In an increasingly globalised world, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in International Relations is a great choice for your studies abroad. This is especially true if you want to grow your awareness of different cultures, understand the global economy, and gain insights into the relations between different states and multinational corporations.
“But how can I find cheap or affordable International Relations (IR) degrees in Europe?” Don’t worry, we’ve got that covered. While there are many International Relations programmes with tuition fees of 20,000 EUR per year or more, you can also find courses that are free or affordable (under 5,000 EUR/year).
Based on our research, these are the most affordable universities which offer Bachelors and Masters in International Relations:
Universities with affordable or free Bachelors in International Relations
- Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Germany – 0 EUR/year
- Malmö University, Sweden – 0 EUR/year
- University CEU San Pablo, Spain – 164 EUR/year
- Lusophone University of Humanities and Technologies, Portugal – 556 EUR/year
- Leiden University, the Netherlands – 2,143 EUR/year
- University of Aberdeen, the UK – 2,192 EUR/year
- University of Wroclaw, Poland – 2,200 EUR/year
- Masaryk University, the Czech Republic – 2,200 EUR/year
- University of St. Gallen (HSG), Switzerland – 2,254 EUR/year
- Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary – 2,400 EUR/year
Here are other universities offering affordable International Relations undergraduate degrees:
- METU Middle East Technical University, Turkey – 402 EUR/year
- University of Wroclaw, Poland – 2,000 EUR/year
- University of Groningen, the Netherlands – 2,143 EUR/year
- Masaryk University, the Czech Republic – 2,200 EUR/year
- University of Pécs, Hungary – 4,700 EUR/year
While the tuition fees mentioned above are low, they don’t always apply to all international students. In some cases, only EU/EEA students qualify for these tuition costs.
For example, Germany has the same tuition for all students, regardless of their country of origin. However, in the Netherlands, Hungary, and Poland, non-EU/EEA citizens pay higher fees, sometimes 3 to 5 times more than their European counterparts.
Always check which tuition fees apply to you before choosing an International Relations degree abroad.
Find International Relations Bachelors in Europe
Universities with affordable or free Masters in International Relations
- Marie Curie University, Poland – 0 EUR/year
- Linköping University, Sweden – 0 EUR/year
- Aalborg University, Denmark – 0 EUR/year
- Humboldt University Berlin, Germany – 0 EUR/year
- Sciences Po, France – 0 EUR/year
- Pablo de Olavide University, Spain – 821 EUR/year
- University of Minho, Portugal – 1,250 EUR/year
- University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands – 2,143 EUR/year
- Staffordshire University, the UK – 3,054 EUR/year
- University of Pavia, Italy – 3,187 EUR/year
Here are other universities offering affordable International Relations postgraduate degrees:
- University of Bremen, Germany – 0 EUR/year
- University of Ljubljana, Slovenia – 0 EUR/year
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norway – 0 EUR/year
- Koc University, Turkey – 0 EUR/year
- Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania – 2,600 EUR/year
- Tallinn University, Estonia – 3,256 EUR/year
- University of Pavia – 3,500 EUR/year
- University of Szeged, Hungary – 3,600 EUR/year
- University of Geneva, Switzerland – 4,544 EUR/year
Applications to International Relations Master’s degrees are similar to the ones for Bachelors. At some universities, tuition fees apply to all international students; at others, only EU/EEA citizens enjoy these low tuition costs. Don’t forget to check which type of tuition fee applies to you.
Find International Relations Masters in Europe
International Relations scholarships in Europe
International Relations scholarships are a great way to further reduce your study abroad costs. They are offered by various institutions, like governments, universities and colleges, NGOs, and other public or private organisations.
Each scholarship programme will have its eligibility criteria. You should always read the requirements carefully and see if you meet them. You might need to write a letter or an essay to apply, and you’ll most likely be asked to send the acceptance letter from your university as evidence of enrolment.
Here’s where you can find scholarships for your International Relations studies:
- On the official page of your university or study programme. Many institutions list information about financial support and services.
- On the official study-abroad websites for different countries: France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, and others.
- On our portal. Search through over 4,000 scholarships and financial aid programmes.
You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help on financing your International Relations studies abroad.
