Politecnico di Milano Master in Science Diplomacy & Innovation for Sustainable Development 2025

Applications are now open for the Politecnico di Milano Master in Science Diplomacy & Innovation for Sustainable Development 2025. This is a high-impact academic initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of African researchers, lecturers, and science policy leaders. Apply now to be part of this transformative program!

📖 About the Program

The Master in Science Diplomacy & Innovation for Sustainable Development is organized by the HEA (Italian Higher Education with Africa) Foundation, which includes the following universities:

• University of Bologna
• University of Florence
• Politecnico di Milano
• University of Naples Federico II
• University of Padua
• Sapienza University of Rome

Program Objectives

This Specializing Master program is designed with three key objectives:

1. Deepen understanding of global sustainable development challenges and their implications for the African context.
2. Equip participants with advanced tools and methodologies to conduct impactful research and deliver high-quality teaching.
3. Strengthen institutional partnerships between African and Italian universities to foster long-term academic cooperation.

Target Audience

The program is tailored for:

• Young talents with academic career ambitions, such as junior faculty members and early-stage researchers.
• Young officials from Ministries or local Energy Authorities.

🎓 Program Structure

The curriculum includes 3 core modules, 3 specialized modules, and a final project:

Core Modules

1. Introductory Module: Sustainable Development and the African Challenge (4 ECTS)
2. General Skills Module: Fundamentals of Geopolitics in International Cooperation (3 ECTS)
3. Technical Skills Module: Project/Research Management and Innovative Teaching (10 ECTS)

Specialized Modules

1. Sustainable Agri-food Value Chains (10 ECTS)
2. Sustainable and Just Energy Transition (10 ECTS)
3. Cultural Heritage and its Valorization (10 ECTS)

Final Project (13 ECTS)

Participants will work in teams to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges, such as:

• Developing a research proposal relevant to their home institutions.
• Designing an innovative syllabus for a new academic course.

💰 Benefits

The program offers full scholarships for 25 selected candidates from Africa, covering:

• Tuition fees, duty stamps, consumable and learning materials.
• Learning devices and internet connection (reimbursed via credit or prepaid cards like Revolut or Wise).
• Expenses for on-campus training, including travel, accommodation, lunch, and insurance.
• Reimbursement for VISA application, airport transfers, dinner, and other study-related costs.

Note: If part of the learning activities is held in person, insurance and VISA will be the responsibility of the students. More details will be provided after the selection process.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Profiles

• Early-career lecturers, junior researchers, or young professors.
• Young officials from Ministries or local Energy Authorities.

Preferred Countries

Preference will be given to applicants from North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, particularly those included in the Italian government's Mattei Plan:

• Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, Senegal, Tanzania, and Tunisia.

Admission Requirements

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in relevant disciplines:
   • Degree certificate (original language + translation in Italian/English/French/Spanish).
   • Transcripts or Diploma Supplement (original language + translation).
2. Valid Passport.
3. Curriculum Vitae (in English, max 2 pages).
4. Motivational Letter (in English, max 1 page).
5. Support Letter (on institutional letterhead, signed by a representative, max 1 page).
6. English Proficiency: The program and selection interview will be conducted in English. Language certification is optional but recommended.
7. Credit/Prepaid Card: Must allow international bank transfers (e.g., Revolut, Wise).

Note: Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible.

🗓️ Application Process

Steps

1. Document Evaluation: The management team will review applications to ensure they meet the requirements.
2. Video Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview to assess:
   • English communication skills.
   • Knowledge of Sustainable Development, Agenda 2030, and Agenda 2063.
   • Teamwork and multidisciplinary approach.
   • Commitment to the program and its relevance to their home country.

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be evaluated on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across various criteria, with a maximum score of 60 points. A minimum score of 36 is required to qualify. The final ranking list will be emailed in July 2025.

📅 Key Dates

• Date Published: July 16, 2025
• Application Deadline: July 20, 2025

🌟 How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the Politecnico di Milano online services. For detailed instructions, refer to the following resources:

• Official Decree (Call for Application)
• Online Application Manual

📬 Contact Information

For any inquiries, the Specializing Master Management team is located at:
Politecnico di Milano, Department of Energy - Specializing Master and Lifelong Learning Office.

The Scientific Committee ensures a fair selection process based on equal opportunity, free from prejudice regarding gender, race, religion, age, pregnancy, or disability.

Take this opportunity to advance your academic career and contribute to sustainable development in Africa! 🌍

• Full scholarship covering tuition and program costs for 25 selected candidates from Africa.
• Reimbursement for learning device, internet connection, travel, accommodation, lunch, and insurance for on-campus training.
• Reimbursement for VISA application, airport transfer/shuttle, dinner, and other study-trip related costs.