability of the foreign qualification and the authenticity of the submitted documentation. Your qualification will be formally checked by the International Student Administration Office in Bologna or on Campus after paying the first matriculation instalment and submitting the original copies of all the required documentation.

Career activation must take place by 26 February 2026; otherwise, your matriculation will be cancelled.

Once your career is active, you will be sent an e-mail with a QR code allowing you to print your badge.

7.1.b. Shortening a degree programme (for those with previous university careers)

If you want to apply for recognition of previous academic careers, check how you can do this and the applicable deadlines at https://www.unibo.it/it/studiare/iscrizioni-tasse-e-altre-procedure/lauree-e-lauree-magistrali/abbreviazione-di-carriera.

7.2. Programme transfers, university transfers and simultaneous enrollment

If you want to change degree programme within the University of Bologna (Programme transfer), check how you can do this at https://www.unibo.it/it/didattica/iscrizioni-trasferimenti-e-laurea/cambiare-corso-di-studio-interno-universita-di-bologna/cambiare-corso-di-studio-interno-universita-di-bologna.

If you matriculate and request to be transferred from another university, consult the page Transferring to the University of Bologna - University of Bologna (unibo.it).

If you wish to apply for simultaneous enrollment in two programmes, as provided for by Italian Law no. 33 of 12 April 2022, please read the information on the page Simultaneous enrollment in different programmes - University of Bologna (unibo.it).

If, on the other hand, you register in one programme and are subsequently admitted to another, but do not wish to maintain enrollment in both programmes, do not enroll simultaneously; instead:

• if both programmes are at the University of Bologna: apply for a programme transfer;
• if the first programme is at another university: apply for a university transfer.

Alternatively, you can waive your current programme and proceed with a new matriculation (Section 4).

Please note!
If you are a non-EU citizen, reside abroad, hold a residence permit for study purposes and formally renounce your studies at this or another university, you lose the requirements for residency in Italy, and therefore your residence permit will be revoked. In this case, you must return to your country of origin and initiate the pre-enrollment procedures through Universitaly at the competent Italian diplomatic mission (Embassy/Consulate), within the deadlines set annually and published on the website https://www.universitaly.it/studenti-stranieri.

8.1. University fees

Information on tuition fees and on benefits and exemptions is published annually on the University Portal at www.unibo.it/Tasse.

The fee to be paid to enroll for a degree programme consists of a fixed element of € 157.04 and a variable element calculated according to the student’s family’s financial situation (ISEE) up to a maximum that varies according to the programme.

Your tuition fees will be calculated on a progressive scale based on a valid ISEE certificate only if submitted in accordance with the terms and procedures set out on the web page www.unibo.it/Tasse. If you do not submit an ISEE certificate, you will have to pay the full tuition fees relevant to your degree programme.

Submission of an ISEE certificate is independent of programme enrollment. The order in which you carry out the two procedures is irrelevant, as long as you comply with the deadlines set for each.

Please note!
International students who only have income and assets abroad cannot submit an ISEE certificate, but must refer to the information at https://www.unibo.it/it/didattica/iscrizioni-trasferimenti-e-laurea/tasse-e-contributi/ISEE-e-altre-attestazioni-utili-per-le-esenzioni-delle-tasse-universitarie.

Please note!
Submitting financial documentation for tuition fee exemptions, following the instructions on www.unibo.it/Tasse, is very simple and worthwhile even if you have not yet decided whether to enroll in a programme at this university. Remember that if you do not submit the documentation by the deadline, you will not be eligible for any discount. The deadline is peremptory and no exceptions are ever allowed.

8.2. Right-to-higher-education grants provided by ER.GO

Azienda Regionale per il Diritto agli Studi Superiori – ER.GO publishes calls for scholarships, places in university residences, catering and other benefits on its website (www.er-go.it) every year.

The application for ER.GO grants is independent of the degree programme application and enrollment procedures.

Please note!
You must submit your application for an ER.GO grant via the company's website, also entering your ISEE certificate. Applying is very simple and is worth doing even if you have not yet decided whether to enroll in a programme at this university. Remember that calls have a peremptory deadline and no exceptions are ever allowed.

8.3. Important information for those who already have an active university career

If you already have an active university career, before transferring from another university or changing programme, if you are already enrolled in a programme at the University of Bologna, carefully consult the merit requirements for access to grants set out in the call published on www.er-go.it because, due to the recognition of university educational credits (CFUs) acquired in your previous career, your position may change as regards access to grants.

Please note!
For all ER.GO benefits, the minimum number of university educational credits required for merit is always determined starting from the year of first enrollment at university (even if for another University, University Institute or Degree Programme, even abroad), regardless of the year of the programme to which you are admitted following the recognition of your credits, and only those that are recognised on the programme you are enrolled in are considered valid.

8.4. Right-to-higher-education grants provided by the University

Information on the University's grants can be found on the University Portal under www.unibo.it/AgevolazioniEconomiche.

For each grant, please carefully read the instructions on how and when to apply. Remember that deadlines are always peremptory and no exceptions are ever allowed.