Double Degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics with Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
Program Highlights
This Double Degree program combines Luiss University's expertise in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) with Victoria University of Wellington's focus on International Relations. The program equips students with a multidisciplinary understanding of global issues and the analytical skills needed for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, and policy analysis.
If they meet the rules and conditions of both universities, participating students will receive two degrees: one from Victoria University of Wellington and one from Luiss University.
The program is structured as follows:
- the first year is spent at Luiss (Rome, Italy);
- the second year is spent at Luiss (Rome, Italy);
- the third year is spent at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington (Wellington, New Zealand).*
*At the partner university, the academic year is structured as follows: Trimester 1 (from late February to early July), Trimester 2 (from mid-July to mid-October), and Trimester 3 (from mid-November to late February), with a summer break from late December to early January. Students participating in the program during their third year will arrive at VUW in late June 2026 and will complete Trimester 2, Trimester 3, and Trimester 1 of the following year (February–June 2027).
Students selected for the Double Degree will be enrolled at Luiss during their time at VUW and will pay tuition fees at Luiss. Students will be exempt from paying tuition at VUW. If they comply with both universities’ rules and conditions regarding credits, attendance, deadlines, academic integrity, etc., participating students will receive two degrees, which will be issued according to each university’s procedures.
Academic Coordinator
Application Process
Details regarding the application procedure, the selection process, deadlines, and further information will be included in the call for applications, which will be uploaded to the 'Useful documents' section at the bottom of this page.
For more information on the required application documents, students are encouraged to contact International Degree Programs before the application deadline via email at international@luiss.it.
Who can apply
The call for applications for the 2026–2027 mobility year is open to students enrolled in the 2nd year of the Luiss Bachelor's Degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Available spots
There are 5 available slots 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 earned at least 72 credits by the deadline specified in the Call for Applications (typically by mid-February).
- Weighted average grade of 27/30 or higher
- English language: Students must demonstrate a minimum C1 proficiency (according to the Common European Framework of Reference), certified by one of the following qualifications:
- 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: minimum 130;
- Trinity School Language Academy in Rome;
- Luiss Language Center;
- International Secondary School Diploma, taught entirely in English.
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 indicated in the Call for Applications (usually by mid-February).
| Criterion | Weight | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Registered ECTS credits | 55% | The academic score will take into account all registered credits valid toward one's degree. Credits must be registered by February 16, 2026. Please note that additional courses (electives) will not be considered. Credits from early exams will be counted, but only up to the maximum score for this criterion, which is 55% of the total score calculation. |
| Weighted GPA | 35% | Starting from the minimum passing grade (18/30) |
| English language proficiency level | 10% | Calculated according to the 6 levels (from A1 to C2) of the CEFR standard |
Additional Important Rules
- Participation in this program will add additional points to the final grade of the Bachelor'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 VUW 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.
Summary of Deadlines (updated for the 2026–2027 mobility year)
| Call publication | Early December 2025 |
| Applications open on | January 8, 2026 |
| Application deadline | January 21, 2026 |
| Selection results | End of February 2026 |
| Participation confirmation | Within one business day |
Disclaimer: Dates may change; please check this webpage for the latest updates.
While every effort will be made to provide students with complete, accurate, and timely information, Luiss reserves the right to change, amend, modify, or revoke the aforementioned program.
Luiss is not responsible for any cancellation or modification resulting from events beyond its control. If the program is canceled or modified for these reasons, Luiss will inform all interested students in a timely manner.
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