collageInternational Relations (IR) is a very popular discipline among students. To keep up with the interests of students, universities and colleges improve and add new IR courses all the time. On our portals alone, there are over 1,200 Bachelor’s and 1,100 Master’s degrees in International Relations.
But what if you’re only willing to study at a top university? We’ve got you covered! Looking at data from rankings created by Times Higher Education and TopUniversities, the following are the best international relations schools in the world. We’ve also included the average acceptance rates where available:
1. Best international relations schools in the world – TopUniversities Subject Rankings 2021
- Harvard University, US – 4.6% acceptance rate
- Sciences Po, France – 20% acceptance rate
- University of Oxford, UK – 17.5% acceptance rate
- Princeton University, US – 5.8% acceptance rate
- The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK – 8.9% acceptance rate
- University of Cambridge, UK – 21% acceptance rate
- Stanford University, US – 4.3% acceptance rate
- Yale University, US – 6.1% acceptance rate
- The Australian National University, Australia – 35% acceptance rate
- National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore – 5% acceptance rate
2. Best international relations schools in the world – Times Higher Education Subject Rankings 2022
- University of Oxford, UK
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US – 6.7% acceptance rate
- Stanford University, US
- Harvard University, US
- Princeton University, US
- University of California, Berkeley, US – 16.3% acceptance rate
- The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK
- University of Cambridge, UK
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, US – 22.9% acceptance rate
- The University of Chicago, US
We also recommend these universities that offer International Relations degrees:
- T185895inn University, Estonia – 20-30% acceptance rate
- University of Birmingham, the UK – 79% acceptance rate
- The University of Western Australia, Australia – 38% acceptance rate
- Masaryk University, the Czech Republic – 30-40% acceptance rate
- Karlshochschule International University, Germany
Student reviews of the best international relations schools in the world
Below, we’ve listed several reviews from students who took courses at some of the best international relations schools worldwide. Their experience can help you understand better what’s it like to study at some of the most prestigious universities and colleges abroad.
Sciences Po
“Sciences Po is one of the best universities for political science and international relations, not only in France but also on an international scale.
The academic program is unique and challenging, the professors are highly qualified, and the campus life is well animated. The main area that needs improvement is the administration and working towards acquiring more recognition abroad.”
Yale University
“Yale is a great place to study because it fosters the interdepartmental exchange between scholars of different fields. The opportunities at Yale are immense. Support exists in every fashion. Facilities and resources are unparalleled. Definitely recommend.”
Masters In International Relations Usa
Top Ten Master’s Programs for International Relations in the U.S.
1) Georgetown University: School of Foreign Service
2) Johns Hopkins University: The School of Advanced International Studies
3) Harvard University: Kennedy School
4) Princeton University: Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs
5) Tufts University: The Fletcher School, a Graduate School of International Affairs
6) Columbia University: School of International and Public Affairs
7) George Washington University University: The Elliot School of International Affairs
8) American University: School of International Service
9) University of Chicago
10) Stanford University: Ford Dorsey Master’s in International Policy
Source: ForeignPolicy.com: The Best International Relations Master’s Programs
Top 10 International Universities for Master’s in Politics and International Studies
1) University of Oxford
2) London School of Economics and Political Science
3) Sciences Po – Paris
4) University of Cambridge
5) The Australian National University
6) University of Toronto
7) National University of Singapore
8) Freie University Berlin
9) University of Tokyo
10) University of Sydney
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