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‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎                                                                  APPLY TODAY FOR YOUR SPOT FOR SPRING!

2026 Spring Cohort 

• Application Deadline: 22 March 2026
• Start Date: 12 April 2026 

2026 Fall Cohort  

• Application Deadline: 21 September 2026
• Start Date: 12 October 2026 

Mode of Delivery: Online, web-based e-learning 

Languages: English, French, Portuguese, Arabic 

The Master in Electoral Policy & Administration (MEPA) program is ideal for: 

• Election Professionals: EMB members, election administrators, and electoral observers seeking advanced knowledge in managing electoral processes.
• Policy and Governance Specialists: Advisors, consultants, and researchers in democratic governance, transparency, and civic engagement.
• Civil Society Practitioners: Leaders and activists advancing electoral integrity, digital inclusion, and civic tech initiatives.
• Young Professionals & Academics: Graduate students or researchers seeking practical and theoretical expertise in electoral administration. 

Graduates of the MA in Electoral Policy & Administration will achieve: 

• Comprehensive Understanding of Electoral Processes: Demonstrate advanced knowledge of electoral systems, legal frameworks, and operational procedures across various electoral phases and contexts.
• Analysis and Strategic Planning: Acquire analytical skills to assess electoral challenges, formulate strategic plans, and implement effective electoral management strategies.
• Election Management Expertise: Master techniques and best practices in election administration, including voter registration, logistics, budgeting, and security, to ensure efficient electoral operations.
• Development of Electoral Policies and Practices: Access and apply knowledge to develop and refine electoral policies, practices, and procedures that uphold democratic principles and integrity.
• Leadership in Electoral Governance: Lead and manage electoral processes with proficiency, promoting transparency, inclusivity, and public trust in electoral institutions.
• Effective Communication and Diplomacy: Utilize advanced communication and diplomatic skills to engage stakeholders, resolve electoral disputes, and foster consensus for fair and credible elections. 

The MEPA programme spans a comprehensive curriculum delivered through an interactive e-learning platform. Participants engage in various modules covering electoral systems, legal frameworks, operational procedures, and specialized topics such as gender in elections and electoral integrity. 

• Master’s Degree:
• Online Component (9 months)
• Compulsory Modules: 12 modules (2–4 ECTS each)
• Optional Modules: 12 modules (2–4 ECTS each; choose up to 12 ECTS)
• Total ECTS Credits: 47 from modules
• Master Thesis (3 months)
• 15 ECTS, 15,000–20,000 words
• Internship option: shorter thesis (7,000–10,000 words)
• Optional Residential Component
• Up to 3 weeks in Pisa, enhancing practical learning and networking
• 5 additional ECTS possible
• Individual Modules, Participants may enrol in specific modules for targeted learning:
• Credits: 2–4 ECTS per module
• Certificate: Certificate of Completion and ECTS awarded
• Fees: €700–€950 per module
• Discounts: 10% for 2nd/3rd modules; 15% for 4th–6th modules
• Ideal for professionals seeking specialized skills without committing to the full Master programme. Optional residential phase available. 

The MEPA syllabus comprises 12 compulsory modules and 12 optional modules. Each module is assigned 2–4 ECTS credits based on complexity. Participants must complete all compulsory modules and select optional modules totalling up to 12 ECTS. ECTS credits for each module are issued only after successful completion of assessments and full compliance with the Master Program Procedural Guidelines. 

12 Compulsory Modules: 

• 2 ECTS: Elections and Voting as Instruments of Governance
• 3 ECTS: Electoral Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
• 3 ECTS: Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs)
• 3 ECTS: Electoral Systems and Managing Representation
• 3 ECTS: Political Parties, Campaigns, and Political Finance
• 3 ECTS: Electoral Planning and Budgeting
• 3 ECTS: Voter Registration and Identification Systems
• 3 ECTS: Electoral Operations
• 2 ECTS: Marginalized Electorates and Special Voting Programs
• 4 ECTS: Electoral Integrity and Malpractice
• 3 ECTS: Electoral Justice Systems
• 3 ECTS: Policy Advice and Electoral Reform 

12 Optional Modules: 

• 3 ECTS: Understanding and Managing Boundary Delimitation
• 4 ECTS: Electoral Logistics
• 2 ECTS: Gender and Elections
• 3 ECTS: Managing Elections in Public Emergency Situations
• 3 ECTS: Election Integrity in the Digital Age
• 2 ECTS: Civic and Voter Education
• 2 ECTS: Media and Elections
• 2 ECTS: Managing Electoral Security, Electoral Violence, and Preventing Election-related conflicts
• 3 ECTS: Elections in Fragile / Post Conflict Contexts
• 3 ECTS: Electoral Observation, Evaluation, and Validation
• 2 ECTS: Direct Democracy
• 2 ECTS: Leadership in Electoral Administration (under construction) 
  

The MEPA programme offers multiple ways for participants to earn academic recognition, depending on the pathway they choose, whether completing the full Master or selected individual modules. 

1. First-Level University Master’s Diploma 
Awarded to students who successfully complete the full MEPA programme, this diploma is issued by Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna pursuant toItalian law (Ministerial Decree No. 270/2004). To obtain the Master’s Diploma, students must: 

• Attend the full training syllabus;
• Successfully complete all compulsory modules and a selection of optional modules (up to a maximum of 12 ECTS credits from optional modules);
• Submit and publicly defend the Master Thesis (15,000–20,000 words; a shorter version of 7,000–10,000 words, is allowed for those completing an internship);
• Comply with all obligations outlined in the Master Program Procedural Guidelines for Students;
• Be up to date with enrolment fee payments. 

MA ECTS Breakdown: 

• 47 ECTS: awarded upon completion of all online compulsory and selected optional modules, including positive evaluation of intermediate and final assessments;
• 15 ECTS: awarded upon successful completion and public defence of the Master Thesis;
• 5 ECTS (optional): may be earned by attending the residential phase in Pisa or completing additional optional modules.
• Maximum Total: 67 ECTS
• Minimum Required to Earn the Diploma: 62 ECTS 

*Note: ECTS credits for optional modules are issued only after positive evaluation of all assessments and full compliance with the Master Program Procedural Guidelines. 

2. Certificate of Completion for Individual Modules 
Participants who enrol in and complete individual MEPA modules (without completing the full Master) will receive: 

• A Certificate of Completion;
• ECTS credits corresponding to the module(s) completed (2–4 ECTS per module, depending on complexity) 

Key points for individual modules: 

• Students must successfully pass the intermediate and final assessments for each module.
• Optional modules can contribute up to 12 ECTS credits toward the total Master programme if later combined.
• Certificates are issued only after compliance with the Master Program Procedural Guidelines for Students. 

The MEPA programme embodies a student-centred, multidisciplinary philosophy, leveraging the workplace and e-learning environment for experiential learning. Key features include: 

• Full Online Delivery: Flexible, accommodating full-time working professionals.
• Student-Centred Approach: Emphasis on learner experience.
• Applied Learning: Real-life scenarios, case studies, and simulations.
• Multicultural Pedagogy: Respect for diverse perspectives and intellectual traditions.
• Multidisciplinary Curriculum: Comprehensive understanding of complex global challenges. 

Application Deadlines

• 2025 Spring Cohort: Apply before 22 March for 12 April start.
• 2025 Fall Cohort: Apply before the end of September for 12 October start.

Application Periods

Applications are accepted twice a year, depending on the program start date. Please check the specific registration period and course commencement dates on the UNITAR or Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna website. Applications received after the final deadline are evaluated case by case on a rolling basis.

Application Instructions and Requirements

For a detailed guide on how to apply, please refer to the tutorial video: How to Apply Online.

• Steps to Apply for the Full Master Program:

1. Visit the website: https://www.santannapisa.it/en/istanza-master/master-electoral-policy-administration
2. Upload the completed application form during the online application procedure.
3. Provide the requested information and upload the mandatory documents:
   • Copy of passport or identification card
   • Copies of all mentioned degrees (e.g., BA, MA, PhD)
   • Official transcripts of the bachelor's degree

   • Copy of the last payslip (if applying for a scholarship and currently employed)

• Steps to Apply for Individual Modules:

1. Visit the website: https://www.santannapisa.it/en/istanza-master/master-electoral-policy-administration
2. Download the “Individual Modules Application” file and fill it out electronically.
3. Email the completed file to: mepa@santannapisa.it

The tuition fee for the MA in Electoral Policy and Administration is 10,000 EUR. 

• Full Master: €10,000, payable in three instalments (€3,500, €3,500, €3,000)
• Individual Modules: €700–€950 per module (depending on ECTS credits)
• Discounts: 10% for 2nd/3rd modules, 15% for 4th–6th modules
• Fee reductions may apply for: merit, LDC candidates, female candidates, and disability exemptions
• Scholarship: Jeff and Carolyn Fischer Scholarship – $5,000 award for candidates engaged in electoral conflict prevention and security 

It is payable in three instalments of, respectively: 3.500,00 euros, 3.500,00 euros and 3.000,00 euros. The first instalment shall be paid at enrolment. The tuition fees cover the following components: academic and tutorial costs, didactic materials, access to university services such as the e-library, and administrative expenses. The program does not cover travel expenses, visas, and accommodation in Pisa for the optional residential phase and any other related costs. 

The fee for each MEPA module is determined by the number of credits assigned to it, which ranges from 2 to 4 depending on the complexity of the module. The fees are 700.00 euros for 2-credit modules, 850.00 euros for 3-credit modules, and 950.00 euros for 4-credit modules. Students who enrol in multiple modules receive a 10% discount on the fees for the second and third modules and a 15% discount on the fees for the fourth, fifth, and sixth modules. The order of the modules for calculating the reduction will consider the least expensive modules first, and the most expensive modules last to benefit the student. Special fee reductions may be available if an institute or organization enrols a certain number of employees/participants simultaneously in the Master Program or individual modules. 

Fees Reduction and Discounts 

To promote diversity within the program, the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies and its partners may offer partial fee reductions based on merit, distinctive competencies, and academic excellence to talented students who require financial aid. In each selection round, the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies and its partners may offer fee reductions of up to 30% to Master candidates from Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Female candidates will have precedence in the case of ex aequo. Admitted candidates who require financial reductions may contact the program director within one week of receiving their acceptance email. Fee reductions are subject to the availability of funds. 

Pursuant to art. 9, paragraph 2 of Legislative Decree No. 68/2012 the Institution grants total exemption regarding payment of the enrolment fee in the case of students with disabilities, acknowledged to be equal to or greater than sixty-six percent, in accordance with art. 3, paragraph 1 of Law No. 104/1992, and applies a 1.5% reduction for every percentage point of disability in the case of students who have been acknowledged a disability of less than sixty-six percent. A student who asks for said exemption or reduction must attach an appropriate certificate to the online application. 

Please go to the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna webpage to read more about the Course Fees. 

The Jeff and Carolyn Fischer Scholarship is also an annual scholarship award granted to one student per intake, which covers part of the tuition costs of the Master program. The award is $5,000 and is given to a student who has been admitted to the MEPA program and is professionally engaged or intends to be engaged in some aspect of electoral conflict prevention and electoral security. Applicants must submit a cover letter in English to Professor Jeff Fischer, explaining their engagement in electoral security, career path, and future professional plans. The scholarship applications are reviewed and awarded by Professor Fischer based on the applicant's background, professional intentions concerning electoral security, and future plans. 

At the end of the Master Program, the Institution issues a first-level University Master’s Diploma pursuant to art. 3 of Ministerial Decree No. 270/2004, as subsequently amended, to students who: attended the entire training syllabus regularly; passed the final exams for all the compulsory and selected optional modules, in accordance with the requirements envisaged in the Disciplinary Regulations; successfully discussed the Master thesis; and are up to date with the payment of the enrolment fees. 

Students admitted to individual modules, who have regularly settled the tuition costs and have passed all the required examinations, will receive a Certificate of Completion and the respective ECTS credits. 

UNITAR

United Nations Institute for Training and Research 

Av. de la Paix 7 bis, 1202 Genève, Switzerland 

Online Learning and Education, MEPA 

E-mail: mepa@unitar.org

Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna – Pisa (School of Advanced Studies – Pisa)

https://www.santannapisa.it/it/formazione/master-electoral-policy-and-administration-and-individual-modules 

Via Cardinale Maffi, 27 

56126 Pisa, Italy 
 

Dr Marybelle Cherfan 

Didactic Coordinator 
E-mail: mepa@santannapisa.it