The best universities in Europe for International Relations include Oxford, LSE, Sciences Po, Cambridge, King's College London, the Geneva Graduate Institute, Leiden University, Warwick, St Andrews, the University of Amsterdam, SOAS and Freie Universität Berlin.
But the best university for you may not be the one with the highest ranking.
If you want a UN career, Geneva has an obvious location advantage. For diplomacy and public affairs, Sciences Po is difficult to ignore. LSE places you inside London's policy and think-tank network, while Oxford and Cambridge are stronger choices for students focused on research and academic depth.
For 2027 entry, compare the programme itself, tuition, scholarships, career location and application timetable rather than choosing by university reputation alone.
Best International Relations Universities in Europe: 2027 Ranking
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Rank
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University
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Country
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Best For
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Latest Tuition Reference
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1
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University of Oxford
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UK
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Research, IR theory, academia
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£37,100 per year for 2026/27 MPhil
|
|
2
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London School of Economics and Political Science
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UK
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Policy, global governance, think tanks
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£32,500 for 2026/27 MSc IR
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3
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Sciences Po
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France
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Diplomacy, public affairs, international policy
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€20,640 per year for non-EEA graduate students
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|
4
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University of Cambridge
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UK
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Research, politics, PhD preparation
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Programme-specific fee
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|
5
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King's College London
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UK
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Security, conflict, foreign policy
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Programme-specific international fee
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|
6
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Geneva Graduate Institute
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Switzerland
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UN, NGOs, multilateral diplomacy
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Around CHF 8,000 per year for non-residents
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|
7
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Leiden University
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Netherlands
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Diplomacy, The Hague, international organisations
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Around €21,100 for the advanced MSc
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8
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University of Warwick
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UK
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IR theory, political analysis, research
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Programme-specific fee
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9
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University of St Andrews
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UK
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Undergraduate IR, security, theory
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2027 fee to be confirmed
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|
10
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University of Amsterdam
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Netherlands
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Political science, global politics
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Around €23,000+ for many non-EEA master's routes
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|
11
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SOAS University of London
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UK
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Diplomacy, development, regional expertise
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£29,990 for International Studies and Diplomacy in 2027/28
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|
12
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Freie Universität Berlin
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Germany
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Affordable study, European politics
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No tuition for the joint IR master's; semester fee applies
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The figures above use the latest published fee information available where possible. A 2026/27 fee should not be treated as a confirmed 2027/28 fee unless the university has already published the new rate.
How We Built This International Relations University Ranking
No single ranking measures everything that matters to an International Relations student.
The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Politics place Oxford second globally and Sciences Po third. The Times Higher Education Social Sciences ranking for 2026 also evaluates politics and international studies within its social-sciences methodology.
We considered those ranking signals alongside International Relations-specific reputation, programme depth, access to international organisations and policy institutions, English-taught study, tuition and value.
We also considered the Foreign Policy/TRIP survey because it focuses specifically on International Relations programmes and how academics, policymakers and think-tank professionals view them.
Here's the thing: an IR ranking needs more context than a general university league table.
A university can have enormous academic prestige but offer less direct access to international organisations than Geneva or The Hague. That difference matters when two students have completely different career plans.
1. University of Oxford, UK
Oxford is one of the best universities for International Relations in Europe if academic depth and research matter most.
Its MPhil in International Relations is a 21-month programme covering International Relations theory, the history of world politics and research methods, followed by specialised research.
Oxford lists approximately 30 places for the 2026/27 cohort against an average of 274 applications per year, which gives some sense of the competition.
The latest published overseas tuition is £37,100 per year for 2026/27. Oxford also expects to offer more than 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across graduate courses during that academic year.
Applications for 2026/27 are closed, and prospective students can already register for information about 2027/28 entry.
Best for: IR theory, academic research, policy analysis and PhD preparation.
2. London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
LSE combines a specialist International Relations department with direct exposure to one of Europe's biggest policy centres.
The MSc International Relations at LSE covers international politics, foreign policy, global governance, security and related fields.
The latest tuition fee is £32,500 for 2026/27, with the same rate listed for home and overseas students.
London is an important part of the attraction. Think tanks, diplomatic missions, government institutions, NGOs and international media operate within the same city.
That does not guarantee an internship or policy job. It does make relevant events and professional networks unusually accessible.
Students considering several British universities should also compare the wider UK study route for international applicants before deciding purely on university reputation.
Best for: global governance, international policy, political risk, think tanks and research.
3. Sciences Po, France
Sciences Po is one of Europe's strongest choices for diplomacy and international public affairs.
QS places Sciences Po third globally for Politics in 2026, behind Harvard and Oxford.
Its Paris School of International Affairs offers routes connected to international security, development, governance, diplomacy and public policy.
For students whose tax residence is outside the European Economic Area, Sciences Po lists graduate tuition at €20,640 per year for 2026/27. It also reports that 35% of students receive financial aid.
The 2027 cycle is becoming particularly relevant now. International applications for two-year master's programmes open at the end of September 2026, with 21 February 2027 as the standard deadline for most programmes.
Best for: diplomacy, international policy, public affairs and government careers.
4. University of Cambridge, UK
Cambridge is a strong option for students who want International Relations within a broader politics and social-science framework.
The MPhil in Politics and International Studies runs for nine months and combines advanced seminars, research methods and a dissertation.
Its strength is breadth.
Students can engage with international politics alongside political theory, comparative politics, law, regional politics and other specialist areas. That makes Cambridge particularly suitable for applicants considering research, government, public administration or doctoral study.
One practical difference is that the programme is shorter than Oxford's MPhil. A nine-month master's can be efficient, but it also gives you less time to build a professional network than a two-year programme.
Best for: research, politics, public service and future PhD study.
5. King's College London, UK
King's stands out among the top universities for International Relations when security and conflict are central to your interests.
Its International Relations MA sits within the Department of War Studies.
That gives students access to teaching and research across international security, war, strategy, arms control, cyber security, conflict, migration and regional politics.
The London location adds another layer for students targeting policy organisations, government, security analysis or political-risk work.
If London is your preferred destination, it is useful to compare institutions across the city rather than looking at King's in isolation.
Best for: security studies, conflict, defence, foreign policy and strategic affairs.
6. Geneva Graduate Institute, Switzerland
For students aiming for the UN or international organisations, Geneva Graduate Institute has one of the strongest career locations in Europe.
Its master's portfolio covers international affairs, politics, development, economics, law and related fields.
The bigger advantage is outside the lecture room.
Geneva hosts UN bodies, diplomatic missions, humanitarian organisations and international NGOs. For someone who wants a multilateral career, that ecosystem can be more useful than moving a few places higher in a general league table.
Tuition for non-resident master's students is around CHF 8,000 per year, although living costs in Geneva are high. The Institute advises students to budget carefully for accommodation and daily expenses.
Applications for September 2027 entry are expected to open in October 2026.
Best for: the UN, NGOs, humanitarian affairs, diplomacy and global governance.
7. Leiden University, Netherlands
Leiden is particularly attractive for diplomacy and international organisations because of its connection with The Hague.
The two-year Advanced MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy combines academic IR and political science with professional training in international negotiation and diplomacy.
The programme's location matters.
Students study close to diplomatic missions, international courts and institutions operating in The Hague. For an applicant interested in international law or multilateral institutions, that is a tangible advantage rather than a marketing line.
The latest published institutional tuition reference for 2026/27 is around €21,100, and the programme is also eligible for the competitive Leiden University Excellence Scholarship.
Best for: diplomacy, international law, negotiation and international organisations.
8. University of Warwick, UK
Warwick has a strong research identity in Politics and International Studies and appears prominently in research-based International Relations rankings.
Its MA International Relations examines major approaches from Realism to Post-Colonialism alongside war, security, migration, climate change, inequality and other global challenges.
Warwick does not offer London's concentration of embassies and think tanks. Instead, it provides a campus-based environment with a strong theoretical and analytical focus.
Its undergraduate Politics and International Studies degree also already lists September 2027 entry, with pathways including International Relations and Security.
Best for: IR theory, global politics, research and political analysis.
9. University of St Andrews, UK
St Andrews deserves particular attention from students searching for the best International Relations undergraduate programmes in Europe.
Its International Relations MA (Honours) for 2027 entry covers foreign policy, war and peace, international terrorism, human rights, international law and political economy.
The programme starts in September 2027 and runs for four years.
Unlike London or Paris, St Andrews offers a smaller academic setting. Some students will see the lack of a major-city policy ecosystem as a disadvantage. Others will prefer the concentrated university environment.
For 2027 postgraduate security routes, St Andrews has also already published programmes with application deadlines extending into April 2027.
Best for: undergraduate IR, security, political theory and focused academic study.
10. University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
The University of Amsterdam approaches International Relations through Political Science.
Its English-taught Political Science: International Relations master's runs for one year and includes IR coursework, electives and a substantial research project.
That makes UvA particularly relevant to students interested in political science, global political economy, governance, inequality, conflict and research.
The Netherlands also offers a broad range of English-taught programmes. If you are still deciding on the country itself, compare European destinations by cost, language and student experience before narrowing down individual universities.
Best for: political science, research, governance and global politics.
11. SOAS University of London, UK
SOAS is a particularly useful choice for students who want regional expertise alongside international affairs.
Its International Studies and Diplomacy master's covers diplomacy and global politics while drawing on SOAS's depth in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
That can produce a very different academic perspective from programmes centred mainly on European or North American politics.
For 2027/28, SOAS has already published an overseas tuition fee of £29,990 for International Studies and Diplomacy.
The programme can suit students targeting foreign services, NGOs, international organisations, development work and international media.
Best for: diplomacy, development, regional politics and Global South perspectives.
12. Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
Freie Universität Berlin is one of the most attractive options for students who want strong International Relations study without UK-level tuition.
The joint International Relations master's involves Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the University of Potsdam.
There is no tuition fee for the programme itself. Students instead pay the standard semester contribution, currently around €320 per semester according to the programme's information.
That cost difference is substantial.
Berlin also provides access to political foundations, research organisations, NGOs and public-policy institutions.
Students looking at Germany because of cost should understand how public-university tuition works before comparing fees.
Best for: affordability, European politics, public policy and international affairs.
Other Strong International Relations Universities in Europe
A top 12 cannot cover every strong option.
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University
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Why Consider It
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University College London
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Strong social sciences and London policy access
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University of Copenhagen
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Strong European research profile
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University of Edinburgh
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Politics, IR and a 2027 undergraduate route
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University of Sussex
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Long-standing strength in global and international studies
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University of Birmingham
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Broad politics and International Relations options
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Central European University
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Political economy, democracy and critical approaches
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IBEI Barcelona
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Specialist postgraduate study in IR, security and public policy
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These universities expand the shortlist without turning this guide into a directory of hundreds of institutions.
Best International Relations Master's Programmes in Europe
For master's applicants, programme fit matters more than a general university ranking.
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Career Goal
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Strong Choices
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Diplomacy
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Sciences Po, Leiden, SOAS
|
|
UN and international organisations
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Geneva, Leiden, LSE
|
|
Security and conflict
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King's, St Andrews, Sciences Po
|
|
Research and PhD
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Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Warwick
|
|
European governance
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Leiden, Amsterdam, Sciences Po, Berlin
|
|
Lower tuition
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Freie Universität Berlin, Geneva Graduate Institute
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For a broad International Relations master's in Europe, Oxford, LSE and Sciences Po are the strongest general shortlist in this guide.
Geneva becomes more compelling if your target is specifically the UN or humanitarian sector. Leiden moves up if diplomacy and international institutions are central to your plan.
That is why a single overall rank never tells the whole story.
Best International Relations Undergraduate Programmes in Europe
For undergraduate International Relations, prioritise universities with strong foundational teaching in IR theory, politics, history, international political economy, security and research methods.
Strong choices include St Andrews, LSE, Sciences Po, King's, Warwick and Edinburgh.
A mildly surprising point is that you should not reject a university simply because its degree title says "Politics and International Studies" rather than "International Relations".
Programme titles vary. Modules matter more.
Warwick, for example, offers a 2027 Politics and International Studies undergraduate degree with a pathway covering International Relations and Security.
Students comparing the wider European market can also explore strong university options beyond the specialist IR list.
Best Universities for Politics and International Relations in Europe
The strongest universities for politics and International Relations overlap heavily.
Oxford, Sciences Po, LSE, Cambridge, King's, Warwick and Amsterdam all have significant strength across politics or related international fields.
International Relations usually concentrates on areas such as:
- foreign policy
- diplomacy
- international organisations
- conflict and security
- international political economy
- global governance
Political Science is broader and may also cover elections, political behaviour, comparative government, institutions and domestic public policy.
If your career goal is diplomacy or international organisations, IR may provide the more direct route. If your interests include government, political research or comparative politics, a Political Science programme may work just as well.
Best Universities in Europe to Study International Relations in English
You do not need to limit your search to Britain.
English-taught International Relations or closely related master's programmes are available at Sciences Po, Geneva Graduate Institute, Leiden University and the University of Amsterdam, as well as the major UK universities in this ranking.
However, the language outside university can still influence your experience.
One thing students often discover too late is that an English-taught degree does not make the local language irrelevant. French can strengthen networking opportunities in Paris, just as German can help students build a wider professional life in Berlin.
For UK applications, you can check the types of English evidence universities commonly request before deciding which test to take.
Best Universities for Diplomacy, UN and International Organisation Careers
If you are choosing a university specifically for an international career, use a different order from the overall ranking.
For the United Nations: Geneva Graduate Institute.
For diplomacy: Sciences Po and Leiden.
For policy and think tanks: LSE.
For security organisations: King's College London.
For research-led international policy: Oxford and Cambridge.
Consider a simple example. Two students receive offers from Oxford and Geneva. One wants a PhD in IR theory; the other wants to work in humanitarian policy. Oxford may be the stronger choice for the first student, while Geneva could be more strategically useful for the second.
The university's name has not changed. The student's goal has.
International Relations Tuition Fees and Scholarships in Europe
Costs vary sharply across Europe.
At the high end, Oxford lists £37,100 per year for the 2026/27 MPhil in International Relations, while LSE charges £32,500 for its MSc International Relations.
Sciences Po lists €20,640 per academic year for new graduate students whose family tax residence is outside the EEA in 2026/27.
Leiden's advanced MSc has a published institutional tuition reference of around €21,100 for 2026/27.
Geneva Graduate Institute is considerably lower at around CHF 8,000 per year for non-residents, but Geneva's cost of living reduces part of that advantage.
At the other end, the joint International Relations master's involving Freie Universität Berlin charges no tuition for the programme itself, with students paying a semester contribution instead.
Scholarships can change the comparison significantly. Oxford expects more than 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across its graduate courses for 2026/27, Sciences Po reports €11.5 million in grants and financial aid, and Leiden offers its competitive Excellence Scholarship.
Students applying from Bangladesh can also compare European funding opportunities that may reduce the total study cost.
2027 Intake for International Relations in Europe
The 2027 cycle is already becoming active.
Sciences Po has confirmed that applications for its 2027 two-year master's programmes open at the end of September 2026, with a standard closing date of 21 February 2027.
Oxford's 2026/27 MPhil is closed, and the university is inviting prospective applicants to register for information about 2027/28.
St Andrews has already published its 2027 undergraduate International Relations programme, while Warwick has published 2027 information for Politics and International Studies.
This means students preparing for 2027 should not treat the next intake as something far away.
Shortlist courses first. Then organise transcripts, references and English-language evidence. Once those pieces are clear, develop a motivation letter around the actual programme and career goal instead of using one generic statement everywhere.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Most International Relations master's programmes ask for some combination of:
- a recognised bachelor's degree
- academic transcripts
- English-language evidence
- a personal statement or motivation letter
- references
- a CV
- sometimes a writing sample or research proposal
Relevant undergraduate backgrounds commonly include International Relations, Politics, Economics, History, Law, Sociology, Development Studies and other social sciences.
Entry standards differ considerably.
Competitive programmes such as Oxford expect very strong academic performance. Other universities may consider a broader range of profiles and relevant professional experience.
Build a balanced shortlist rather than applying only to elite universities.
If you are applying from Bangladesh, map the full overseas application process early so that visa, academic and financial documents do not become last-minute problems.
How to Choose the Right International Relations University
Start with the career, not the ranking.
Choose Oxford or Cambridge if research and academic depth dominate your priorities.
Choose Sciences Po for diplomacy and international public affairs.
Choose LSE for global policy, think tanks and political risk.
Choose Geneva for the UN and humanitarian sector.
Choose Leiden for diplomacy, international law and The Hague ecosystem.
Choose King's for security and conflict.
Choose Berlin when strong academic study and lower tuition need to coexist.
Then compare the actual modules, total cost, scholarship possibilities, language, city and deadline.
A sensible shortlist normally includes ambitious choices, realistic options and at least one financially safer route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best universities in Europe for International Relations?
The best universities in Europe for International Relations include Oxford, LSE, Sciences Po, Cambridge, King's College London, Geneva Graduate Institute, Leiden, Warwick, St Andrews, Amsterdam, SOAS and Freie Universität Berlin.
Which university is best for International Relations in Europe?
Oxford is the strongest all-round option in this guide for academic depth and research. LSE is excellent for policy, Sciences Po for diplomacy and Geneva Graduate Institute for UN-focused careers.
What are the best International Relations master's programmes in Europe?
Strong master's options include Oxford's MPhil in International Relations, LSE's MSc International Relations, Cambridge's MPhil in Politics and International Studies, Leiden's Advanced MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy and programmes within Sciences Po's Paris School of International Affairs.
Which universities are best for undergraduate International Relations in Europe?
St Andrews, LSE, Sciences Po, King's, Warwick and Edinburgh are strong options. Check programme modules rather than relying only on the degree title.
Which European university is best for a UN career?
Geneva Graduate Institute is one of the strongest choices because of its academic focus and location within Geneva's international-organisation ecosystem.
Which European universities are affordable for International Relations?
Freie Universität Berlin is particularly attractive because the joint International Relations master's charges no tuition, although semester fees apply. Geneva Graduate Institute also has relatively low tuition compared with elite UK programmes.
Can I study International Relations in Europe in English?
Yes. English-taught programmes are widely available in the UK and at universities or institutes such as Sciences Po, Leiden, Amsterdam and Geneva Graduate Institute.
Is International Relations the same as Political Science?
No. International Relations focuses more closely on foreign policy, diplomacy, conflict, global governance and international organisations. Political Science is broader and also covers domestic institutions, elections, comparative politics and political behaviour.
Is it too early to apply for 2027?
No. Several universities have already published 2027 information, and Sciences Po opens its 2027 master's applications at the end of September 2026. Applicants should start preparing documents now.
How do I choose between two International Relations universities?
Compare the course modules, career location, tuition, scholarships, admission requirements and professional opportunities. If you want help weighing those factors against your academic profile and budget, you can discuss your options with an education adviser.
Final Verdict
The best universities in Europe for International Relations depend on what you want the degree to do for you.
Oxford offers exceptional research depth. LSE combines International Relations with London's policy ecosystem. Sciences Po is especially strong for diplomacy and public affairs, while Geneva Graduate Institute is difficult to beat for students targeting the UN and multilateral organisations.
Leiden stands out for diplomacy and The Hague, King's for international security, and Freie Universität Berlin for students who want to control tuition costs.
For 2027 entry, do not choose a university simply because it appears first in a ranking. Choose the programme whose academic strengths, career environment and total cost fit the path you actually want.