MA International Relations
Study global politics where it happens — in Berlin, home to embassies, NGOs and international institutions. A tuition-free, research-intensive master's at one of Germany's leading universities, with an 18-month post-study permit into the EU's policy and diplomacy sectors.
- ✓ Study at a world top-100 university — tuition-free for internationals (QS 2026)
- ✓ Based in Berlin — embassies, NGOs, think tanks and EU-facing institutions on your doorstep
- ✓ Qualify for Germany's 18-month post-study permit and EU-wide careers
The program covers IR theory, global governance, security, international political economy and area studies, with strong methods training and a research thesis. FU Berlin's location gives you real access to practitioners, guest lectures and internships in the policy world.
Graduates move into diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, journalism and consulting across Europe. Tuition-free study plus an 18-month post-study permit make it outstanding value for a global-affairs career.
Same field, different universities
| University | Country | Level | Duration | Tuition/year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FU Berlin ★ This programme | 🇩🇪 Germany | Master's | 2 years | €0 (fee/sem) |
| Oxford (MPhil IR) QS #3 | 🇬🇧 UK | Master's | 21 months | £37,100 |
| Jagiellonian (MA IR) QS #300 | 🇵🇱 Poland | Master's | 2 years | €3,000 |
| Birmingham (LLM) QS #80 | 🇬🇧 UK | Master's | 1 year | £25,200 |
What you'll need
| Academic | Bachelor's in political science, IR or related social science | |
| Prerequisites | Relevant coursework; methods background helpful | |
| English | IELTS 6.5 for English-taught tracks | |
| German / APS | German for German-taught modules; APS for some countries | |
FU Berlin IR is competitive and research-focused. Your counsellor helps you craft a strong motivation statement and confirms the right English-taught track for your profile.
Core areas
Career outcomes
€40k+
Typical EU graduate policy/analyst salary
18-month permit
Post-study job-seeking in Germany
Fields
Diplomacy, NGOs, think tanks, EU institutions
EU mobility
Work across the European Union
Application timeline
Tuition fees & costs
| Tuition (international) | Public university | €0 |
| Semester fee | Incl. semester transport ticket | ≈€312/sem |
| Blocked account (Sperrkonto) | Living funds for visa | €11,904/yr |
| Student visa fee | National Visa (Type D) | ≈€75 |
Funding you may be eligible for
Alternative funding options
Available to students at German universities; some non-EU nationals with residence permits may apply. Repayment begins after graduation.
Work 140 full or 280 half days per year without a separate permit. Berlin offers many working-student roles at NGOs, media and research institutes.
Monthly budget in Berlin
Berlin is creative, international and more affordable than Munich, with excellent transport (your semester ticket is included) and a huge student community. Sharing a WG keeps rent down.
Visa financial proof: blocked account (Sperrkonto) of €11,904/year (≈€992/month), from which you withdraw a fixed monthly amount.
German student visa requirements
| Visa type | National Visa (Type D) for study | |
| Admission letter | Official admission from FU Berlin | |
| Financial proof | Blocked account €11,904/year (≈€992/month) | |
| Health insurance | German statutory or recognised private insurance | |
| Processing | 6–12 weeks at nearest German embassy | |
| Post-graduation | 18-month job-seeking residence permit (§ 20 AufenthG) | |
Hear from our students
"Studying IR in Berlin means the theory comes alive — embassies, NGOs and think tanks are everywhere, and I interned at one during my master's. And it was tuition-free. My counsellor handled the APS and visa from start to finish."
"Berlin is affordable and endlessly international. The 18-month post-study permit gave me time to land a role at an international organisation after graduating."
Frequently asked questions
Ready to apply for International Relations?
Start your free application with a counsellor who knows German admissions, the APS and blocked account.