International relations is a good choice if you like politics, history, law, economics, and world affairs. In Europe, many universities offer this subject in English, both at bachelor and master level. The best country for you depends on your budget, language, and the kind of programme you want.
What international relations covers
International relations looks at how countries, organisations, and people work together. You study why conflicts happen, how diplomacy works, and how global rules are made.
- politics and world history
- diplomacy and foreign policy
- international law and organisations
- economics, security, and development
- research, writing, and analysis
Some programmes are broad. Others focus on areas like security, human rights, European studies, or global development. Check the programme page to see the exact focus.
Which European countries are strong for this subject
Many European countries have strong schools for international relations. The best-known places are often those with political centres, long university traditions, or many English-taught degrees.
- The Netherlands - many English-taught programmes and a strong international student environment.
- Belgium - good for EU studies, politics, and international organisations.
- Germany - wide range of public universities and often lower tuition than many other countries.
- France - strong in politics, diplomacy, and international affairs, especially at graduate level.
- Italy, Sweden, Austria, and the Czech Republic - also have solid options, often with different fees and entry rules.
If you want a specific path, check whether the university has links with policy institutes, internships, or exchange networks. That can matter as much as the country name.
How the degree is usually structured
A bachelor in international relations usually takes three years in many European systems. A master usually takes one or two years, depending on the country and the programme.
You can expect a mix of lectures, seminars, group work, and essays. Many programmes also ask you to read academic texts and write in a clear, structured way.
- Year 1 - foundations in politics, history, and global issues
- Middle years - deeper topics like EU policy, security, trade, or diplomacy
- Final year - dissertation, thesis, internship, or capstone project
Some universities offer exchanges, optional internships, or language classes. Ask whether these are built into the degree or only available if you apply separately.
Typical costs and how to check them
Costs vary a lot across Europe. Public universities in some countries are low-cost, while others charge much higher fees, especially for non-EU students or for English-taught programmes.
Typical things to budget for:
- tuition fees
- housing
- food and transport
- books and study materials
- health insurance and visa costs, if needed
Do not rely on old numbers from blogs. Check the university's admissions page for tuition, the official student housing page for rent estimates, and the national immigration authority for visa and residence costs. If you are applying for a scholarship, check the scholarship's own site for the full rules.
In many European cities, rent is the biggest monthly cost. A shared flat is often cheaper than private housing. Student discounts can help with transport and some services.
What English level is usually expected
If the programme is taught in English, universities usually ask for proof of English ability. The exact score depends on the school and the level of study.
- Bachelor's programmes often ask for around B2 to C1 level.
- Master's programmes often ask for B2 or C1, depending on the university.
- Common tests include IELTS, TOEFL, and sometimes Cambridge tests.
Some universities accept a previous degree taught in English, or school-leaving results from an English-medium school. Always check the programme page. If your score is close but not enough, some universities offer a pre-sessional course or conditional admission, but this is not guaranteed.
What the graduate labour market looks like
An international relations degree can lead to many paths, but the market is competitive. A degree alone does not guarantee work. Employers often look for internships, strong writing, languages, and real experience.
Common areas include:
- government and public administration
- international organisations and NGOs
- policy research and think tanks
- journalism and communications
- business roles with an international focus
- development, migration, or humanitarian work
Many graduates also continue to a master's degree, especially if they want diplomacy, policy, or research roles. Knowledge of more than one language can help a lot. If you want to work in the EU, check the language and nationality rules for each employer and country.
How to choose the right programme
Start with your own goal. Some programmes are better for policy and diplomacy. Others are stronger in economics, law, or area studies.
- Check the curriculum, not just the university name
- Look for internship or exchange options
- Read entry requirements carefully
- Compare tuition, rent, and living costs
- See whether the programme is fully in English
It also helps to read student reviews and the university's own career pages. If possible, compare at least three programmes before you apply.
Common questions
Do I need to speak the local language?
Not always. Many programmes are fully in English. But local language skills can help with internships, daily life, and jobs after graduation.
Is international relations the same as political science?
They overlap, but they are not identical. International relations focuses more on relations between countries, global organisations, and diplomacy. Political science is broader and may include national politics, theory, and institutions.
Can I work abroad after this degree?
Sometimes, yes, but it depends on the job, the country, and your visa or residence rights. Employers usually want strong language skills, internships, and clear evidence of your interests and experience.
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.
You stay in control, and you can compare contacts from different universities before you decide what to apply for.
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.