International Relations is the study of relationships among states, societies, and global actors. It covers diplomacy, foreign policy, global politics, economics, law, history, and other liberal arts subjects.
This program can lead to many career options, including roles in diplomacy, government, international organizations, public policy, nonprofit work, and research.
If you want to take a step toward these fulfilling opportunities, consider studying this program in any of these seven strong countries for international relations abroad:
Top Countries to Study International Relations
1. Switzerland
Switzerland is a multilingual country, as reflected in its four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. This aspect, among many others, makes Switzerland a strong country for studying international relations.
Switzerland is home to many reputable schools, including ETH Zurich, the University of Geneva, and the University of Bern.
The University of Geneva, for one, offers a unique Bachelor’s in International Relations in Switzerland. It is an interdisciplinary program run through the Global Studies Institute in collaboration with the faculties of law, literature, economics and management, and social sciences.
Offered in French, with some courses available in English, this three-year, 180 ECTS program includes focuses in Law, International Economics, International History, International Politics, or Global Focus.
The best thing about studying in Switzerland? Students in Geneva can benefit from proximity to major international organizations, including the European headquarters of the United Nations, the WHO, the WTO, the ILO, and many NGOs.
2. United States of America
Because of the United States’ major role in global politics, the country remains a popular destination for students interested in international relations. This strength is reflected not only in public institutions and policy networks but also in its well-known universities.
Here, aspiring diplomats may choose from renowned schools, including Harvard University, Princeton University, Stanford University, and Yale University.
Harvard’s International Relations field is part of the Department of Government. It examines conflict and cooperation in world affairs, including foreign policy, public opinion, strategic interaction, international law, and transnational actors.
Although tuition at American universities can be high, qualified students may receive partial or full funding through scholarships and need-based financial aid. Policies vary by institution: for example, Harvard and Princeton meet demonstrated financial need for admitted international undergraduate students, while Stanford offers a limited amount of institutional aid for international students who request it during the admission process. Students should also check scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by Syracuse University, Florida International University, University of Denver, and other institutions.
3. United Kingdom
The UK is an important country in international relations and global affairs. With its academic traditions and policy networks, the United Kingdom is a strong country to study international relations.
Many UK universities offer degrees in international relations, politics, or international studies. Examples include the University of Oxford, which offers an MPhil in International Relations; the University of Cambridge, which offers an MPhil in Politics and International Studies; and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), which offers a BSc International Relations.
A favorite among international students is LSE, whose Department of International Relations was established in 1927 and remains one of the prominent centers for international politics and international relations study.
The department delivers courses through formats such as lectures, classes, seminars, and independent study.
Its BSc International Relations program also offers an optional language specialism. Students who take and pass at least one language course in each year of the degree may qualify for a specialism in the same language, such as French, Spanish, German, Mandarin, or Russian.
4. France
France has deep international relationships with the EU, the US, and many other countries. As one of the founding members of the United Nations, France is a great study destination for International Relations majors.
Students may choose to enroll at a French university of their liking, including Paris-Saclay University, Paris Sciences & Lettres (PSL) University, and Sciences Po.
At Sciences Po, undergraduates follow a multidisciplinary Bachelor of Arts in the humanities and social sciences. The program is built around disciplines such as law, economics, history, political science, and sociology, with an international outlook and regional minors.
Depending on the campus, Sciences Po students may study regional minors such as Central and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Mediterranean and Middle East, the Franco-German partnership, Latin America and the Caribbean, or North America and Africa. To further strengthen their international experience, undergraduate students must successfully complete the third year abroad.
With civic learning, regional coursework, and international study, students in France can build strong preparation for global careers.
5. Germany
Germany is widely known for its high quality of education. Given its international links and strong university system, it is considered one of the best countries to study International Relations.
Students can explore Germany’s well-known institutions, such as Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Technical University of Munich, and Heidelberg University.
One of the especially relevant institutions for this field is TU Dresden, whose Center for International Studies offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in International Relations. The Bachelor’s program combines international economics, international law, and international politics, while the Master’s program is an interdisciplinary 120 ECTS program built around International Policy, International Law, and International Economy.
At the master’s level, students can choose among tracks such as Global Political Economy, International Orders and Institutions, and International Law and Economics. A vocational internship is also part of the program structure.
True to Germany’s reputation for affordability, many public universities do not charge general tuition fees for bachelor’s degrees and many master’s degrees, although students still pay semester contributions. However, students should check each university carefully because exceptions apply. For example, Baden-Württemberg charges tuition fees for many non-EU students, and the Technical University of Munich charges tuition fees for many non-EU students in bachelor’s and master’s programs.
6. Canada
Canada is one of the more popular destinations for international students, including those who wish to study International Relations. And why not? It is home to many well-known universities that offer programs in international relations and related fields.
Students can choose from a long list of institutions, including the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia (UBC), and McGill University.
At U of T, International Relations is a limited-enrollment program offered through the Faculty of Arts & Science. Students may complete it as a specialist program, which requires 13.0 credits, or as a major, which requires 7.5 credits.
International students may be able to reduce their costs substantially through competitive scholarship programs. For example, the University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. UBC also offers international awards that can range up to the full cost of a student’s academic program and living expenses, while the University of Windsor offers scholarships, awards, and bursaries for international students. Students can review options through scholarship programs offered to foreigners, including those given by U Toronto, UBC, and the University of Windsor.
7. Belgium
Like Switzerland, Belgium has a multilingual society. It has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. English is not an official language, but it is widely used in international and academic settings, and Belgium ranks highly for English proficiency in the EF English Proficiency Index.
The ease of communication is one of the things that makes Belgium one of the top countries to study international relations. Students interested in European politics, diplomacy, and international organizations can find relevant programs in the country.
Belgian universities such as Ghent University often focus on EU relations. One example is its Master of Science in EU Studies, a one-year, 60-credit program that examines European Union policy, decision-making processes, external policy, and current developments.
That said, some universities still look at the bigger picture. One such example is the University of Antwerp, where students can take a 60 ECTS Master of International Relations and Diplomacy. Students should note that this program is taught in Dutch.
International Relations remains a key subject for anyone looking to understand how different aspects of society function and interact with one another. From Germany and France to Switzerland and the United States, these countries offer strong opportunities to complete a quality degree in International Relations or a related field at well-known institutions. You can check out the currently open scholarships or other free international relations schools on our page to help fund your studies.
We hope this article on the best countries to study international relations was informative and insightful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
