Kathmandu: Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA), in academic partnership with Kathmandu University (KU), has announced the opening of applications for the September 2026 session of the Master in International Affairs, Economy and Diplomacy (MIAED) program, a two-year graduate program designed to prepare a new generation of globally competent leaders for an increasingly interconnected world.
As geopolitical competition intensifies, economic systems evolve, technological disruption accelerates, and global challenges become more complex, the demand for professionals capable of navigating international affairs with strategic insight has never been greater. The MIAED program responds to this emerging need by combining rigorous academic scholarship with practical policy engagement to equip students with the knowledge, analytical capability and leadership skills required to lead across borders.
“Developed through an academic partnership between AIDIA and Kathmandu University, the program integrates international affairs, diplomacy, economics, public policy, strategic studies and global governance into an interdisciplinary curriculum aligned with international academic standards,” according to the Founder and Executive Chairman of AIDIA-MIAED Sunil K.C. “Students will benefit from a learning experience that connects theory with practice through policy lab, diplomatic simulations, negotiation exercises, applied research, executive dialogues and engagement with leading practitioners.”
“The two-year master’s program includes four semesters and earns 60 academic credits, all taught in English through in-person classes,” said Dean of AIDIA-MIAED Prof Imtiaz Ahmed. “It covers topics such as international affairs, diplomacy, international political economy, security and strategy, emerging global challenges, research methods, and leadership skills,” he said, adding, “In addition to classroom instruction, students will engage in research projects, attend international conferences, participate in field visits, network at events, join think tank activities, and attend leadership workshops – activities that enhance both their professional skills and global outlook.”
AIDIA stated that the program brings together distinguished faculty comprising renowned scholars, former ambassadors, diplomats, policymakers, development professionals and industry experts from Nepal and abroad. The diverse academic and professional network offers students direct exposure to contemporary global issues while fostering a practical understanding of international policymaking and diplomacy.
“Graduates of the MIAED program will be equipped for leadership positions in various fields, such as foreign affairs ministries, diplomatic missions, international organizations, UN agencies, regional institutions, development banks, public policy groups, research centers, universities, international media, Multinational Corporations (MNCs), corporate public affairs, international business, consulting, and the wider development sector,” Executive Vice Chairman and Principal for AIDIA-MIAED program Ambassador Durga Bahadur Subedi, PhD.
The program encourages applications from government officials, foreign service officers, military personnel, development experts, corporate leaders, journalists, researchers, NGO and INGO staff, entrepreneurs, public policy specialists, and recent graduates interested in international affairs and global leadership.
