Pursuing Postgraduate Study: 10 Master's in International Affairs to Consider and How to Make the Best Study Choice for You

Pursuing a master's qualification can be a worthwhile investment for your career in international affairs. It can enhance your expertise, develop your technical skills and expand your network. Master's programs are usually both competitive and a significant financial investment, so it is best to consider which program, if any, is best for you. 

In this article, we explore ten master's programs in international affairs across Australia and the world that are worth your consideration. These programs have unique reasons that make them stand out, in addition to their strong academic quality, professional development opportunities and reputations. We then consider how you can make the best study choice for you, irrespective of the program.

1. THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE: Master of International Relations

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Duration: 1-2 years full-time

Indicative Fees: AUD$17,399-$67,200 (domestic) / AUD$48,992-$102,884 (international)

Scholarships: Yes

Three reasons to consider it:

• Flexible study program: you can choose from three potential programs - 2 years, 1.5 years and 1 year full-time - depending on your work experience. 

• Commonwealth supported places: this degree has a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) awarded to domestic fee-paying students based on academic merit. If you receive a CSP, your tuition fees are significantly reduced, as the Australian Government will pay a part of your fees. 

• Mixed course structure: the mix of compulsory, core, elective and practical (capstone) courses enables you to develop your knowledge of IR theory and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as your specialist understanding and practical experience in your chosen area(s) of international affairs. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a student exchange and study another language.

2. THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY: Master of International Relations

Location: Canberra, Australia

Duration: 2 years full-time

Indicative Fees: AUD$75,100 (domestic) / AUD $112,240 (international)

Scholarships: Yes

Three reasons to consider it:

• Connection to government: the ANU is ideal for pursuing work in the Australian public sector (for Australian citizens), given its proximity to federal Government departments working on international affairs (e.g. the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Treasury, Defence, and Prime Minister and Cabinet). You could seek to work part-time during study, or vice versa. 

• Specialised and rigorous curriculum: you can develop your specialist knowledge by completing courses in your chosen specialisation, such as Asia and the Pacific, diplomacy, international law or strategic studies. The rigorous curriculum, which includes quizzes, policy papers, essays, exams, and oral presentations, will equip you with the practical skills and knowledge to advance your career. 

• Ranking and reputation: you will study at one of the top universities in the world for international relations (according to the QS World University Rankings), which is generally well known and regarded by prospective employers in this field.

3. ERASMUS MUNDUS: Master in Global Studies

Location: Leipzig, Germany; Wrocław, Poland; Vienna, Austria; Ghent, Belgium; Roskilde, Denmark

Duration: 2 years full-time

Indicative Fees: EUR€4,600

Scholarships: Yes, Erasmus Mundus Scholarships.

Three reasons to consider it:

• Interdisciplinary program: you will gain a comprehensive understanding of complex global challenges, including global governance, justice, development and integration of the world economy, through a combination of history, anthropology, sociology, political science, and economics. 

• A global experience: you will study one academic year each at two participating European universities - Ghent University, Leipzig University, Roskilde University, University of Vienna, or University of Wrocław - and you can spend your third semester at a partner non-European university. 

• Affordability: tuition fees are substantially lower (€4,600) than most other Master’s degrees. If you are awarded an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, you will receive a tuition waiver, a €1,400 per month living allowance and medical coverage. If you’re not awarded a scholarship, you can still apply for an Erasmus+ grant of €500-600 per month for one year.

4. UTRECHT UNIVERSITY: Master of International Relations in Historical Perspective

Location: Utrecht, the Netherlands

Duration: 1 year full-time

Indicative Fees: EUR€20,605

Scholarships: Utrecht Excellence Scholarship

Three reasons to consider it:

• Historical Perspective: the program combines historical analysis with international relations, and so you will gain a greater historical understanding of international politics and current global developments, as well as further develop your critical thinking and research skills. 

• Flexibility: you have the flexibility to pursue:

  • an applied research track, where you will participate in an in-house Applied Research Lab;

  • a practice track, where you will intern at an external organisation, or 

  • a research track, where you will follow a research tutorial and write a research thesis. 

• Student environment: Utrecht has a vibrant student environment, with a mix of international and Dutch students, picturesque canals and biking. You will find a strong sense of community here, as well as easy access to the rest of the Netherlands.

5. UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN: Master of International Relations

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Duration: 2 years full-time

Indicative Fees: Not available

Scholarships: Yes

Three reasons to consider it:

• Gain a global perspective: you will be at the intersection of theory and practice, studying in a growing power and region where theoretical discussions, such as on development, conflict and human rights, are playing out on the ground. You’ll thus gain a traditionally underrepresented perspective on issues in international affairs. 

• Renowned institution: UCT is Africa's highest-rated university and ranks among the top universities globally. The university has the most top researchers in South Africa, ensuring you’ll learn from top academics in international affairs.

• Economic and career opportunities: you may find that tuition fees and the cost of living are significantly lower in South Africa compared to other continents. Africa’s rapid economic growth and hundreds, if not thousands, of NGOs and non-profit organisations may present you with unique career opportunities.

6. STANFORD UNIVERSITY: Ford Dorsey Master’s in International Policy

Location: Palo Alto, USA

Duration: 2 years full-time

Indicative Tuition: USD$124,000

Scholarships: Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

Three reasons to consider it:

• The People: you will be taught by some of the world's best scholars on international policy. The MIP program is directed by Francis Fukuyama and features leading practitioners from government and industry, including former ambassadors, UN officials and Silicon Valley policy executives. You will have an intimate and dynamic learning experience with a small, global cohort of talented students with unique perspectives.   

• Academic excellence: you will study at one of the highest-ranked universities in the world, where you can pursue joint or dual degrees, specialise in different subfields of international policy, undertake an exchange at the Vienna School of International Studies, and gain practical training in solving real-world policy problems. 

• Student experience: you can live on a campus that is leading the way on environmental sustainability. You can choose from a plethora of athletics and clubs to join, as well as explore the stunning San Francisco Bay Area. 

7. NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE: Master in International Affairs

Location: Singapore 

Duration: 2 years full-time

Indicative Tuition: S$109,312

Scholarships: LKYSPP-Hinrich Global Trade Leader Scholarship

Three reasons to consider it:

• The Singapore factor: you will be studying in a global business hub and gateway for your potential career in Asia. Singapore is also known for its high quality of life with a safe and clean environment, high-quality infrastructure, and efficient public transport. You will experience rich and dynamic cultural influences, including European, Chinese, Malay, and Indian.

• Study opportunities: this program offers ample opportunities to enhance your study of international affairs, such as through discussions with senior local diplomats and specialising in your preferred area of IR. 

• Global experience: you will meet students from across the world (eighty per cent of NUS’s students are international). You can leverage NUS’s strong global partnerships to pursue double degree programmes and exchanges with other world-leading institutions, as well as expand your network by attending conferences and events that bring together scholars, students and practitioners. 

8. UNIVERSITY OF CHILE: Master of International Studies

Location: Santiago, Chile

Duration: 2.5 years part-time

Indicative Tuition: Unknown

Scholarships: Yes

Three reasons to consider it:

• Academic prestige and regional expertise: the University of Chile is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Latin America. It attracts a diverse student body, with a strong emphasis on creativity and problem-solving. This setting offers you the chance to develop your specialised knowledge of Latin America’s challenges and opportunities in international affairs, at a salient time as the region is a rising global power.

• Specialised program: you will study a multidisciplinary curriculum, which draws on political, economic, social, legal and historical analysis to provide you broad and deep understanding of issues related to governmental and non-governmental relations. 

• Vibrant city life and professional opportunities: studying in Santiago gives you access to a lively city with a rich cultural scene, museums, and events. The city is also a growing hub for technology and business, providing you with professional networking and career opportunities to explore.

9. THE UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX: Master of International Relations

Location: Falmer, United Kingdom

Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time

Indicative Tuition: £23,500

Scholarships: Yes

Three reasons to consider it:

• South Downs setting: the University of Sussex campus, in the picturesque South Downs National Park, connects you with nature and supports a healthy lifestyle with easy access to walks, runs, and bike-riding.  The University is also a ten-minute bus or train ride to the seaside city, Brighton, known for its creative and diverse culture. And you’ll only be a 1-hour train ride from London.  

• Teaching method: you will take courses taught by passionate and leading lecturers in their field, attend interactive lectures and have lively discussions with other students in seminars. Many courses only have one assessment, allowing you to genuinely engage with the subject matter without the stress of constant assessments. 

• Student culture: Sussex is known for its welcoming, fun, and thriving student culture. It is very LGBTIQA+ friendly, offers multiple sporting and social clubs to join, and has student events/activities taking place throughout the year. 

10. THE EUROPEAN INSTITUTE: Master in European Studies and International Relations - European Integration and Global Studies

Location: Berlin, Nice, and Rome or Istanbul

Duration: 9 months

Indicative Tuition: €9,800

Scholarships: Yes

Three reasons to consider it:

• Unique programme: if you are an aspiring or current policy officer in international organisations and European institutions, then this program is for you. You will study a mix of theoretical and practical modules, such as cooperation in the international system and European integration, that will equip you with the skills and understanding to advance your career.  

• Living and studying in Europe: You will live and study in Berlin, Nice and Rome or Istanbul for three months each - experiencing all that three major European hubs have to offer. You will do so alongside other young professionals in international affairs, gaining new insights and broadening your perspectives. 

• First-hand insights into international institutions: You will learn from leading academics and practitioners, including high-ranking national and EU representatives. You can take study trips to Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg, where you will meet with public officials and develop your insights into working in European and international organisations, and broaden your networks. 

Making the best choice for you

Of course, these master's programs are by no means an exhaustive list of all the rewarding programs available. If you want to pursue a master's, we encourage you to further investigate which program may be best for you. To do so, we suggest you compare different options and ask yourself some basic questions:

• Will the master advance my career goals?

• Does the program content and structure appeal to me? 

• What is the quality of the teaching?

• Can I afford this master's? Are scholarships or funding available?

• What are the entrance requirements? Am I eligible?

A few practical steps you can take to answer these questions are:

• Consider your career goals: think about where you want to be in the next 5 or 10 years' time.

• Research the "nitty-gritty": look at course handbooks to see what you will actually be studying. 

• Talk to people in the field: reach out to professionals, current students, or teachers for insights.

At the end of the day, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ study choice. There is simply the best choice for you at a point in time, with the information available to you. That may be one of the above programs, a different one or none at all!