Diploma


in International Studies

Global Perspective

A one-year diploma certifying students have successfully completed one year of course work in Bologna.

Challenging Curriculum

Courses emphasize economics, political science, history, and foreign language proficiency, providing a cross-disciplinary approach.

Lifetime Skills

Students learn lifetime skills for landing challenging jobs.

Invest in the Future

A wide selection of courses, approachable faculty, and first class peers make the SAIS Bologna Center a wise investment.

The SAIS Advantage

Students who complete two semesters of full-time study in Bologna (eight non-language courses plus a language requirement) receive a diploma certifying that accomplishment. Although most students go on to complete their M.A. at SAIS in Washington during a second year of study, this certification of graduate course work in international relations is particularly useful for those who already hold or are earning a master’s degree at one of our European partner universities.

Study With World-Class Thinkers

The Students

Students at SAIS Bologna are exposed to diversity in terms of their fellow students, faculty, course offerings and the local community. Our student body represents approximately 40 nations, promoting a stimulating mix that lends richness and vitality to academic life.

The Faculty

Courses at SAIS Bologna emphasize economics, political science, history, and foreign language proficiency, providing a cross-disciplinary approach. Core faculty and adjunct professors from major European institutions combine personal advising with a broad choice of curriculum.

Recent Speakers

  • Mario Draghi
  • Azar Nafisi
  • Romano Prodi
  • Robert Skidelsky

Broaden Your Experience in Bologna, Italy

Home to the oldest university in Europe, Bologna’s long tradition of education, cultural heritage and political vitality makes it an attractive location for SAIS' European campus. On the cusp of its 60th anniversary, SAIS Bologna is distinguished by strong faculty-student relationships, vigorous debate and a cohesive social and intellectual community. Exposure to contrasting European and U.S. perspectives on global issues offers a distinctive academic pairing—making for an extraordinarily enriching experience.

Teaching at the Bologna campus is complemented by a thematic seminar series, and small classes, strong faculty-student relationships and vigorous debate characterize the cohesive social and intellectual community.

Gain a Career-Building Edge


Career Services

The Office of Career Services works with students to explore careers and set goals, acquire job experience and contacts, and strengthen their leadership abilities.

A Global Alumni Community

Students have access to a lifetime network of SAIS alumni–extraordinary individuals who hold positions of global leadership in government, business, journalism, nonprofit groups and multilateral organizations.

Common Paths

Students graduating from SAIS have pursued careers at:
  • U.S. Department of State
  • The World Bank
  • U.S. Agency for International Development
  • United Nations
  • Booz Allen Hamilton
  • JPMorgan & Chase Co.
  • The EU Commission
  • Brookings Institution

A Curriculum for a Complex World


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