If you want to study international relations in Germany, you usually choose between a bachelor's or a master's programme. Entry rules, language needs, and fees depend on the university and the programme, so always check the official admissions page before you apply.
What you can study
In Germany, international relations is often part of political science, global studies, European studies, or area studies. Some universities offer a programme with the exact name, but many use a wider title.
- Bachelor's: often 6 semesters. Good if you are starting higher education.
- Master's: often 2 years. Good if you already have a related bachelor's degree.
- Related fields: politics, public policy, international studies, area studies, peace and conflict studies, European studies.
Before you choose, read the module list. It shows whether the programme is more political, economic, legal, historical, or language-based.
Typical admission requirements
For a bachelor's, you usually need a school leaving certificate that gives access to higher education in Germany. For some students, this means direct entry. For others, the certificate may not be enough yet, and a preparatory year or foundation route may be needed. The official source to check is the university admissions page and the uni-assist website, if the university uses it.
For a master's, universities usually ask for a completed bachelor's degree in a related subject. They may also look at your grades, study content, motivation letter, CV, and sometimes experience with politics, languages, or research.
- English level: often IELTS, TOEFL, or an equivalent proof for English-taught degrees.
- German level: often needed for German-taught degrees. Check whether the programme asks for TestDaF, DSH, Goethe, telc, or another accepted proof.
- Documents: transcripts, diploma, passport, CV, motivation letter, and sometimes references or writing samples.
Do not assume one rule fits all. Two similar programmes can ask for different subjects or language scores.
English-taught or German-taught?
You can find both, but the choice is not the same at every level. English-taught master's programmes are more common than English-taught bachelor's programmes.
- English-taught: useful if your German is still basic, but you still need to meet the English requirement.
- German-taught: can give you more choice and may help with daily life and part-time work, but you need strong German.
- Mixed programmes: some degrees use both languages and may ask for both skills.
Check the programme page for the teaching language, because the general university site is not always enough.
Tuition and other costs
Germany is often seen as low-cost compared with many other study destinations, but your total cost still depends on the university, your status, and the state. Do not rely on social media numbers. Check the university page and the state rules.
In many public universities, tuition for bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes is often low or may be zero, but there can still be a semester contribution. Some states and some non-consecutive master's programmes charge tuition. Private universities usually charge much more.
- EU and EEA students: often pay the same basic university rules as other students, but this depends on the institution and state.
- Non-EU students: may face the same public-university rules in many places, but some states and some programmes do charge higher tuition.
- Semester contribution: usually paid every term. It often covers administration and sometimes transport or student services.
For living costs, a common planning range is about 900 to 1,200 euros per month, but this varies by city and your lifestyle. Bigger cities often cost more. Your biggest items are rent, health insurance, food, phone, transport, and study materials. The official source for visa-related financial proof is the German national immigration and foreign affairs system, or the local German embassy or consulate.
Timeline and application steps
Start early. For many programmes, the process takes several months.
- 9 to 12 months before start: check programmes, entry rules, and language tests.
- 6 to 9 months before start: prepare documents, translations, and test results.
- 3 to 6 months before start: submit the application.
- After admission: arrange housing, insurance, visa or residence permit, and travel.
Some universities use direct application, while others use uni-assist or another portal. Deadlines differ by programme, so always check the exact course page. Do not wait until the last week, because document checks can take time.
How universities find candidates
In Germany, universities do not all recruit the same way. Some wait for applications, while others also search student profiles and contact people who look like a good match.
They may look for:
- your field of interest
- your level of education
- your language level
- your documents and study goal
If your profile is clear and complete, it is easier for admissions offices to see whether you fit a programme. This can help you get noticed, but it does not replace the formal application.
Common questions
Can I study international relations in Germany without German?
Sometimes, yes. Some master's programmes are taught in English. Bachelor’s options in English are less common. Always check the teaching language and the exact language test accepted by the university.
Is international relations the same as political science?
Not always. International relations is often part of political science, but it can also be a separate track with more focus on diplomacy, global institutions, conflict, and foreign policy.
Can I work while I study?
Often yes, but the rules depend on your nationality and residence status. Check the German immigration authority or your local foreigners' office for the current work rules.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first. This can save time when you are comparing programmes and want universities to come to you.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.