As governments, international organizations, and civil society groups continue to address peacebuilding, cooperation, and environmental challenges, international relations remains a relevant field for students interested in global issues and policy.
Studying international relations can help students build a foundation in diplomacy, political analysis, international law, conflict studies, and regional affairs. This article highlights five institutions where international students can study international relations or closely related programs without paying tuition fees, although semester fees, living costs, visa costs, or other administrative expenses may still apply.
Top Tuition-Free Institutions to Study International Relations
Looking for tuition-free universities offering international relations programs may not be easy. Here is a list of five tuition-free universities you can consider.
1. University of São Paulo
The University of São Paulo is a public state university in Brazil and is officially described as the country’s largest institution dedicated to higher education and research. Established in 1934, USP enrolls about 97,500 students across undergraduate and graduate programs, according to its 2025 statistical data. The university has multiple campuses in the state of São Paulo and attracts both local and international students.
USP’s graduate program in International Relations is offered through the Institute of International Relations and includes academic master’s and doctoral levels. The program is multidisciplinary, with research lines in International Political Economy and Culture and Normative Issues in International Relations, connecting work in international economy, international law, history, and political science.
2. University of Bremen
The University of Bremen is a public university in Germany. Students should note that the university does not charge tuition for the M.A. International Relations: Global Politics and Social Theory, but a semester contribution still applies.
The university’s M.A. International Relations: Global Politics and Social Theory is a research-oriented, all-English master’s program. It is designed as a two-year, full-time program and includes mandatory and elective modules, with the option to earn credits through a research internship or a semester abroad.
3. University of Brasília
The University of Brasília is a public university in Brazil’s capital. It was created in 1962 and offers free public education for Brazilian and foreign students. UnB’s international office states that students study for free and that no tuition or other fees are charged.
Students interested in international relations can consider UnB’s bachelor’s degree in International Relations. The program was created in 1974 and offers multidisciplinary training in politics, economics, law, and history, preparing students to analyze globalization and international politics. The curriculum includes subjects such as introduction to international relations, international political economy, public international law, Brazilian foreign relations history, international organizations, and international trade.
4. Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
The Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, also known as UFRGS, is a public federal university in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Its Faculty of Economics lists International Relations among its undergraduate programs, and UFRGS states that its undergraduate courses are free.
International students should be aware that most classes are held in Portuguese, so Portuguese proficiency is important. While UFRGS does not charge tuition, international students should still plan for visa fees, health insurance, housing, meals, transportation, and personal expenses.
5. University of Duisburg-Essen
The University of Duisburg-Essen is a public university in Germany. The university does not charge tuition fees, but all students must pay a social and student body contribution each semester.
Graduate students can consider the M.A. in International Relations and Development Policy. The program is centered on international relations, development policy, and area studies; its regular course languages are German and English, and the standard duration is four semesters.
FAQs: Studying International Relations
Can International Students Receive Scholarships While Enrolled in Tuition-Free Schools?
Yes, international students may receive scholarships while attending tuition-free universities. Although these universities do not charge tuition for the programs listed above, scholarships can help with living expenses, travel, insurance, study materials, and other costs.
Many institutions provide scholarships for international students, and international students can also search for government-funded scholarships, such as those offered by the DAAD in Germany.
Some graduate programs may also offer research or teaching assistantships, depending on the university and department. Prospective students should check each official university website and scholarship database for current eligibility rules, deadlines, and award coverage.
What Other Costs Should Students Expect When Studying Abroad?
Students studying international relations abroad should expect to pay more than tuition. Living expenses, such as rent, utilities, groceries, and daily necessities, vary widely by location. Students should also check whether health insurance is required by the host country, university, or visa/residence-permit process.
Travel expenses also matter, including airfare, local transportation, residence-permit or visa costs, and possible travel during the program. Students should also budget for books, materials, technology, and extracurricular activities. For students studying in a country where they do not speak the local language, language classes may also be useful.
Finally, having an emergency fund is important for covering unexpected costs. By budgeting for these expenses, students can better manage their finances and focus on their studies abroad.
We understand that studying abroad is an important decision. Many students face financial pressure while applying to universities abroad. We hope that this updated list of tuition-free international relations programs helps make the search easier.
We hope that this article on free international relations schools with no tuition was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
