A Bachelor's in Politics & International Studies in Europe typically runs 3 years in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium — or 4 years in Ireland and the UK — under the Bologna Process, the continent-wide framework that ensures your degree is recognized across 49 countries. That shorter timeline means the total cost of a European Politics & International Studies bachelor's is often lower than US or UK equivalents, even before accounting for tuition differences.
Tuition varies by country: public universities in Germany and Norway charge little to nothing even for non-EU students, while the Netherlands typically runs €2,000–€4,000/year for EU students. English-taught Politics & International Studies programs are widely available — particularly at Dutch, Scandinavian, and Belgian universities — and usually require IELTS 6.0 or equivalent for admission. Most programs also include Erasmus+ exchange eligibility, letting you spend a semester at another European university as part of your degree.
Browse the Politics & International Studies bachelor's programs below to compare fees, duration, language of instruction, and entry requirements side by side. Click any card to see full program details and request information directly from universities currently accepting applications.
Featured Bachelor's Programs in Politics & International Studies
A selection of programs available across Europe — explore details, fees, and requirements.
Bachelor's Degree in International Relations
UCAM – Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia Murcia
Bachelor's Degree in International Relations UCAM – Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia
Visit Program WebsiteInternational Relations
Corvinus University of Budapest Budapest, Hungary
International Relations Corvinus University of Budapest
Visit Program WebsitePublic Policy and Administration
Kaunas University of Technology – KTU Kaunas, Lithuania
Public Policy and Administration Kaunas University of Technology – KTU
Visit Program WebsiteInternational Relations
Vistula University Warsaw, Poland
International Relations Vistula University
Visit Program WebsiteEuropean Studies
University of Bologna Bologna, Italy
European Studies University of Bologna
Visit Program WebsiteInternational Relations
ELTE – Eötvös Loránd University Budapest, Hungary
International Relations ELTE – Eötvös Loránd University
Visit Program WebsitePhilosophy, Politics, Economics (PPE)
Corvinus University of Budapest Budapest, Hungary
Philosophy, Politics, Economics (PPE) Corvinus University of Budapest
Visit Program WebsiteLaw and Global Security
Mykolas Romeris University Vilnius, Lithuania
Law and Global Security Mykolas Romeris University
Visit Program WebsiteInternational Studies
University of Bologna Bologna, Italy
International Studies University of Bologna
Visit Program WebsiteEconomics, Politics and Social Sciences
University of Bologna Bologna, Italy
Economics, Politics and Social Sciences University of Bologna
Visit Program WebsiteCulture, Politics and Society
Central European University Vienna, Hungary
Culture, Politics and Society Central European University
Visit Program WebsiteEconomics, Politics and Ethics
Free University of Bozen-Bolzano Bruneck-Brunico, Italy
Economics, Politics and Ethics Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
Visit Program WebsitePolitics and international relations bachelor's degrees in Europe are predominantly research-oriented — they train you to analyze political systems, processes, and international dynamics using theory and evidence. The balance between qualitative and quantitative methods varies by institution and shapes the career trajectories that follow. Under Bologna, three-year programs are standard. Many include an Erasmus+ exchange semester, which is particularly valuable for IR students who benefit from political exposure in different national contexts.
Bachelor's in Politics & International Studies: year by year
Year 1
- Introduction to political theory and key concepts
- International relations theory: realism, liberalism, constructivism
- Research methods basics: qualitative and quantitative
- Introduction to comparative politics or European studies
Year 2
- Specialism modules: security, European politics, development, etc.
- Advanced research methods (statistics, case study, discourse)
- Erasmus+ exchange semester (common in IR programs)
- Research paper or extended essay
Year 3
- Thesis on original research question
- Advanced specialism seminars
- Professional development module or internship
- Thesis defense or final examination
Why Europe for Politics & International Studies?
Studying politics and IR in Europe means being embedded in the political system you are studying. Brussels is a 2-hour train from Amsterdam, Paris, or Frankfurt. Policy processes, political parties, and international organizations are accessible in ways that are impossible in more geographically isolated contexts.

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