Frequently asked questions (TSD)

Frequently asked questions

Your guide to admissions, programme details, and more

Have questions about applying to the Turin School of Development? Our comprehensive FAQ section provides answers to common queries regarding admissions, fees, programme specifics, and campus facilities. Explore this section to find the information you need to begin your journey with us. If you can’t find the answer here, feel free to contact us directly for further assistance.

Application, selection, scholarships and cancellation

To apply, click “Apply” on the main page of your chosen Master’s programme. Fill out the online application form and attach the required documents. After submission, you’ll receive an acknowledgment email.

 

Note: Before applying, check the admission prerequisites and technical requirements for distance learning.

Upload the following documents in PDF, JPEG, or Word format:

  • Recent CV
  • Motivation letter
  • Bachelor’s degree certificate
  • Transcript of records (with grades)
  • Proof of English proficiency (if not your mother tongue language)
  • Fellowship application (if applying for partial funding)

Important: Only complete applications will be processed.

 

Note: Translations into Italian are not required for documents issued in English, French, or Spanish for the University of Turin and documents issued in English for the Politecnico di Torino.

You need:

  • A minimum 3-year first-level university degree
  • Evidence of English language fluency

 

 

Note: Non-Italian degrees must be recognized under Italian law by the University of Turin or Politecnico di Torino.

Selection criteria include your educational and professional background, as well as financial capability indicated in your application.

Tuition fees are €9,000

Limited partial scholarships are available based on competitive criteria. These support participants from developing countries who need financial assistance.

Payments include:

  • €1,500 non-refundable enrollment fee upon pre-enrollment
  • Remaining tuition fees due 30 days before the face-to-face learning phase
  • 100% of accommodation fees due 30 days before face-to-face learning starts

Late payments may delay degree issuance.

 

Late submission incurs a €500 fee borne by the participant or sponsor.

Cancellation penalties include:

  • €1,500 non-refundable enrollment fee
  • No tuition refund after face-to-face phase starts
  • €1,000 penalty if accommodation canceled within 14 days of start date

Full fees are refunded if education certificates aren’t recognized or a visa is denied. 

About the Masters

Refer to the Recognition of Foreign Degrees guidelines for the University of Turin or Politecnico di Torino.

Upon completion, you will receive a First Level Master’s Degree. This high specialization offers advanced education with a minimum of 60 university training credits (equivalent to 1,500 hours of study).

For more information, visit the MIUR Guide or EU Higher Education website. 

Your diploma will be legalized by the appropriate Italian authority before document shipment.

University graduates from both developing and developed countries aiming to work in development, as well as professionals from public and private sectors, UN, EU, multilateral agencies, foundations, and NGOs.

 

Our Masters emphasize differentiation in design, learning content, and delivery. They blend experiential, participatory, and application-oriented methods with extensive use of technology.

All Masters feature a blended delivery format:

  • 17-week e-learning phase prepares participants from diverse backgrounds.
  • Followed by a 3-month face-to-face session at the ITCILO campus.
  • Participants conceptualize their thesis or research work during this period, supervised by Scientific Directors, and continue research remotely for 3-6 months with online tutor support.

In emergencies, the residential phase may be converted to online lessons and exams.

 

To participate in the distance learning component, ensure your system meets these requirements:

  • Internet access
  • Email address
  • Browser: Chrome, Internet Explorer 8.0 or above, or Mozilla Firefox 3.6
  • Screen size: minimum 800 x 600 pixels
  • Color: at least 16-bit
  • JavaScript-enabled browser
  • Microsoft Word 97 (or newer) or Open Office Writer
  • Acrobat Reader 7 (or newer)

Ensure all necessary software is installed correctly to view course content.

About the Campus

The Turin Campus offers over 280 private dormitories with comprehensive services for course participants and partners. For detailed information, please contact the Master’s secretariat.

During the face-to-face learning phase, classes are conducted in fully equipped classrooms with Wi-Fi access. Each room on campus is equipped with both cable and Wi-Fi Internet connections. There is a 24-hour computer room with Internet access located in the campus reception area.

Only pre-authorized visitors/guests can access the campus due to security regulations. Students wishing to host visitors/guests must request authorization from the Security Unit through the course secretary at least one week in advance, along with submitting a valid passport of the visitor/guest.

According to ITCILO regulations, the bed and breakfast accommodation fee covers from the day before (usually a Sunday) the start of the course until the day after the course ends (typically a Saturday).