Double Degree in International Relations with CFAU
Program Highlights
Enrolling in a Double Degree program in International Relations with Luiss University and CFAU in China offers a unique global perspective on international affairs, combining insights from both Europe and Asia. This program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, and global business.
Program Structure
- The first year is spent at Luiss (Rome, Italy);
- The second year is spent at CFAU (Beijing, China).
If they meet the rules and conditions of both universities, participating students will receive two degrees: one from CFAU and one from Luiss University.
Program Fees
During your mobility year at CFAU, you will remain enrolled at Luiss and continue your payments to the university; therefore, outgoing students are exempt from paying tuition fees at CFAU.
Application Process
Details regarding the application process that are not available on this web page will be provided in the Call for Applications 2026–2027, which will be uploaded to the “Useful documents” section at the bottom of this page.
For more information, please contact International Degree Programs at the email address: international@luiss.it
Who can apply
The call for applications for the 2026–2027 mobility year is open to students enrolled in the 1st year of the Luiss Master's Degree in International Relations for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Available slots
There are 9 spots available each academic year.
Application Criteria (updated for the 2026–2027 mobility year)
Here are the criteria you need to meet in order to apply.
- Students must have passed all 1st-semester exams by the deadline specified in the Call for Applications (usually by mid-February).
- Weighted average grade of 27/30 or higher
- English proficiency: at least a C1 level (European Framework of Reference), certified by one of the following institutions:
- TOEFL iBT score of 91/120 or higher;
- IELTS: minimum score of 7.0;
- Cambridge: CPE; FCE with a minimum grade of A; CAE with a grade of B/C;
- Duolingo: min. 130;
- Trinity School Language Academy in Rome;
- Luiss Language Center;
- International Secondary School Diploma taught entirely in English;
- Bachelor's Degree taught entirely in English.
4. A Bachelor's Degree with a grade of 100/110 or higher
Selection Criteria
These are the criteria used to rank your application.
Eligible candidates will be ranked based on their academic performance and the criteria listed in the table below. Academic performance is assessed based on the data available to the Student Office by the deadline specified in the Call for Applications (usually by mid-February).
| Criterion | Weight | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Weighted GPA | 35% | Starting from the minimum passing grade (18/30) |
| Registered ECTS credits | 33% | The academic score will take into consideration credits (excluding internships) registered by the end of the 2025/2026 winter session. Please note that additional courses (electives) will not be taken into consideration. Credits from early exams will be counted, but only up to the maximum score for this criterion, which is 33% of the total score calculation. |
| English language proficiency level | 25% | Calculated according to the 6 levels (from A1 to C2) of the CEFR standard |
| Bachelor's Degree final grade | 5% | From 100 to 110 cum laude |
| Registered ECTS credits for internships | 2% | Credits registered in the current academic records for the internship |
Summary of Deadlines (updated for the 2026–2027 mobility year)
| Call publication | Early December 2025 |
| Applications begin on | January 8, 2026 |
| Application deadline | January 21, 2026 |
| Selection results | End of February 2026 |
| Participation confirmation | Within one business day |
Disclaimer: Dates may be subject to change; please refer to this webpage for the latest updates.
Additional Important Rules
- Participation in this program will add additional points to the final grade of the Master’s Degree, as per Luiss rules.
- Students will only be able to participate if they have no pending administrative issues with Luiss.
- Exams passed at the partner university will be transferred to Luiss as per the study plan. It is not possible to request an official waiver of grade registration.
- Students selected for this Double Degree program are required to follow the study plan corresponding to their mobility year. This study plan will be provided in due course by the International Degree Programs office. Please note that study plans are reviewed annually, and changes may occur to reflect the academic offerings of both universities.
Useful links
International Degree Programs
Sergio Rios Perez and
Francesca Annunziata
Agnese Antioco
and Laura Bernaola Picca
Meri Kazazi and
Anna Meneghin
Elena Salemi,
Nicla Scaglione,
and Camilla Viganotti
Viale Romania 32,
00197 Rome
Tel: +39 06 85225592
international@luiss.it
Opening hours
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday:
10 a.m. to noon
; Tuesday and Thursday:
3 pm–4 pm