SAIS Europe Bologna: a Master's in International Relations
Johns Hopkins University SAIS Europe is the European campus of the prestigious School of Advanced International Studies, in Bologna's historic center. Its Master's in International Relations ranks #2 in the world, with a roughly 6-to-1 student-faculty ratio.
About SAIS Europe
Johns Hopkins University SAIS Europe is the European campus of the prestigious School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University, based in Bologna's historic center — a university city par excellence and a cultural heritage site recognized across Europe.
The school offers Master's programs in International Relations (Master of Arts in International Relations) and International Economics, as well as a Master of International Public Policy, with a core faculty supported by roughly 40 adjunct professors drawn from institutions, think tanks and international organizations across Europe.
The compact campus hosts around 200 students from 35-40 different countries, with a roughly 6-to-1 student-faculty ratio that fosters a highly personalized study environment. SAIS Europe also organizes more than ten international study trips a year and maintains close ties with Europe's professional community through networking events and company visits.
Main academic areas
2-3 Master's tracks: Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR), Master of International Public Policy (MIPP), combined BA/MA program
SAIS Europe statistics and indicators
Roughly a 6-to-1 student-faculty ratio, among the most favorable in the field of international relations.
SAIS Europe's history
SAIS Europe was founded in 1955 in Bologna as the first international outpost of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, established in Washington in 1943. The choice of Bologna, home to Europe's oldest university, was no accident: the city symbolized an academic tradition capable of offering an ideal bridge between the United States and Europe during the delicate period of postwar reconstruction. The first academic year welcomed just 10 students, some of whom traveled to Italy by ship.
In 1961 the center moved to its permanent home, establishing a continuous annual teaching program. Through the 1970s and 1980s, integration with the Washington campus deepened through shared faculty and mutual credit recognition. In 1986 Johns Hopkins also launched a third international hub in Nanjing, China.
Today SAIS Europe counts over 8,500 alumni who spent at least a year in Bologna, out of more than 20,000 graduates across the entire global SAIS network, many of whom hold leadership roles in diplomacy, public institutions and business.
What people say online about Johns Hopkins University SAIS Europe
Opinions on SAIS Europe are overwhelmingly positive, consistent with the program's international reputation, with no widespread criticism on the main general review platforms.
Rigorous academic experience, high-level seminars linking theory and diplomatic practice.
Alumni network described as particularly cohesive and active with career panels and speed interviews.
No widespread criticism; the program's small size (~200 students) limits the number of public reviews.
- Rigorous academic experience and high-level seminars
- Cohesive and professionally very active alumni network
- Appeal of Bologna, "la dotta," with a millennia-old academic tradition
- Quality of life among the top ten in Europe
- Excellent post-graduation employment rates
- Small program size means few public reviews are available
- High selectivity and intense academic workload
- Mainly suited to candidates with a strong academic background
FAQ — Johns Hopkins University SAIS Europe
SAIS Europe represents one of the most prestigious gateways into the world of international relations in Europe, with a multi-campus model linking Bologna, Washington D.C. and Nanjing.
