You know political science is for you when you enjoy debate competitions and following public affairs. Political science can vary significantly depending on the country, political system, and policy environment you study in. So the question is: why not study political science abroad?
Politics and international relations dominate our news channels every day. Getting a degree in political science is a timely choice for students who want to understand governments, public policy, diplomacy, and global affairs. Here, we will look at some of the best countries to study political science. Coupled with overseas adventure, your education in politics can be diverse, practical, and exciting.
Top Countries to Study Political Science
1. Chile
Chile stretches along South America’s Pacific coast and has a lot to offer international students. The country is known for its varied landscapes, from sunny coastlines to glaciers and the Atacama Desert. Many programs are taught in Spanish, making Chile a good option for students who want to learn or improve their Spanish while studying. Its clear northern skies and major observatories also make it a standout destination for astronomy and stargazing experiences during study breaks.
Chile is also a strong place to study political science because of its public policy debates, democratic institutions, and work on issues such as sustainability and climate change. The Pontifical Catholic University of Chile is one of the country’s leading universities and is highly regarded in Latin America. Its Doctorate in Political Science is an eight-semester, in-person program. The annual tuition listed by the university is CLP 7,036,000, which is about USD $7,900 depending on the exchange rate. The University of Santiago, Chile also offers programs related to political studies, international studies, public management, and public policy.
2. Botswana
- Best School/s: University of Botswana
- Reasons: English-language communication, democratic institutions, and wildlife experiences
Botswana is often praised for its political stability and democratic institutions. It is also known for wildlife, national parks, and a growing international community. English is widely used in higher education and public life, which can make the transition easier for many international students.
Botswana combines tradition with modern public policy challenges, making it a useful setting for students interested in African politics, governance, and development. The University of Botswana (UB) offers political science programs through its Faculty of Social Sciences, including options in Political Science and related social science pathways. UB calculates tuition by credit load. For 2025/26, estimated annual bachelor’s tuition in other faculties is BWP 28,200 for resident and African students and BWP 56,100 for non-resident students, before applicable administrative and other fees. That is roughly USD $2,100 to $4,200 before additional charges, depending on the exchange rate.
3. Colombia
Colombia attracts students with its cuisine, dynamic culture, and varied landscapes. It also offers a strong setting for students who want to study Spanish and learn about Latin American politics, peacebuilding, governance, and social change. Universities such as Universidad de La Sabana offer programs and academic experiences related to Latin American studies and political science.
Colombia is a valuable place to study political science because students can examine public policy, conflict resolution, democratic institutions, and representation in a real-world Latin American context. The University of the Andes (Uniandes) is one of Colombia’s leading universities, and Colombia’s Ministry of Education renewed its high-quality institutional accreditation for 10 years in 2025. Uniandes offers an undergraduate Political Science program that is taught on campus, lasts eight semesters, and requires 123 credits. For 2026, tuition is listed at COP 26,860,000 per semester, approximately USD $7,090 according to the university’s published estimate.
4. Italy
Italy is one of the strongest countries to consider for political science because of its political history, role in Europe, and influence on law, diplomacy, and public administration. Traditional and modern life meet across the country, from historic cities and ancient architecture to contemporary research, business, and policy centers.
Italy is a center of influence in Europe and offers a useful setting for studying political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and European governance. One university you can consider is the University of Milan, a major public university with programs related to politics, law, economics, and international relations. You can also consider Luiss University of Rome, which is especially known for economics, management, law, and political science. Luiss ranks highly in politics-related subject rankings and offers joint and double degree opportunities. Its tuition starts at about €16,000 per year, which is roughly USD $18,500 depending on the exchange rate.
5. Russia
Russia has a long history in diplomacy, international relations, and global politics. It is located across Europe and Asia, and its political history continues to be an important subject for students of political science and international relations. However, Russia is not a straightforward study-abroad destination in 2026. International applicants should carefully check current travel advisories, visa rules, banking restrictions, safety guidance, and university admission instructions before making plans.
For students researching Russian politics, diplomacy, and international relations, Moscow State University and Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University) remain notable institutions to review. MGIMO’s School of Governance and Politics offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in political science, public administration, and related fields, including double-degree options. Students should confirm the current program language, tuition, visa requirements, and international student policies directly with each university before applying.
6. Egypt
Egypt is the land of a major ancient civilization and remains an important political and cultural center in the Middle East and North Africa. A mix of Mediterranean, African, and Middle Eastern influences shapes the country’s culture. From the Great Pyramids to music, food, museums, and historic neighborhoods, Egypt has a lot to offer international students.
Education in Egypt reflects African, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern perspectives, making the country a compelling place to study political science, international relations, and regional affairs. The American University in Cairo (AUC) is accredited in Egypt and the United States. Its Political Science department was founded in 1962 and offers undergraduate and graduate study options. For international undergraduate students, AUC lists tuition at USD $735 per credit. You can also check out Badr University in Cairo, whose Political Sciences and International Relations program is designed around 137 credit hours over eight semesters.
7. Turkey
Last on our list of best countries to study political science is Turkey, a country known for its history, culture, and location between Europe and Asia. Turkey’s adult literacy rate was 97.26% in the latest World Bank-reported figure from 2021. Students can explore historic cities, coastal areas, and Turkish language and culture while studying in a country with an active public and political life.
Turkey’s location between Europe and Asia makes it a valuable setting for political science, international relations, public administration, and comparative politics. Ankara University and Bilkent University are both located in Ankara, the country’s capital. Bilkent’s Department of Political Science and Public Administration covers areas such as Turkish politics, comparative politics, political theory, public administration, and public policy. The tuition at USD $18,400 per academic year before any scholarship reductions. Ankara University’s Faculty of Political Sciences also offers departments related to political science, public administration, international relations, economics, and public affairs.
We hope this article on the best countries to study political science was informative and insightful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students!
