These colleges, which are ranked among Europe’s best public policy schools, provide students with a high-quality education that includes internships, study abroad, and research opportunities that lead to careers as government officials and community activists. These universities concentrate on the study of public administration, policymaking, and social policy. Want to learn more about Europe’s Best Public Policy Schools, European Universities of International Relations, University of Amsterdam Public Policy, and the Best Government Schools in the World?

Trying to understand material available on the internet in articles, or even getting your brain around it in the first place, may be challenging, especially if you have no prior understanding of the subject. Finding the correct information on it could be difficult as well. But don’t worry; the article below will relieve you of your anxiety regarding the Best Public Policy Schools in Europe.

international relations universities in europe

Degrees in public policies (MPP) and policy analysis (MPA) delve into the creation of political processes and how those can change societies. There are policies for almost every single part of society, which all need to be thoughtfully created, reviewed and updated. 

You might have previously studied public policy as a specialization in an undergraduate politics degree, but if not, here’s a quick definition. Public policy focuses on the processes by which various types of policies and regulations that affect members of the public are created and enforced. You’ll learn about the executive, legislative and administrative processes involved, as well as how to analyze and develop policies and conduct relevant research. You’ll also build your understanding of the wider economic, political and social factors to be considered.

Master of public policy courses 

Master of Public Policy (MPP) courses may be one or two years long, depending on the country and whether you choose to study full or part-time. As well as the MPP, they could be offered as Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Art (MA) qualifications.

The content of Master of Public Policy programs tends to overlap with that of Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees, due to the need for an understanding of public administration (how government policies are put into action) in order to fully analyze policies and programs. This means your public policy degree may be offered as dual major, alongside administration. 

best public policy schools in the world

Top 25% Public Policy Schools, all authors, all publication years

Rank	Institution	Score	Authors	Author shares
1	Kennedy School of Government, Harvard UniversityCambridge, Massachusetts (USA)	1.18	79	44.82
2	Harris School of Public Policy, University of ChicagoChicago, Illinois (USA)	2.9	23	18.13
3	School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Columbia UniversityNew York City, New York (USA)	3.72	26	16.2
4	DIW Berlin (Deutsches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung)Berlin, Germany	3.74	150	101.27
5	Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National UniversityCanberra, Australia	4.99	157	90.15
6	Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State UniversityAtlanta, Georgia (USA)	5.4	69	60.17
7	Hoover Institution on War Revolution & Peace, Stanford UniversityStanford, California (USA)	6.4	11	7.41
8	Department of Policy Analysis and Management, College of Human Ecology, Cornell UniversityIthaca, New York (USA)	8.32	22	19.68
9	Economic Analysis & Policy Group (EAP), Walter A. Haas School of Business, University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley, California (USA)	10.66	5	3.34
10	National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)Tokyo, Japan	11.05	43	35.28
11	Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR), Stanford UniversityStanford, California (USA)	12.7	18	7.95
12	Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB)Nürnberg, Germany	15.19	62	49.48
13	Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, University of VirginiaCharlottesville, Virginia (USA)	15.23	22	17.64
14	Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason UniversityArlington, Virginia (USA)	15.57	14	12.52
15	Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of MichiganAnn Arbor, Michigan (USA)	15.68	14	9.11
16	Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke UniversityDurham, North Carolina (USA)	15.82	14	12.88
17	ESRC Centre for the Microeconomic Analysis of Public Policy (CPP), Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS)London, United Kingdom	16.16	32	12.85
18	Institute for Policy Research (IPR), Northwestern UniversityEvanston, Illinois (USA)	17.22	3	2
19	Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER, CEPS/INSTEAD)Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg	18.24	40	32.19
20	Department of Business Economics and Public Policy, Kelley School of Business, Indiana UniversityBloomington, Indiana (USA)	19.16	16	14.76
21	International Center for Public Policy, Department of Economics, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State UniversityAtlanta, Georgia (USA)	21.25	19	12.88
22	Centre of Policy Studies and Impact Project (COPS), Victoria UniversityMelbourne, Australia	21.91	23	20.05
23	Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison, Wisconsin (USA)	23.65	8	4.83
24	Griswold Center for Economic Policy Studies, Department of Economics, Princeton UniversityPrinceton, New Jersey (USA)	23.7	2	0.84
25	Experimental Economics Center, Department of Economics, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State UniversityAtlanta, Georgia (USA)	23.84	5	4.09
26	Équipe de Recherche sur l’Utilisation des Données Individuelles en lien avec la Théorie Économique (ERUDITE), Université Paris-EstCréteil, France	23.86	52	41.41
27	McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown UniversityWashington, District of Columbia (USA)	27.44	16	10.35
28	H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management, Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA)	30.31	9	8.13
29	School of Public Policy, University of MarylandCollege Park, Maryland (USA)	31.86	8	7.05
30	Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts UniversityMedford, Massachusetts (USA)	32.79	3	2.5
31	Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, California (USA)	33.56	19	10.55
32	School of Public Policy, University of CalgaryCalgary, Canada	34.77	7	5.54
33	Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)Los Angeles, California (USA)	36.03	5	3.47
34	Dipartimento di Politiche Pubbliche e Scelte Collettive (POLIS), Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”Alessandria, Italy	36.11	18	17.6
35	Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (MIoIR), Alliance Manchester Business School, University of ManchesterManchester, United Kingdom	36.14	18	14.21
36	School of Public Affairs, Arizona State UniversityPhoenix, Arizona (USA)	36.47	1	1
37	Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)Bruxelles/Brussel, Belgium	37.99	15	11.12
38	Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard UniversityCambridge, Massachusetts (USA)	38.65	9	3.9
39	Institut für Volkswirtschaftslehre, Social- und Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät, Karl-Franzens-Universität GrazGraz, Austria	38.97	8	7.5
40	TEPP Fédération de Recherche Travail Emploi et Politiques PubliquesNoisy le Grand, France	39.56	38	11.15
41	Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, University of California-San Diego (UCSD)La Jolla, California (USA)	41.24	5	2.29
42	James W. Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, University of KentuckyLexington, Kentucky (USA)	41.34	6	4.65
43	Osaka School of International Public Policy (OSIPP), Osaka UniversityOsaka, Japan	42.7	14	12.96
44	Mathematica Policy ResearchPrinceton, New Jersey (USA)	45.27	13	12.4
45	School of Public Policy, University of California-RiversideRiverside, California (USA)	45.58	4	3.5
46	Department of Business Economics and Public Policy, Wharton School of Business, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania (USA)	46.05	8	5.68
47	Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station, Texas (USA)	47.2	5	3.74
48	Centre d’Études des Politiques Économiques (EPEE), Université d’Évry Val d’EssonneÉvry, France	48.55	11	8.61

best international relations schools in europe

[Bonus] Best International Relations Schools in Europe

• Sciences Po, France.
• University of Oxford, UK.
• The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK.
• University of Cambridge, UK.
• King’s College London, UK.
• Free University of Berlin, Germany.
• SOAS University of London, UK.
• Leiden University, Netherlands.

best MPA programs in the world

Here are the best masters in public affairs programs

• Harvard University (Kennedy)
• University of California–Berkeley (Goldman)
• University of Southern California (Price)
• University of Washington (Evans)
• University of Michigan–Ann Arbor (Ford)
• University of Texas–Austin (LBJ)
• New York University (Wagner)

best public policy schools in asia

COUNTRY	SCHOOL / PROGRAM	INFORMATIONS
Singapore	1. Master in Public AdministrationNational University of Singapore – Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
China	2. Master of Public Administration (MPA) only for Chinese NationalsFudan University – School of Interational Relations and Public Affairs
South Korea	3. MA in Public AdministrationKorea University
Singapore	4. Master of Public AdministrationNanyang Technological University (NTU)
China	5. Master of Public Administration in International DevelopmentTsinghua University
South Korea	6. Master in Public AdministrationSeoul National University
China	7. Master in Public Administration (International MPA)Renmin University Of China
China	8. Master of Public Administration (MPA)Beijing Jiao Tong University – School of Economics and Management
Japan	9. Asian Public Policy ProgramHitotsubashi University
Japan	10. Public Management and Policy Analysis ProgramInternational University of Japan (IUJ)
Taiwan	11. Master in Public AdministrationNational Chengchi University
Malaysia	12. Master of Public AdministrationUniversity of Malaya
South Korea	13. Master in Public AdministrationHanyang University
China	14. Master in Public AdministrationTongji University – School of Economics and Management
China	15. Master of Public Economics and ManagementShanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE) – School of Public Economics & Administration
China	16. Master of Public Administration (MPA)Zhejiang University
Hong Kong (S.A.R.,China)	17. MSc in Public Sector ManagementThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University
South Korea	18. Master in Public PolicySogang University – Graduate School of Public Policy
Taiwan	19. MBA in Public Affairs ManagementNational Sun Yat-Sen University
Indonesia	20. Master in Public Policy and ManagementGadjah Mada University
China	21. MPAHarbin Institute of Technology
China	22. MPA Tianjin University
China	23. MPA (Master of Public Administration)Shenzhen University
Guam (U.S.A.)	24. Master of Public AdministrationUniversity of Guam
Thailand	25. Master in Public AdministrationChiang Mai University
South Korea	26. Master in Public PolicyKyung Hee University
China	27. Master in Public AdministrationChongqing University
Philippines	28. Master of Public AdministrationUniversity of the Philippines
China	29. Master of Public AdministrationUniversity of Science and Technology of China
South Korea	30. Master in Public AdministrationChonnam National University
China	31. Master in Public AdministrationCentral University of Finance and Economics (CUFE)
South Korea	32. Master in Public AdministrationPusan National University
China	33. MPA Master in Public AdministrationYunnan University
South Korea	34. Master in Public AdministrationChonbuk National University
China	35. Master of Public AdministrationGuangxi University
China	36. Master in Public AdministrationCapital University of Economics & Business (CUEB)
South Korea	37. Master in Public AdministrationChungnam National University
Cambodia	38. Master of Public AdministrationThe University of Cambodia
Malaysia	39. Master of Public ManagementUniversiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) – Ghazalie Shafie Graduate School of Government
Philippines	40. MA Public AdministrationUniversity of Santo Tomas (UST)

best public policy schools in germany

COUNTRY	SCHOOL / PROGRAM	INFORMATIONS
Germany	37. Dual master’s degree program in Public Policy & Management with HEC Paris (France)Freie Universität (FU) Berlin
Germany	42. Master of Science in Public PolicyUniversity of Münster
Germany	46. Master of Business Administration (Public and Non-Profit-Management)Universität Freiburg – Faculty of Economics and Behavioral Sciences

best public policy schools in uK

Institution	Guardian score/100	Satisfied with course	Satisfied with teaching	Satisfied with feedback	Student to staff ratio	Spend per student/10	Average entry tariff	Value added score/10	Career after 15 months	Contin-uation
1	Swansea	100	90.8	90	87.1	10.2	4	122	n/a	n/a	n/a
1	Strathclyde	100	89.7	93.2	82.7	17.5	5	195	n/a	n/a	90.3
3	Glasgow	95.9	93.7	93.6	77	14.9	5	175	6	n/a	90.3
4	Staffordshire	95.6	86	90.7	90.7	18.2	5	n/a	6	n/a	92.4
5	Chester	94	87.7	91.3	84.3	20.4	3	123	5	72	96.3
6	Loughborough	92.4	93.9	89.9	83.3	12.7	4	140	n/a	n/a	n/a
7	London School of Economics	92.3	70.5	79.2	75.2	11.8	9	164	8	n/a	96.1
8	UCL	92.1	69.2	79.5	63.5	7.9	10	165	n/a	n/a	n/a
9	Edinburgh	89.8	77.6	83.8	62	13.4	7	188	7	n/a	n/a
10	Kent	88.6	85.5	90.9	81.2	6.3	3	112	6	n/a	94.9

international relations universities in europe

International Relations, often referred to as IR or International Studies, is a specialisation in political science that studies the role of governments, international partnerships, NGOs and multinational corporations in an increasingly globalised world. Programs in International Relations deal with issues such as development, citizenship, human rights, violence and environmentalism in the context of global affairs. In this blog, we will cover the top 25 countries to study International Relations where you can study this diverse course!

Top Countries to Study International Relations Courses

1. USA
2. Switzerland
3. United Kingdom
4. Netherlands
5. Singapore
6. Germany
7. Canada
8. Ireland
9. New Zealand
10. India
11. Australia
12. Finland
13. France
14. Hong Kong
15. China
16. Spain
17. Turkey
18. Italy
19. Austria
20. Norway
21. Japan
22. Russia
23. Fiji
24. Denmark
25. Sweden

QS’s Top Universities for International Relations: 2021

Before we jump into the best countries for International Relations, here is a list of popular universities for IR!

University	Country	QS Subject Rank 2021
Harvard University	USA	1
Sciences Po	France	2
University of Oxford	UK	3
Princeton University	USA	4
London School of Economics & Political Science	UK	5
University of Cambridge	UK	6
Stanford University	USA	7
Yale University	USA	8
The Australian National University	Australia	9
National University of Singapore	Singapore	10

Why Pursue International Relations?

International Relations is a great way to start a career in politics, government, transnational non-profit organisations, or diplomats. As a IR student, students study a wide range of interdisciplinary subjects like economics, business, global affairs, management, history, politics, sociology, comparative governments, etc. Let’s look at some reasons why you should study the subject in some of the best countries for International Relations.

• Studying International Relations will teach you how to work with numerous cultures, people and entities, and with this kind of learning experience, you can find yourself opening up a range of exciting career possibilities in a variety of areas.
• An IR major provides students with the essential knowledge, confidence and core analytical skills that can help one to make sense of the international system and have an impact on government, business, and society well into the future. 
• The degree gives an option for students to leverage their core knowledge from a number of social science fields in order to become more informed citizens and, in many cases, pursue careers in related fields.
• Studying International Relations takes place in the perfect environment to learn from and not only in a classroom with a teacher. International Relations is more of a practical approach where the students experience the knowledge rather than learn about it in books. You need to choose the right location to align it with your academic or career ambitions in order to get the most out of International Relations programs.

Here are some of the Top Countries to Look Out for Studying International Relations study abroad programs:

The United States

The United States is one of the best countries to look out for studying International Relations. It provides the most favourable opportunity to learn more about democracy, a type-state that many nations are trying to attain. Many nations still adopt the American style of government in their own nations. But moving to the U.S. to learn would be a very great decision if you were to become a civil servant in your home country later on. Aside from studying the tenets of democracy, the United States is also the headquarters of many international organizations. Representatives from different countries around the globe meet to promote peace and stabilize socio-economic and political ties with each other.

Top US Universities for International Relations

• Harvard University
• Princeton University 
• Stanford University 
• Yale University 
• University of California, Berkeley

Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the top countries to look out for studying IR by students. As the location of the Geneva Convention and home to several international, political and economic bodies, several of Switzerland’s businesses and institutions are open to international audiences, and political knowledge is felt in the country’s institutions. There are a lot of schools which have a beginners course in International and Diplomatic Relations. The country also hosts the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations, one of the most respected institutions that focus on politics, business, and government on an international scale.

Top Swiss Universities for International Relations

• University of Geneva
• University of Zurich 
• University of Bern
• University of Basel

The United Kingdom

UK universities deliver the best level of excellence in IR. Students who look out for studying IR often choose the UK as it is a very popular destination. It is also home to some of the most esteemed professors in the field. Many ambitious politicians and civil servants have graduated from these top universities in the United Kingdom.

Top UK universities for International Relations

• London School of Economics and Political Science
• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• UCL
• Kings College of London

The Netherlands

Another European destination that is ideal for students of IR is the Netherlands. Studying abroad in Amsterdam does not only deliver a desirable global climate. It also opens the doors to internships in The Hague or at the offices of the International Criminal Court. If you are intending to focus on global law, the Netherlands is the place to be.

Top Netherlands Universities for International Relations

• Leiden University
• Erasmus University
• Maastricht University

Study in NetherlandsMasters in Netherlands

Singapore

If you want to learn more about Asian and Global diplomacy, you must study in Singapore. It provides a good learning atmosphere for students interested in the field of global politics and especially those who want to specialize in international business. The country is also similar to other Asian nations and provides a multidimensional culture of Chinese, Malays, Hindus and Westerners.

Top Singapore Universities for International Relations

• National University of Singapore
• Nanyang Technological University

Most Popular Courses for IR

IR is a broad area of study and involves several topics, students can find this programme under various names like International Affairs, Global Affairs, International Political Economy etc. Candidates can pursue international relations at every entry level. Let’s check out some popular courses you can pursue in the field of IR and kickstart your global career:

• Certificate in International Women’s Health and Human Rights
• Certificate in Introduction to Contemporary Geopolitics
• Certificate in Global Diplomacy
• Diploma in International Affairs and Diplomacy
• Bachelors in Politics with International Relations
• BA in Political Science
• BA in International Studies
• BA in Middle Eastern Studies
• BA in Politics and Policy
• BA in Public Administration
• BA in International and Global Studies
• BA in Economics with International Relations
• MA in Global Affairs
• MA in International Affairs
• MA in International Studies
• MA in Global Policy
• MA in International Political Economy
• MA in Political Science
• MA in International Journalism
• MA in European Studies 

Career Scope 

Students with an IR degree can opt for a number of jobs and here are some most common career paths and job profiles-

• Journalist
• Political Writer
• Intelligence Analyst 
• Politician
• Research Analyst
• Psephologist 
• Social Worker
• Policy Analyst 
• Immigration Specialist 
• Public Affairs Specialist 
• International Marketing Manager 
• Political Risk Analyst 
• Diplomat 
• Manager

[Bonus] Best International Relations Schools in Europe 

• Sciences Po, France
• University of Oxford, UK
• The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK
• University of Cambridge, UK
• King’s College London, UK
• Free University of Berlin, Germany
• SOAS University of London, UK
• Leiden University, Netherlands
• Central European University, Austria
• University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
• University of Copenhagen, Denmark
• ETH Zurich, Switzerland
• European Institute Institute
• MGIMO University, Russia

best government schools in the world

We have drilled down into the schooling data to look at which countries have the best education systems. Neither the US or the UK make the grade in the top 11 (3 countries are tied for 9th, making 11 the clearest cut off point.)

Here are the ones that did make the grade:

=9. Japan: 5.6

Japan is one of the top performing countries for literacy, science, and maths in the OECD group. Students go through six years of elementary school, three years of junior high school, and three years of high school before deciding whether they want to go to university. High school is not compulsory but enrolment is close to 98%.

=9. Barbados: 5.9

The Barbados government has invested heavily in education, resulting in a literacy rate of 98%, one of the highest in the world. Primary runs from 4 to 11, with secondary 11 to 18. The majority of schools at both levels are state-owned and run.

=9. New Zealand: 5.6

Primary and secondary education in New Zealand runs from aged 5 to aged 19, with school compulsory between 6 and 16. There are three types of secondary schools in New Zealand: state schools educate approximately 85% of students, state-integrated schools — private schools that have been integrated into the state but keep their special charter — educate 12%, and private schools educate 3%.

8. Estonia: 5.7

Estonia spends around 4% of its GDP on education, according to 2015 figures. The country’s 1992 Education Act says that the goals of education are “to create favourable conditions for the development of personality, family and the Estonian nation; to promote the development of ethnic minorities, economic, political and cultural life in Estonia and the preservation of nature in the global economic and cultural context; to teach the values of citizenship; and to set up the prerequisites for creating a tradition of lifelong learning nation-wide.”

=6. Ireland: 5.8

The majority of secondary schools in Ireland are privately owned and managed but state-funded, but there are also state comprehensives and vocational schools. However, a recent report shows that Ireland’s spending on education fell 15% behind the developed world during the height of the financial crisis, 2008 to 2013, suggesting its education system could suffer in future.