Overview

Key facts:

With their locations, near the U.S. executive (The White House), legislative (U.S. Congress) and judicial (Supreme Court) branches in Washington D.C. and NATO and EU headquarters in Brussels, the two universities offer ample opportunities for learning, research and professional advancement.

The Public and International Affairs program of Virginia Tech is designed for students interested to study the corridors of power up close and personal, as decisions about international politics are being made. The program benefits students interested in government, teaching or non-profit careers, helps them learn to navigate the U.S. and the EU institutional structures, and offers them opportunities to network for their future. It allows students to earn two graduate degrees — an appealing feature in the job market — in half the time, and for half the cost of a typical graduate degree in the United States, making it a cost and time-effective alternative to existing graduate programs in international affairs.

The program consists of the following:

One year of study at the University of Kent, Brussels (UKB): Students select an MA from the following specializations: international relations, international conflict and security, international political economy, European public policy, or international development.

One year of study at Virginia Tech, National Capital Region (VT-NCR): Students enroll in the Master’s in Public and International Affairs (MPIA).

At the end of two years, students earn an MA from UKB, and an MPIA from VT.

Programme Structure

The two-year MPIA degree is a 36 credit hour degree. Students take 12 credit hours of foundational core classes, 12 credit hours of modes of inquiry classes, and 12 credit hours of elective classes. Classes are focused on various aspects and dimensions of ‘global security,’ including new security agendas, conflict analysis and resolution, international development and international political economy.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-05-27 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-07-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Blacksburg, United States

Disciplines

International Relations Political Science View 235 other Masters in International Relations in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.2

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

U.S. students need an average of 3.2 GPA if they want to enroll in Two Capitals.

UKB students need an average score of 60 or better if they want to enroll in Two Capitals.

Submit your application online, along with the $75 application fee

Include a scanned copy of your college transcripts with your online application, then arrange for an official copy to be sent to us after you receive an offer of admission

Letters of Recommendation

The Graduate School doesn’t require entrance tests, but check to see whether your department requires you to submit GRE, GMAT, or subject test scores with your application

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

32622 USD / year

≈ 32622 USD / year
Out-of-State

32622 USD / year

≈ 32622 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16232 USD / year

≈ 16232 USD / year

Living costs

Blacksburg

United States

1166 - 1906 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Public and International Affairs.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Key facts:

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Blacksburg

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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