Home / Programs / Poland / MA International Relations
Postgraduate programme
Master of Arts (MA)
Jagiellonian University
🇵🇱 Krakow, Poland · QS ~300 · Founded 1364

MA International Relations

Study at Poland's oldest university (founded 1364), in the stunning medieval city of Krakow. The English-taught MA covers European integration, security studies, and diplomacy.

2 years
Full-time duration
€3,000
Tuition (international)
October 2026
Next intake
IELTS 6.0
English requirement
Overview

Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364, is Poland's oldest and one of Central Europe's most prestigious universities. Its English-taught MA in International Relations covers European integration, international security, and diplomacy — in the beautiful, affordable, UNESCO-listed city of Krakow, a gateway to careers across the EU.

Compare options

Same field, different universities

See how this programme compares with international relations, law & business degrees at other universities we work with.

UniversityCountryLevelDurationTuition/year
Jagiellonian University ★ This programme 🇵🇱 Poland Master's 2 years €3,000
Universitat de Barcelona QS ~150 🇪🇸 Spain Bachelor's 4 years €2,500
University of Birmingham QS #80 🇬🇧 UK LLM 1 year £25,200
University of Glasgow QS #78 🇬🇧 UK Bachelor's 4 years £22,800
University of Bologna Oldest in the world 🇮🇹 Italy Bachelor's 3 years €2,800

Your counsellor helps you compare and apply to multiple programmes simultaneously — at no cost.

Entry requirements

What you'll need

AcademicBachelor's in social sciences, politics, or a related field
EnglishIELTS 6.0 or equivalent
PolishNot required — programme taught in English
DocumentsTranscripts, statement of purpose, CV, passport
💡

Not sure you meet these? We offer foundation and pathway routes — your counsellor will find the right one.

What you'll study

Core modules

01 International Security
02 European Integration
03 Diplomacy & Foreign Policy
04 International Organisations
05 Research Methods
06 Master's Thesis
After you graduate

Career outcomes

€20,000

Starting salary in NGOs & diplomacy

9-month permit

Post-study job-seeking residence permit

EU access

Degree recognised across Europe

NAWA

Polish Government scholarship available

How to apply

Application timeline

January – April 2026
Prepare your application
Gather transcripts, statement of purpose, CV, and IELTS score. Your counsellor reviews everything free of charge.
April – July 2026
Submit your application
Apply through Jagiellonian's online recruitment system. Early applicants get priority for places and housing.
June – August 2026
Receive admission decision
The faculty reviews applications, sometimes with an online interview. Your counsellor follows up on your behalf.
July – September 2026
Visa & accommodation
Apply for your National Visa D, arrange health insurance, and secure housing in Krakow. Apply for the TRP after arrival.
October 2026
Orientation & semester start
Arrive in Krakow, complete enrolment, and begin your MA International Relations at Jagiellonian.
Fees & funding

Tuition fees & deposit

Tuition (international)Per annum€3,000
Application feeOne-time~€85–150
DepositBefore enrolment/visaFirst semester tuition

Indicative figures for October 2026 entry. NAWA scholarships and university fee waivers can reduce tuition substantially. Your counsellor confirms exact fees and matches every scholarship you qualify for — at no cost.

Scholarships

Funding you may be eligible for

Poland combines low tuition with generous public funding through NAWA and university fee waivers. Your counsellor will match you with every award you qualify for and handle the applications.

NAWA Polish Government Scholarships
National Academic Exchange Agency
PLN 1,500/month (≈€350)
Coverage: Monthly stipend; some NAWA programmes add a tuition waiver
Eligibility: Strong academic record; specific NAWA programmes (e.g. Banach, Łukasiewicz)
Duration: Up to programme length
Deadline: Varies by programme — typically spring
Source: nawa.gov.pl, 2026
University Fee Waivers
Polish universities
Up to 100% tuition
Coverage: Partial or full tuition reduction
Eligibility: Outstanding academic results or financial need
Duration: 1 year, renewable
Deadline: With admission application
Source: university scholarship offices, 2026
Government Scholarships (home country)
Saudi SACM, Kuwaiti, Qatari & other national programmes
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living allowance + flights
Eligibility: Sponsored students from GCC & MENA countries
Duration: Full programme length
Deadline: Set by your national scholarship authority
Source: national scholarship authorities, 2026
🎓

Not sure which scholarships you qualify for? Your counsellor reviews every option and handles the applications — at no cost to you.

Loans & financing

Alternative funding options

Tuition in Poland is already affordable. If scholarships don't fully cover your costs, these options help — and full-time students can work freely with no hour cap.

Part-time work
Full-time students — no extra permit needed
No hour limit

Full-time international students in Poland can work without an additional work permit and with no weekly cap. Average student wage is PLN 25–35/hour (≈€6–8) in hospitality, retail, and Warsaw's growing IT sector.

Prodigy Finance
International student loans
Varies

No collateral or cosigner required for eligible postgraduate students at top-ranked universities. Covers tuition and living expenses, with rates based on future earning potential.

Family support & savings
Standard route for the residence permit
≈€180/month

Poland's living-funds requirement is modest (≈PLN 776/month). Most students prove it through family savings or a sponsor declaration alongside any scholarship award.

Living costs

Monthly budget in Krakow

Krakow is one of Europe's most beautiful and affordable university cities — a medieval gem with a huge international student community.

Rent€250–€450
Food€130–€220
Transport€20–€30
Health insurance€30–€50
Personal€80–€140
Estimated total€510–€890/month

One of Europe's most affordable university cities.

Student visa

Visa requirements for Poland

Visa typeNational Visa D + Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)
Fee€80 (visa) + additional fee for the TRP
Financial proof≈PLN 776/month (≈€180) plus tuition, for the full stay
Health insuranceNational Health Fund (NFZ) or private insurance
Processing4–8 weeks for the visa; apply for the TRP after arrival
Post-graduation9-month job-seeking residence permit
📋

Your counsellor guides you through the full visa process — from document preparation to embassy appointment booking.

Student stories

Hear from our students

"Jagiellonian's reputation and Krakow's beauty drew me in, but the affordability sealed it. The MA gave me a European perspective on diplomacy and an internship with an international organisation. SAG handled my visa from start to finish."
YH
Youssef H.
MA International Relations, Jagiellonian — Class of 2026 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
"Studying international relations at Poland's oldest university, in the EU, for €3,000 a year is unbeatable. My counsellor matched me with a fee waiver and guided my whole application."
RA
Rana A.
MA International Relations, Jagiellonian — Class of 2025 · 🇯🇴 Jordan
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is the MA International Relations at Jagiellonian taught in English?
Yes — the programme is fully English-taught, with no Polish required for admission or coursework. Jagiellonian, founded in 1364, is Poland's oldest and most prestigious university.
Can I work while studying in Poland?
Yes — full-time international students in Poland can work without any additional work permit and with no weekly hour cap. Krakow has a strong outsourcing and services sector with English-speaking roles.
What scholarships are available?
The main options are NAWA Polish Government scholarships (≈PLN 1,500/month) and university fee waivers of up to 100% of tuition. Your counsellor matches you with every award you qualify for.
How much does it cost to live in Krakow?
Krakow is one of Europe's most affordable university cities — most students live on €510–€890 per month including rent. For your visa you only need to show living funds of around PLN 776/month (≈€180).
What careers does this lead to?
Graduates work in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, policy analysis, and EU institutions. You can stay on a 9-month job-seeking permit, and your degree is recognised across Europe.
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