The Diplomatic Academy of Vienna (DA; German: Diplomatische Akademie Wien), also known as the Vienna School of International Studies, is a postgraduate professional school based in Vienna, Austria, with focused training for students and professionals in the areas of international affairs, political science, law, languages, history and economics.[1] It is the oldest diplomatic academy in the world.
The academy was originally established by Empress Maria Theresa in 1754 as the Oriental Academy, for the purpose of training young diplomats to represent the Habsburg Empire abroad.
The school was renamed multiple times and reorganized over the centuries, and it eventually gained independent public institution status in 1996.[4] Given its roots, the Diplomatic Academy claims to be the oldest school of its kind, one that is dedicated to professional foreign affairs training.[5]
Academics
The school confers PhD degrees, Master's degrees and postgraduate diplomas upon its graduates. It offers graduate degrees only. Students may choose to pursue a two-year program that leads towards either a Master of Advanced International Studies (MAIS, or M.A.I.S.) or a Master of Science in Environmental Technology and International Affairs (MSc ETIA) degree.
The MAIS program is run in conjunction with the University of Vienna, while the MSc ETIA courses are offered in partnership with the Technical University of Vienna. A one-year "Diploma Programme" is also available to postgraduates.[2]