International Studies
Master's Program
Interdisciplinary Expertise for International Careers
The Master of Advanced International Studies (MAIS) is a two-year, full-time Master’s Program delivered by the Vienna School of International Studies (Diplomatic Academy of Vienna) in cooperation with the University of Vienna.
You build advanced, research-based expertise in international relations and political science, international economics, contemporary history, and international and European law – combined with intercultural competence in an international learning environment in Vienna. The program prepares you to analyse global and European developments and to work across disciplines in diplomacy, international organisations, public service and international business.
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Markus KornprobstIn our globalising world, politics, policy and polity increasingly transcend the nation state, creating complex regional and global dynamics. Uncovering how to channel them into legitimate and just of 21st century governance is a key challenge.
Prof. Markus Kornprobst M.A. Ph.D., Academic Director
Occupational Fields and Careers
MAIS strengthens your profile for roles where international decision-making, policy analysis and cross-cultural cooperation matter. Typical pathways include diplomacy and public service, international organisations and NGOs, policy and research institutes, international business and consulting, as well as communication and analysis roles with an international focus. The program’s research orientation also provides a strong basis for further academic work (e.g. doctoral studies in relevant fields).
Program Structure and Content
After individual student counselling, you attend classes – depending on your previous studies – to complement and strengthen your academic foundations for advanced work in Year 2.
Topics:
- Political science and international relations
- Economics and international economic relations
- Contemporary history
- International and European law
In the second year, you deepen your knowledge in specialised courses and seminars. The program becomes more interdisciplinary and you analyse international issues using perspectives from at least two academic disciplines in your Master’s thesis.
Topics:
- Advanced specialised seminars and applied analysis
- Interdisciplinary problem framing and research design
- Master’s thesis with a multi-disciplinary approach
Direct entry into year 2 may be possible, if you meet the partner institution’s criteria (equivalent prior postgraduate studies covering the content areas of year 1).
Admission Process
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Requirements
- University degree in any discipline (min. 180 ECTS credits)
- Excellent command of English (If your first language is not English, you have to provide proof of English proficiency.)
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Application
The application process is handled by the Vienna School of International Studies. You submit your application via their online portal and upload the required documents as specified by the partner institution.
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Further Procedure
All applications are assessed by the MAIS Admissions Commission. In some cases, you may be invited to a personal interview.
Funding and Financing
Your continuing education is an investment in your future. The Postgraduate Center supports you in finding the right funding opportunities. Find out about educational grants, tax deductions, and financial support options: Funding and Financing
Take the opportunity to find out about state grants, scholarships, and employer subsidies – there are many paths to continuing education.
Financial support (including scholarships/tuition waivers) may also be available through the Vienna School of International Studies. Further information can be found here.
FAQs
The program starts annually in September.
You need a completed university degree (minimum 180 ECTS credits) and excellent English proficiency. Depending on your background, additional evidence may be required by the partner institution.
You have to submit an accepted language certificate (with minimum scores defined by the partner institution). Please check the current requirements on the Vienna School of International Studies website.
A direct entry to Year 2 may be possible if you have completed an equivalent program covering the Year 1 content areas (as defined by the admissions criteria).
You apply via the Vienna School of International Studies application portal and upload the required documents there. Only complete applications are considered.
MAIS is organised as a full-time, on-campus program in Vienna. For program-specific details and the academic calendar, please consult the partner website.
The program is designed as a full-time degree. If you need individual planning (e.g. workload, timelines or personal circumstances), the partner institution’s student counselling and academic calendar provide reliable orientation.
If you have any further questions, please refer to the partner institution’s FAQ page and do not hesitate to contact our Program Management.
Academic Director
Markus Kornprobst
M.A. Ph.D.
Academic Director
Patrick Müller
MA PhD
Academic Director
Contact
Program Management
Diplomatische Akademie Wien
Favoritenstrasse 15a
1040 Wien
+43-1-5057272-125
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