The world of international relations is in a state of constant flux, with new challenges and opportunities emerging at an ever-increasing pace. To meet these challenges, the need for well-educated and highly skilled professionals in international relations has never been greater.
The following is a list of the top international relations schools in the world, as ranked by the QS World University Rankings 2023. These schools offer a rigorous academic foundation, coupled with practical experience and a global perspective, to prepare students for successful careers in diplomacy, government, business, and academia.
Harvard University
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Tuition: $59,169 per year (undergraduate)
Enrollment: 20,000+
Faculty-to-student ratio: 1:10
Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university that consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. The Harvard Kennedy School, the university’s public policy graduate school, has been ranked as the number one graduate school for international relations for the past 17 years by the QS World University Rankings. The school offers a range of master’s and doctoral programs in international relations, as well as a joint degree program with the Harvard Law School.
University of Oxford
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Tuition: £35,635 per year (undergraduate)
Enrollment: 24,000+
Faculty-to-student ratio: 1:11
The University of Oxford is a public research university that is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. The Oxford Department of Politics and International Relations is one of the largest and most prestigious departments of its kind in the world. The department offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in international relations, as well as a number of research centers and institutes.
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Location: London, United Kingdom
Tuition: £35,000 per year (undergraduate)
Enrollment: 13,000+
Faculty-to-student ratio: 1:10
The London School of Economics and Political Science is a public research university that specializes in the social sciences. The LSE Department of International Relations is one of the leading departments of its kind in the world. The department offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in international relations, as well as a number of research centers and institutes.
Yale University
Location: New Haven, Connecticut, United States
Tuition: $65,500 per year (undergraduate)
Enrollment: 13,000+
Faculty-to-student ratio: 1:10
Yale University is a private Ivy League research university that consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. The Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs is the university’s public policy graduate school. The school offers a range of master’s and doctoral programs in international relations, as well as a number of research centers and institutes.
Princeton University
Location: Princeton, New Jersey, United States
Tuition: $62,500 per year (undergraduate)
Enrollment: 8,000+
Faculty-to-student ratio: 1:10
Princeton University is a private Ivy League research university that consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs is the university’s public policy graduate school. The school offers a range of master’s and doctoral programs in international relations, as well as a number of research centers and institutes.
Other Top International Relations Schools
In addition to the top five schools listed above, there are a number of other excellent schools that offer strong programs in international relations. These schools include:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Chicago
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Georgetown University
- Tufts University
- University of Southern California
Why Study International Relations?
There are many reasons why students choose to study international relations. Some students are interested in careers in diplomacy, government, or business. Others are interested in pursuing careers in academia or research. Still others are interested in simply learning more about the world around them.
Regardless of their motivations, students who study international relations gain a number of valuable skills and knowledge. These skills and knowledge include:
- A deep understanding of the history, politics, and economics of the world.
- An ability to analyze global events and trends.
- A strong command of written and oral communication skills.
- A commitment to ethical and responsible decision-making.
Benefits of Studying International Relations
There are a number of benefits to studying international relations. These benefits include:
- Increased career opportunities. Graduates with a degree in international relations are in high demand for a variety of jobs in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
- A broader understanding of the world. Students who study
