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MA International Relations Abroad

An MA in International Relations is one of the most respected qualifications for careers in diplomacy, global policy, and international organisations. Studying abroad — in the UK, USA, or Australia — places you among world-leading politics and IR departments, sharpens your understanding of global affairs, and connects you with a global network spanning foreign ministries, the United Nations, and international NGOs.

Why study International Relations abroad?

  • Global Recognition

    Degrees from top UK, USA, and Australian politics & IR departments are respected by employers worldwide — from foreign ministries and the United Nations to global NGOs and international consultancies.

  • Strong Earning Potential

    IR graduates access competitive roles in diplomacy and global policy. UK graduates earn £26,000–£55,000+/year; US graduates earn USD $55,000–$110,000+/year; Australian graduates earn AUD $60,000–$100,000+/year.

  • World-Class Policy Networks

    Leading IR schools maintain deep ties with foreign ministries, the UN, and international NGOs, offering internships and fellowships unavailable elsewhere.

  • Academic Excellence

    Access to leading faculty and research — from Harvard Kennedy School's policy leadership legacy to Oxford's diplomatic rigour to ANU's Asia-Pacific expertise.

  • Post-Study Work & Migration Pathways

    The UK Graduate Route Visa, US OPT, and Australia's post-study work visas make it easier to gain international policy work experience after graduation.

  • Specialisation Options

    International programmes offer specialisations (International Security, Diplomacy, Global Governance, Development Studies, Area Studies) often unavailable or less developed in home countries.

Which country is right for you?

FactorUnited KingdomUnited StatesAustralia
Best For1-year MA, Oxbridge/LSE diplomatic prestige, Whitehall/EU accessWorld's top policy schools (Harvard, Georgetown SFS), UN/State Dept accessClear PR pathway, strong Asia-Pacific/DFAT focus, balanced lifestyle
Course Duration1 year (most MA International Relations)2 years (most MA/MPA programmes)1.5–2 years (Master of International Relations)
Approximate Fees£19,000 – £34,000/yearUSD $32,000 – $72,000/yearAUD $30,000 – $50,000/year
Post-Study Visa2-year Graduate Route VisaOPT (12 months; up to 36 for STEM-designated programmes)2–4 year Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
English RequirementIELTS 6.5 – 7.0 (most universities)IELTS 6.5 – 7.5 / TOEFL 79 – 110IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
FactorCanadaGermanyIrelandNew ZealandDubai / UAE
Best ForPolicy-focused programmes close to government and international organisationsPolicy-focused programmes in Berlin’s think-tank and government environmentOne-year master’s with EU, diplomatic and NGO linksCapital-city location and distinctive peace and security programmesGulf and Middle East regional focus in a diplomatic hub
Course Duration1–2 years2 years (4 semesters)1 year1–1.5 years1.5–2 years
Approximate FeesCAD $15,000 – $55,000 total programme fee€0 – €1,500 per semester (public); about €15,000+ per year (Hertie School)€18,000 – €28,000 total programme feeNZ$32,000 – NZ$52,000 per yearAED 55,000 – AED 110,000 total programme fee
Post-Study VisaPGWP: up to 3 years for Master’s graduates (programme of 8+ months at an eligible institution)18-month job-seeker visa after graduation, then EU Blue Card or work visaStamp 1G graduate permission: up to 2 years for Master’s (Level 9) graduatesPost-study work visa: up to 3 years for Master’s (Level 9) graduatesUniversity-sponsored student visa; graduate job-exploration and Golden Visa routes available to eligible graduates (check current rules)
English RequirementIELTS 6.5–7.0 (programme-specific)IELTS 6.5–7.0 / TOEFL 88–100IELTS 6.5 (min 6.0 in each band)IELTS 6.5 (min 6.0 in each band)IELTS 6.0–6.5

United Kingdom

Top universities for International Relations

All universities in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is home to some of the world's top-ranked politics and IR departments, led by Oxford, LSE, and Cambridge in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. Most UK MA International Relations programmes take just 1 year (full-time), making the UK one of the fastest routes to a globally recognised qualification with strong diplomatic and policy connections.

  1. 1.University of OxfordDepartment of Politics and International Relations · Oxford, EnglandApprox. £30,000 – £37,000 per yearMPhil/MSc: 1 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  2. 2.London School of Economics and Political ScienceLSE · London, EnglandApprox. £28,000 – £34,000 per yearMSc: 1 year (full-time)Details
  3. 3.University of CambridgeDepartment of Politics and International Studies · Cambridge, EnglandApprox. £34,000 – £40,000 per yearMPhil: 1 year (full-time)Details
  4. 4.King's College LondonDepartment of War Studies · London, EnglandApprox. £29,000 – £34,000 per yearMA: 1 year (full-time)Details
  5. 5.University College LondonUCL Department of Political Science · London, EnglandApprox. £28,000 – £33,000 per yearMSc: 1 year (full-time)Details
  6. 6.University of EdinburghSchool of Social and Political Science · Edinburgh, ScotlandApprox. £26,000 – £31,000 per yearMSc: 1 year (full-time)Details
  7. 7.University of WarwickDepartment of Politics and International Studies · Coventry, EnglandApprox. £26,000 – £31,000 per yearMA: 1 year (full-time)Details
  8. 8.SOAS University of LondonLondon, EnglandApprox. £24,000 – £29,000 per yearMSc: 1 year (full-time)Details
  9. 9.University of St AndrewsSchool of International Relations · St Andrews, ScotlandApprox. £26,000 – £31,000 per yearMLitt: 1 year (full-time)Details
  10. 10.University of ManchesterDepartment of Politics · Manchester, EnglandApprox. £25,000 – £30,000 per yearMA: 1 year (full-time)Details
  11. 11.University of ExeterDepartment of Politics · Exeter, EnglandApprox. £23,000 – £28,000 per yearMA: 1 year (full-time)Details
  12. 12.University of SussexSchool of Global Studies · Brighton/Falmer, EnglandApprox. £22,000 – £27,000 per yearMA: 1 year (full-time)Details
  13. 13.University of BristolSchool of Sociology, Politics and International Studies · Bristol, EnglandApprox. £24,000 – £29,000 per yearMSc: 1 year (full-time)Details
  14. 14.University of NottinghamSchool of Politics and International Relations · Nottingham, EnglandApprox. £22,000 – £27,000 per yearMA: 1 year (full-time)Details
  15. 15.University of LeedsSchool of Politics and International Studies · Leeds, EnglandApprox. £23,000 – £28,000 per yearMA: 1 year (full-time)Details
  16. 16.University of SheffieldDepartment of Politics and International Relations · Sheffield, EnglandApprox. £22,000 – £27,000 per yearMA: 1 year (full-time)Details
  17. 17.University of BirminghamDepartment of Political Science and International Studies · Birmingham, EnglandApprox. £22,000 – £27,000 per yearMA: 1 year (full-time)Details
  18. 18.Aberystwyth UniversityDepartment of International Politics · Aberystwyth, WalesApprox. £19,000 – £24,000 per yearMA: 1 year (full-time)Details
  19. 19.Durham UniversitySchool of Government and International Affairs · Durham, EnglandApprox. £24,000 – £29,000 per yearMA: 1 year (full-time)Details
  20. 20.University of GlasgowSchool of Social and Political Sciences · Glasgow, ScotlandApprox. £23,000 – £28,000 per yearMA: 1 year (full-time)Details

United States

Top universities for International Relations

All universities in the United States

The United States holds the world's #1 ranked politics & IR programme (Harvard) and dominates the global rankings, home to dedicated international affairs schools like Georgetown's School of Foreign Service, Columbia SIPA, and Johns Hopkins SAIS — all deeply embedded in Washington, D.C. and New York's policy ecosystems.

  1. 1.Harvard UniversityDepartment of Government / Harvard Kennedy School · Cambridge, MassachusettsApprox. USD $58,000 – $68,000 per yearMPA/MPP/MA: 1 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  2. 2.Georgetown UniversityWalsh School of Foreign Service · Washington, D.C.Approx. USD $62,000 – $72,000 per yearMA: 2 years (full-time)Details
  3. 3.Princeton UniversitySchool of Public and International Affairs · Princeton, New JerseyApprox. USD $55,000 – $63,000 per yearMPA: 2 years (full-time)Details
  4. 4.Columbia UniversitySchool of International and Public Affairs · New York City, New YorkApprox. USD $58,000 – $68,000 per yearMIA/MPA: 2 years (full-time)Details
  5. 5.Yale UniversityJackson School of Global Affairs · New Haven, ConnecticutApprox. USD $58,000 – $68,000 per yearMA: 2 years (full-time)Details
  6. 6.Johns Hopkins UniversitySchool of Advanced International Studies · Baltimore, MarylandApprox. USD $60,000 – $70,000 per yearMA: 2 years (full-time)Details
  7. 7.Tufts UniversityThe Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy · Medford, MassachusettsApprox. USD $58,000 – $68,000 per yearMALD: 2 years (full-time)Details
  8. 8.George Washington UniversityElliott School of International Affairs · Washington, D.C.Approx. USD $52,000 – $62,000 per yearMA: 2 years (full-time)Details
  9. 9.American UniversitySchool of International Service · Washington, D.C.Approx. USD $48,000 – $58,000 per yearMA: 2 years (full-time)Details
  10. 10.Stanford UniversityDepartment of Political Science / Ford Dorsey Program · Stanford, CaliforniaApprox. USD $58,000 – $68,000 per yearMA: 1 – 2 yearsDetails
  11. 11.University of ChicagoCommittee on International Relations · Chicago, IllinoisApprox. USD $56,000 – $66,000 per yearMA: 1 – 2 yearsDetails
  12. 12.Cornell UniversityDepartment of Government · Ithaca, New YorkApprox. USD $52,000 – $62,000 per yearMA/PhD track: 1 – 2 yearsDetails
  13. 13.University of MichiganWeiser Center for Emerging Democracies / Ford School · Ann Arbor, MichiganApprox. USD $42,000 – $52,000 per yearMPP: 2 years (full-time)Details
  14. 14.University of California, BerkeleyDepartment of Political Science · Berkeley, CaliforniaApprox. USD $40,000 – $50,000 per year for international studentsMA/PhD track: 1 – 2 yearsDetails
  15. 15.University of Southern CaliforniaUSC Dornsife — Political Science and International Relations · Los Angeles, CaliforniaApprox. USD $50,000 – $62,000 per yearMA: 1 – 2 yearsDetails
  16. 16.University of Texas at AustinLyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs · Austin, TexasApprox. USD $32,000 – $42,000 per year for international studentsMA/MPAff: 2 years (full-time)Details
  17. 17.Duke UniversitySanford School of Public Policy · Durham, North CarolinaApprox. USD $50,000 – $60,000 per yearMPP/MIDP: 2 years (full-time)Details
  18. 18.University of PennsylvaniaLauder Institute / Political Science · Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaApprox. USD $75,000 – $88,000 per year (Lauder dual-degree; indicative; verify on official website)MA/MBA: 2 years (full-time)Details
  19. 19.University of California, Los AngelesUCLA Department of Political Science · Los Angeles, CaliforniaApprox. USD $40,000 – $50,000 per year for international studentsMA/PhD track: 1 – 2 yearsDetails
  20. 20.University of DenverJosef Korbel School of International Studies · Denver, ColoradoApprox. USD $45,000 – $55,000 per yearMA: 2 years (full-time)Details

Australia

Top universities for International Relations

All universities in Australia

Australia is a strong destination for international relations education, led by ANU's Coral Bell School — closely tied to Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Asia-Pacific diplomacy. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows extended post-study work rights, making Australia especially attractive for graduates seeking a pathway to permanent residency.

  1. 1.Australian National UniversitySchool of Politics and International Relations / Coral Bell School · Acton, Canberra, Australian Capital TerritoryApprox. AUD $44,000 – $50,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  2. 2.University of MelbourneSchool of Social and Political Sciences · Parkville, Melbourne, VictoriaApprox. AUD $44,000 – $50,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  3. 3.University of SydneyDepartment of Government and International Relations · Camperdown, Sydney, New South WalesApprox. AUD $46,000 – $52,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  4. 4.University of New South WalesUNSW School of Social Sciences · Kensington, Sydney, New South WalesApprox. AUD $44,000 – $50,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  5. 5.Monash UniversitySchool of Social Sciences · Clayton (Melbourne), VictoriaApprox. AUD $42,000 – $48,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  6. 6.University of QueenslandSchool of Political Science and International Studies · St Lucia, Brisbane, QueenslandApprox. AUD $42,000 – $48,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  7. 7.Macquarie UniversityDepartment of Security Studies and Criminology · Macquarie Park, Sydney, New South WalesApprox. AUD $38,000 – $44,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  8. 8.Deakin UniversitySchool of Humanities and Social Sciences · Burwood (Melbourne) / Geelong, VictoriaApprox. AUD $34,000 – $40,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time); part-time optionsDetails
  9. 9.Griffith UniversityGriffith Asia Institute / School of Government and International Relations · Gold Coast / Nathan, QueenslandApprox. AUD $34,000 – $40,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  10. 10.University of AdelaideAdelaide University · Adelaide, South AustraliaApprox. AUD $38,000 – $44,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  11. 11.Curtin UniversitySchool of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry · Bentley, Perth, Western AustraliaApprox. AUD $34,000 – $40,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  12. 12.University of Western AustraliaUWA School of Social Sciences · Crawley, Perth, Western AustraliaApprox. AUD $38,000 – $44,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  13. 13.Queensland University of TechnologyQUT School of Justice · Brisbane, QueenslandApprox. AUD $34,000 – $40,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  14. 14.University of WollongongSchool of Humanities and Social Inquiry · Wollongong, New South WalesApprox. AUD $32,000 – $38,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  15. 15.University of NewcastleSchool of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences · Callaghan, Newcastle, New South WalesApprox. AUD $30,000 – $36,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  16. 16.La Trobe UniversitySchool of Humanities and Social Sciences · Bundoora (Melbourne) / Bendigo, VictoriaApprox. AUD $30,000 – $36,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  17. 17.RMIT UniversitySchool of Global, Urban and Social Studies · Melbourne CBD, VictoriaApprox. AUD $34,000 – $40,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  18. 18.Flinders UniversityCollege of Business, Government and Law · Bedford Park (Adelaide), South AustraliaApprox. AUD $32,000 – $38,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details
  19. 19.Bond UniversityFaculty of Society and Design · Gold Coast, QueenslandApprox. AUD $40,000 – $48,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1 – 1.5 years (accelerated, full-time)Details
  20. 20.Western Sydney UniversitySchool of Social Sciences · Penrith, Sydney, New South WalesApprox. AUD $30,000 – $36,000 per yearMaster of International Relations: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)Details

Canada

Top universities for International Relations

All universities in Canada

Canada’s international affairs master’s programmes — at the Munk School, NPSIA at Carleton, UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, McGill and Queen’s — offer policy-focused training with access to government, think tanks and international organisations.

  1. 1.University of TorontoMunk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy · Toronto, OntarioApprox. CAD $35,000 – $55,000 per yearMaster of Global Affairs (MGA): 2 years (full-time)Details
  2. 2.Carleton UniversityNorman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA) · Ottawa, OntarioApprox. CAD $20,000 – $40,000 total programme feeMA in International Affairs: 16–20 months (full-time)Details
  3. 3.University of British ColumbiaSchool of Public Policy and Global Affairs · Vancouver, British ColumbiaApprox. CAD $25,000 – $45,000 per yearMaster of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA): 2 years (full-time)Details
  4. 4.McGill UniversityDepartment of Political Science · Montréal, QuébecApprox. CAD $15,000 – $35,000 total programme feeMA in Political Science (international relations stream): 1–2 yearsDetails
  5. 5.Queen’s UniversityDepartment of Political Studies · Kingston, OntarioApprox. CAD $15,000 – $30,000 total programme feeMA in Political Studies (international relations stream): 1 year (full-time)Details
  6. 6.University of OttawaGraduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) · Ottawa, OntarioApprox. CAD $20,000 – $35,000 total programme feeMA in Public and International Affairs: 1.5–2 years (full-time)Details
  7. 7.University of WaterlooBalsillie School of International Affairs · Waterloo, OntarioApprox. CAD $20,000 – $35,000 total programme feeMA in Global Governance: about 12 months (full-time)Details
  8. 8.Dalhousie UniversityDepartment of International Development Studies / Department of Political Science · Halifax, Nova ScotiaApprox. CAD $15,000 – $30,000 total programme feeMA in International Development Studies / MA in Political Science: 1–2 yearsDetails
  9. 9.Simon Fraser UniversitySchool for International Studies · Burnaby (Greater Vancouver), British ColumbiaApprox. CAD $15,000 – $30,000 total programme feeMA in International Studies: 1–2 years (full-time)Details
  10. 10.York UniversityDepartment of Political Science · Toronto, OntarioApprox. CAD $15,000 – $30,000 total programme feeMA in Political Science (international relations stream): 1–2 yearsDetails
  11. 11.Wilfrid Laurier UniversityBalsillie School of International Affairs · Waterloo, OntarioApprox. CAD $20,000 – $35,000 total programme feeMaster in International Public Policy (MIPP): about 12 months (full-time)Details
  12. 12.University of AlbertaDepartment of Political Science · Edmonton, AlbertaApprox. CAD $12,000 – $25,000 total programme feeMA in Political Science (international relations stream): 1–2 yearsDetails
  13. 13.University of CalgaryDepartment of Political Science · Calgary, AlbertaApprox. CAD $12,000 – $25,000 total programme feeMA in Political Science (international relations stream): 1–2 yearsDetails
  14. 14.McMaster UniversityDepartment of Political Science · Hamilton, OntarioApprox. CAD $12,000 – $25,000 total programme feeMA in Political Science (international relations stream): 1–2 yearsDetails

Germany

Top universities for International Relations

All universities in Germany

Germany offers English-taught international relations and public-policy master’s programmes at the Hertie School, Berlin’s joint IR programme, Hamburg’s Peace and Security Studies, Erfurt’s Willy Brandt School and Heidelberg, with access to Berlin’s think tanks and international organisations.

  1. 1.Hertie SchoolBerlinApprox. €15,000 – €18,000 per yearMaster of International Affairs (MIA): 2 years (full-time)Details
  2. 2.Freie Universität BerlinOtto Suhr Institute of Political Science · BerlinNo tuition fee for international students; semester contribution of roughly €300 per semester including a transport ticketM.A. International Relations (Berlin consortium with Humboldt and Universität Potsdam): 2 years (full-time)Details
  3. 3.Universität HamburgInstitute for Peace Research and Security Policy (IFSH) · HamburgNo tuition fee for international students; semester contribution of roughly €300 per semester including a transport ticketM.A. Peace and Security Studies (English-taught): 2 years (full-time)Details
  4. 4.University of Erfurt (Willy Brandt School of Public Policy)Willy Brandt School of Public Policy · Erfurt, ThuringiaNo tuition fee for international students; semester contribution of roughly €250 per semesterMaster of Public Policy (MPP): 2 years (full-time)Details
  5. 5.Heidelberg UniversityInstitute of Political Science · Heidelberg, Baden-WürttembergNon-EU tuition of €1,500 per semester plus a semester fee of roughly €160M.A. Political Science (international relations track, English-taught options): 2 years (full-time)Details
  6. 6.University of KonstanzDepartment of Politics and Public Administration · Konstanz, Baden-WürttembergNon-EU tuition of €1,500 per semester plus a semester fee of roughly €160M.A. Political Science / Public Policy and Management (English-taught options): 2 years (full-time)Details

New Zealand

Top universities for International Relations

All universities in New Zealand

New Zealand’s international relations master’s programmes, led by Victoria University of Wellington in the capital, also include Otago’s peace and conflict studies and Massey’s defence and security studies.

  1. 1.Victoria University of WellingtonSchool of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations · Wellington, North IslandApprox. NZ$36,000 – NZ$48,000 per yearMaster of International Relations / Master of Strategic Studies / Master of Diplomacy and Trade options: 1–1.5 yearsDetails
  2. 2.University of OtagoNational Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies / Department of Politics · Dunedin, South IslandApprox. NZ$34,000 – NZ$46,000 per yearMA / Master of Peace and Conflict Studies / international relations options: 1–2 yearsDetails
  3. 3.University of AucklandSchool of Social Sciences – Politics and International Relations · Auckland, North IslandApprox. NZ$40,000 – NZ$52,000 per yearMA Politics and International Relations / Master of Professional Studies: 1–2 yearsDetails
  4. 4.University of CanterburySchool of Social and Political Sciences · Christchurch, South IslandApprox. NZ$34,000 – NZ$46,000 per yearMA Political Science and International Relations: 1–2 yearsDetails
  5. 5.Massey UniversitySchool of People, Environment and Planning / Centre for Defence and Security Studies · Auckland (Albany), Palmerston North and WellingtonApprox. NZ$32,000 – NZ$44,000 per yearMaster of Arts / Master of Defence and Security Studies options: 1–2 yearsDetails

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