First-cycle university degree
Candidates for the Program can apply either to the Department of Political Sciences of the
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki or to the Università degli Studi di Torino. In the first case,
candidates are considered candidates for the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the
selection procedures are determined by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. If they apply to
the Università degli Studi di Torino, they are considered candidates of the latter, and their
selection procedures are determined by the Università degli Studi di Torino.
Candidates who apply for admission to the Program through the Department of Political
Sciences of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki must hold a degree of at least the first cycle
of studies from a Greek or foreign university. Holders of a first-cycle degree from a foreign
institution must make sure that their degree is recognized by the Interdisciplinary Organization
for the Recognition of Academic Titles and Information (D.O.A.T.A.P. in www.doatap.gr) before
receiving their Master’s Degree.

English language proficiency
The Program is provided in English and, therefore, students must be able to demonstrate
sufficient knowledge of English (both oral and written), corresponding to at least the level C1 of
the Common European Framework (CEF) proficiency level.
Acceptable language certificates are the British Council IELTS level 7 certificate, the TOEFL iBT
110-120, the TOEIC score 880, the Cambridge English Advanced (CAE), the PTE Academic (ESOL)
level 2, and other corresponding certificates. Students who have previously completed their
university studies (BA or other MA) in English are exempt from this obligation.

Supporting documents
In order to submit their application, the candidates of the Program are required to send
electronically to the Secretariat of the Department of Political Sciences the following supporting
documents:

• An application in English that includes a letter of motivation of up to five hundred (500)
  words,
• Copy of their first-degree diploma (or diplomas) as well as any other MA or other
  higher-level degrees they have,
• A detailed transcript for each of their studies,
• A complete curriculum vitae in English as well as a dossier with any published scientific
  work, and
• An English language proficiency degree (at least C1 level) or a certificate of previous
  university studies in English.

Diplomas and transcripts must be submitted in their original language and, in case they have
not been issued in Greek or English, with an official translation into Greek or English. In case
any of the uploaded files are illegible, a relevant notification will be sent to the applicant for the
next step. Candidates cannot apply for admission to the Program through both the Aristotle
University of Thessaloniki and the University of Turin.

Selection criteria
The Program aims to introduce highly skilled graduates from various countries around the
world. Decisions on the acceptance of candidacies are made based on the academic merit of
the candidates and availability of places, with a maximum of 40 students per academic year (up
to 20 through the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and up to 20 through the University of
Turin).
The evaluation and ranking of prospective postgraduate students who have applied to the
Università degli Studi di Torino is carried out by that university in accordance with the
provisions laid down by the university.
The evaluation and ranking of prospective postgraduate students who have applied to the
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is carried out after examination of their application
documents, written examinations in Greek or English, at the choice of each candidate, and a
personal interview in the English language of each candidate.

The grading of candidates (total score amounts to 100) takes place as follows:

-First degree grade (calculated at 20% of the overall mark). Any score that does not
include only integer numbers is calculated up to two decimal points. In the case of
foreign degrees where the grade of the degree is not on the scale of 10, the grade is
awarded as a percentage of the corresponding top grade. If a candidate presents more
than one first degrees, the grade shall be the average of the grades of the first degrees.

-Grade of another or other master’s degrees (calculated at 10% on the total score). In
case a candidate presents more master’s degrees, the grade is the average of the grades
of all postgraduate grades.

-Scientific work (calculated at 10% of the overall mark). Published monographs and
publications in peer-reviewed journals are credited with two points, each publication in
nonpeer-reviewed journals is credited with one unit and articles on electronic pages
with half a point. All publications must be included as hyperlinks or as files in the
application. The credit for this point does not exceed 10 points.

-A two-hour written examination on the topic “European institutions” (calculated by a
factor of 40% on the total score). The written exam shall be answered in Greek or in
English as the candidate prefers.

-An interview of the candidate in English (calculated at 20% on the total score). The
interview aims to understand the candidate’s knowledge of both the study language
(English) and the content of the master’s degree.

The 20 best candidates are considered successful if they have received at least the pass mark
(50 points). Exceeding this number is allowed in case of a tie between the last candidates.
The dates for the submission of applications, written examinations and interviews are
announced in good time by the secretariat of the Department of Political Sciences.
Within approximately 15 days from the completion of the examinations, candidates are
informed of the decision which will be one of the following:

• Unconditional offer: the candidate meets all the academic requirements required and is
  offered a place in the Program.
   Conditional offer: You are offered a place in the Program if you meet certain conditions
  that were not initially sufficient, such as English language certificates or a final degree
  grade.
• Reserve list: A limited number of applicants will receive a late offer if a position
  becomes available. The reserve list is not in order of ranking. Final decisions are sent to
  the reserve candidates by the end of September.
• Inability to offer a position: The candidate does not meet a basic academic or language
  requirement or the Program is already complete. The decision is final and is not subject
  to any form of appeal.
  
  To complete the admission process and secure the place offered, candidates must send a
  statement of acceptance and a copy of ID or passport to the Program coordinator prior to the
  start of the course on a date explicitly stated. Applicants who are admitted unconditionally and
  who require an entry visa and a residence permit to study in Greece are strongly advised to
  contact the Greek diplomatic authorities closest to their place of residence and apply for a
  student visa. The time required to issue a student visa is typically two to three months.