The FIFA Master - International Master (MA) in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport

The FIFA Master is a one-year, full-time Master of Arts in the management, law and humanities of sport. CIES organises it with De Montfort University, SDA Bocconi School of Management and the University of Neuchâtel.

Students study humanities of sport in Leicester, sport management in Milan, and sports law plus a final group project in Neuchâtel. Applications for the 2026–27 edition are closed; the next online form is expected in early October 2026.

Benefits & funding

Tuition is CHF 25,000; CIES estimates annual living costs at CHF 20,000–30,000.
Two CHF 45,000 scholarships cover tuition and living expenses and are open to all candidates.
Four CHF 25,000 scholarships cover tuition fees and are open to all candidates.
Two CHF 45,000 FIFA/CIES International University Network scholarships are limited to graduates of the FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management.
The Scientific Committee may divide scholarships among more candidates, and scholarship requests with financial information must be included in the initial application.

Eligibility

Hold a university degree in any discipline by the application date.
Have previous work experience; CIES does not state a minimum number of years and accepts forms including full-time work, sporting events, freelance work, internships and student jobs.
Demonstrate strong English: TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7 or an equivalent level; the FAQ explains a limited exemption route for prior study at an English-speaking university in an English-speaking country.
Show an international outlook, active involvement or interest in sport administration or management, motivation, flexibility, broad cultural awareness and the ability to work in groups.
GMAT or GRE scores are optional.
No nationality, residency, gender or age restriction is stated; the published age and experience ranges describe typical participants, not eligibility gates.

Can you apply?

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Education required
Bachelor

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Application process

1
Review the eligibility, fees and scholarship terms before using the dedicated online platform.
2
Complete the online application and prepare the required supporting documents, including English evidence where applicable and two reference letters.
3
Use one academic referee and one professional referee; non-English references require certified English translations.
4
Request any scholarship in the initial application and provide complete financial information.
5
Submit the complete file by the deadline; the Scientific Committee then reviews applications over about three to four months.

Program timeline

January 9, 2026
Application deadline for the 2026–27 edition.
Selection decisions after the stated three-to-four-month review.
Approximately April–May 2026
September 2026
The 2026–27 academic year begins.
The online form for the next edition is expected to open.
Early October 2026
July 2027
The 2026–27 academic year ends.