Skip to Content



IMES

International Master in European Studies - 41° edition


💬 English

📍 Online and in Brussels

📆 From 15 September to 17 December 2026

🕐 Evenings and weekend

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

Registration deadline: 24 August 2026.

REGISTER NOW

For information:

📧 e-mail
📞 +32 2 230 27 30

The start of your career in Brussels

For over twenty years, the Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce has been organising IMES – International Master in European Studies, an executive programme dedicated to those who wish to develop professional skills in the fields of European affairs, EU project design and management, and European Union funding programmes.

Now in its 41st edition, IMES combines theoretical training, practical application and direct contact with the European professional environment, offering participants concrete tools to work in an international context and navigate the labour market. This is confirmed by the numerous Alumni trained by the Chamber of Commerce who have successfully established themselves as professionals, thanks to the practical and career-oriented approach of the programme and to the publication and sharing of the CV Book with companies in the Chamber’s network.

In a rapidly evolving European market, staying competitive also means being able to integrate new technologies into work processes. For this reason, IMES delves into the application methods of Artificial Intelligence across the entire training pathway: from analysing calls to constructing the concept note, from drafting applications to the quality check, up to support in managing and reporting on funded projects. AI is not a shortcut, but a professional skill to be used methodically, with critical spirit and awareness of European evaluation criteria.

The course is structured into four independent and combinable modules, designed to meet different professional objectives and promote flexible and progressive learning, allowing each participant to build a tailored path, choosing the content most consistent with their profile and ambitions.

The training activities are delivered with the contribution of university lecturers from the Catholic University of Louvain, EU project design experts, sector professionals and representatives of the European institutions active in Brussels.

"This experience was extremely useful! I found precisely what I was looking for: a learning-by-doing Master which gave me a complete view of the way Project Cycle Management works and which jargon and tools are used to write projects and applications. We approached programmes like Erasmus+, Horizon, ESF, EuropeAid, Life and got to know the EU mission and strategy for the next years through the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027."

Carlo Geromel
IMES Alumnus

"The Master represented for me a very positive experience: the variety in the backgrounds of the Professors invited to speak at classes gave me an exhaustive overview of the different career opportunities existing in Brussels, while through the Job link module I was able to draft an effective CV which was then sent to all the contacts of the Chamber of Commerce."

Cecilia Lazzaroni
IMES Alumnus

"The Master has equipped me with the necessary background knowledge on EU policy making and has provided me with state of the art EU project management techniques. I have fond memories of the team of the European Desk of the Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce who was always available for us students. And of course the Master was great to get to know people from all over Europe and to make new friendships."

Robert Moosbrugger
IMES Alumnus

Why choose IMES

Over the course of 40 editions, IMES has welcomed a maximum of 30 students each year from all over the world, creating a multicultural environment that enriches both personal and professional growth. 96% of the students from the latest edition declared themselves extremely satisfied with the Master and found job opportunities in an international context after completing their studies.

Project Work 

Work on concrete cases, transforming theory into immediately applicable skills.

Meetings with experts

Engage with European officials, consultants, and entrepreneurs and build a strong network in Brussels.

Internship support

Find internship and job opportunities in Brussels with the support of the Europe Desk.

AI Skills  

Learn to strategically use Artificial Intelligence to improve the quality of applications and the management of EU projects.

CV Book

Your profile is included in the CV Book that the Chamber shares with its network of companies.

Career coaching

Personalised sessions to help you enter the European labour market effectively.

The faculty

Stéphane Saurel

Deputy Permanent Representative of the European Investment Bank Group to the EU

Emanuela Dimonte

Head of Development at Bruegel

Claudio Truzzi

Founder and Chief Rocking Officer at YouRock.ai

Enrico Riberi

Auditor at the European Commission (DG AGRI)

Marco Lopriore

Senior Expert at EIPA 

Eda Özdek

Head of EU Funding and Representation and Senior Project Manager at White Research

Start your successful journey with IMES.

REGISTER NOW


Registrations OPEN until 24 August.

Who it is forThe programmeCareer SupportRecognitionHow to apply

Who it is for

Thanks to its modular structure and practical approach, IMES enables participants to tailor their study programme to their professional goals and level of experience. The Master’s programme is specifically designed for:

  • Students and recent graduates
  • Young professionals wishing to develop advanced skills in project management
  • consultants, freelancers and professionals working with public bodies, companies, NGOs or international organisations
  • staff of local authorities, associations, universities, chambers of commerce and third-sector organisations

The programme

IMES is divided into four independent and combinable modules, designed to offer a flexible path that can be adapted to different professional objectives.

Module 1 – The European Union: Foundations and Funding Opportunities

A starting point for understanding how the European Union works and how to access the opportunities it offers. This module provides a clear overview of the European institutions, decision-making processes, the EU budget and the main funding instruments, laying the foundations needed to navigate the landscape of European funds.

Module 2 – Flagship EU-funded Programmes

The second module provides an in-depth look at the main directly managed European programmes, including Erasmus+, Creative Europe, Horizon Europe, LIFE, CERV, the Single Market Programme and ESF+. The aim is to learn how to identify the specific features of each programme, interpret calls for proposals and put together more coherent and competitive applications.

Module 3 – AI in Project Design and Management

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way European projects are designed, managed and evaluated. This module explores the potential of AI tools applied to European project management, providing participants with skills that can be put to immediate use in their professional practice.

Module 4 – JobLink

The JobLink module is the final stage of the IMES programme and links the training to the professional environment in Brussels. Through career coaching, visits to organisations and networking opportunities, the module helps participants understand how to navigate the European labour market and how to effectively present their skills, experience and career goals.


VIEW THE TIMETABLE AND FULL PROGRAMME


Career Support

IMES supports participants not only in developing technical skills, but also in shaping a clearer, more focused professional profile that is recognised across Europe.

Throughout the programme, participants work on their professional positioning through career coaching, CV reviews and support in finding internships and job opportunities. The aim is to learn how to showcase their skills, experience and career goals in a way that aligns with the opportunities offered by organisations, businesses, consultancies, NGOs, institutions and entities involved in European programmes.

At the end of the programme, participants’ profiles may be included in the IMES CV Booklet, shared with the selected contacts within the Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce’s network.

Recognition

Upon completion of the programme, the Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce awards the Executive Master’s Diploma in European Studies and European Project Management Techniques to participants enrolled on the full Master’s programme who have attended at least 80% of the scheduled teaching activities and successfully passed the assessments of the required skills at the end of each module.

Participants enrolled in individual modules or packages will, however, receive a Certificate of Attendance for the modules they have attended, provided they have attended at least 80% of the scheduled training sessions.

IMES is an advanced vocational training programme designed to develop practical skills that are immediately applicable in the European and international labour market. For this reason, the programme does not award university credits.

How to apply

To apply for the International Master’s in European Studies (IMES), you must complete the online application form and attach:

  • An updated CV;
  • Motivational letter (1 A4 page), specifying also the module(s) you wish to attend.

Candidates will receive an email notification of the outcome of their application. 
In case of admission, to finalise the registration, a payment of €500.00 will be required, which will subsequently be deducted from the total registration fee.

Costs and reduced rates

IMES offers different attendance options, designed to allow participants to build a training path consistent with their professional objectives.

The enrolment fee includes:

  • lesson recordings and access to the e-learning platform
  • workshops, exercises and practical activities
  • final certificate of attendance – Executive Master in European Studies and EU Project Design Techniques
  • career support and professional guidance
  • inclusion of the profile in the CV Book shared with the Chamber's network

EARLY BIRD RATES

The first 5 registrants will be entitled to a 15% discount on the full Master (10% on other options)


Complete Master

€3,900  

The most comprehensive path to develop skills in European affairs, project design, AI tools, and professional networking in Brussels.

Choose the FULL programme
  • access to the entire IMES programme (4 modules)
  • professional experience in Brussels
  • career coaching and selection simulations
€975/module - save up to €1,200 compared to single modules

EU & EU Project Management Foundations Package

€ 3,200 

Designed for those who wish to specialise in European funding, EU project management, and project design techniques.

Choose this option
  •  modules 1 + 2 + 3 included
  • entirely online course
  • focus on European programmes and project management
€1,067/module — save up to €400 compared to single modules


EU Professional Package

€ 2,500

A flexible pathway that combines the foundations of the European system with professional experience and networking in Brussels.

Choose this option
  • Modules 1 & 4
  • JobLink activity & career support
  • professional meetings & networking in Brussels
​

Single module: 1, 2 or 3

€ 1,200 

The most flexible solution to deepen a specific area of the IMES pathway.

Choose this option
  • online training
  • specialist content and practical activities
  • certificate of participation in the module
​

Single module: 4

€ 1,500

The module focusing on professional development, networking and hands-on experience in Brussels.

Choose this option
  • in-person activities in Brussels
  • career coaching & selection procedures simulation
  • institutional visits and professional meetings
​

Frequently asked questions


No. The Master is open both to participants who wish to acquire the basics of European affairs and EU funding, and to professionals already active in the sector who intend to update or deepen their skills.

No, the Master’s programme does not award university credits. Its aim is to provide students with the professional tools and practical skills required by the labour market, rather than to confer an academic qualification. Therefore, although it is organised by a university consortium, it has been structured as a non-university Master’s programme.

Yes. IMES is structured into combinable modules, allowing participants to build a path consistent with their professional objectives. It is possible to attend the full Master, choose specific training packages, or enrol in individual modules.

Yes. The lesson schedule is designed to allow attendance also for those who study or work, with classes held in the evening or on Saturdays.

Yes. The lessons are recorded and made available on the Chamber’s e-learning platform for the indicated period, allowing participants to review the content independently.

The in-person activities are an integral part of Module 4 – JobLink and represent an important opportunity for networking and professional exchange. The module is optional.

IMES students can apply for positions at consultancy firms and law firms, NGOs, national or regional institutions, Chambers of Commerce and trade associations, as well as at European Union institutions. Generally, most alumni find employment as project managers, procurement officers, policy advisers, lobbyists, advocacy officers or programme officers.

The Chamber supports participants in finding internships and career opportunities through its network and the activities of the JobLink Module. During these sessions, students receive personalised advice on how to improve their application documents and identify career opportunities that match their profile and aspirations.

General Terms and Conditions of Participation

The activation of the IMES Master is subject to reaching a minimum number of participants.

The Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to reject applications from participants who have outstanding administrative issues or unpaid fees relating to previous training courses.

Final confirmation that the Master’s programme is going ahead will be sent by email at least 10 working days before the start of the programme. Participants interested in attending the in-person sessions in Brussels are therefore advised to wait for this confirmation before making any travel or accommodation bookings.

Any cancellations must be notified promptly by email to info@masterdesk.eu.

The Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce also reserves the right to postpone, amend or cancel the Master’s programme for organisational reasons or due to force majeure, and will inform participants promptly. In the event of cancellation, any fees already paid will be refunded in full.

CONTATCT US

Would you like to receive more information?