MA in
International Relations
Sharpen your understanding of international affairs and global events by studying with us
Are you interested in diplomacy? Do you envision yourself as a future international business leader? Or maybe you want to work for the betterment of humanity in the United Nations? If so, the MA in International Relations program at Corvinus University in Budapest is the perfect next step for you! Develop the skills and instincts for the analysis of international politics in an exciting world-heritage location where East meets West.
Corvinus University’s MA in International Relations program awaits you with a curriculum renewed to reflect the demands of the current turbulent period of international politics transformed by technology and data. The focus is on giving you the skills to navigate the challenges of beginning a career in the field of International Relations by offering an engaging learning experience in our courses, including a wide range of elective courses, to suit your goals and interests.
Why Join the MA in International Relations at Corvinus University?
- Learn from an international staff with strong research credentials and frequent appearances in the media
- Benefit from a curriculum updated to reflect the latest developments in the field of International Relations
- Gain deeper insight into the political economy of international conflict and cooperation, including the role private tech companies from Microsoft to Meta play in the global governance of contemporary IR, provides deeper understanding of complex issues
- Specialize in key areas such as global governance, terrorism, migration, climate change, digitalization and human rights, informed by advanced studies in Foreign Policy Analysis, Security Studies, International Law, Area Studies and International Political Economy.
- Experience a practice-oriented approach: students are expected to apply theoretical frameworks to real-world situations. The curriculum frequently incorporates interactive coursework, including case studies, simulations, and policy analysis.
- Take part in engaging extracurricular programs designed to enhance your professional skills and expand your networking opportunities
- Study IR in a free-thinking academic community
- Enjoy diverse career prospects: Our MA program equips you for careers in policy analysis, diplomatic service, international consultancy, or roles within intergovernmental (UN, EU, NATO, OSCE, OECD) and non-governmental organizations.
Programme name: International Relations
Programme award: Master, MA
ECTS: 120
Duration: 4 semesters (2 years)
Teaching hours: 10-16 hours/week
Start date: September 2025
Tuition fees (EEA):
800 000 Ft/semester
cca. 2 000 EUR/semester*
Tuition fees (Non-EEA):
3 300 EUR/semester
What will you study?
Core Modules*
- Research Design and Academic Writing
- Comparative Foreign Policy
- Globalisation and Economic Power
- Major Powers in a Changing International Order
- Contemporary Models in International Relations Theory
Core Modules*
- Global Problems and Global Challenges
- Non-State Actors in International Relations
- Digital Transformations in International Relations
- Regime Types and Human Rights
- East Central Europe in the 21st Century
* The above is not an exhaustive list. Corvinus University of Budapest reserves the right to change modules.
Application Requirements
- Completed bachelor/undergraduate degree
- Entrance exam
- Meet minimum credit requirement
- For more, please click here!
For Hungarian Citizens
You can apply through felvi.hu, for more details switch to the Hungarian website.
Credit Requirements
In Hungary, there are legal pre-requisite credit requirements to study graduate programmes.
Please make sure you meet the minimum requirements for this programme before applying.
The full number of credits necessary for joining this master’s program is 60, from the following areas:
- introduction to social science: sociology, psychology, philosophy, anthropology, psychology
- legal-governance studies: public law and civil law, constitutional law, public administration science, public policy, business law
- economic studies: economy, macro and micro economics, corporate economics, finance, international economics − political science: political thought, political history, international studies,
- historical, cultural, and linguistic studies: economy, social and cultural history studies, linguistic, filologic studies.
The prerequisite of admittance into the Master’s programme is for the student to have at least 30 credits. Missing credits must be attained as defined in the higher education institution’s Study and Exam Regulations.
Tip: to quickly calculate your credits in ECTS, divide learning hours by 30!
Learning hours should be formally described, but can be constituted of classroom hours, private study and assessment.
Scholarships
There are two remarkable scholarship opportunities available to Non-EU international students:
- Stipendium Hungaricum (for non-EU nationals from >70 countries)
• Diaspora scholarships (for international students with Hungarian ancestry).
Both scholarships entitle you to:
- Free tuition for the duration of your studies
• 43,700 HUF (c. €120) per month for the duration of your studies (for living costs)
• University accommodation or an additional 40,000 HUF (c. €110) per month for the duration of your studies (accommodation allowance)
• Medical insurance.
Eligibility requirements apply, so please click on “Scholarship opportunities” for more information.
There are three ways to apply to Corvinus as an international student
Dr. Bernadett Lehoczki
Program Director
Associate Professor
From the Program Director…
Dear Students, Future Students, and Colleagues,
The International Relations MA program at Corvinus University is rooted in decades of tradition. Over the years, many ambassadors and foreign minister in Hungarian diplomacy have completed our program, and our alumni have achieved remarkable success in international organizations, think tanks, journalism, local governments, and the non-profit sector.
Our newly updated curriculum is designed to address the challenges of today’s rapidly changing global landscape. We recommend this program to those who are eager to gain deeper insights into the forces shaping international news, analyze the background of past and present international conflicts, and understand the motivations of global actors.
We welcome students from all over the world, and our dynamic, multicultural environment fosters strong networking opportunities and helps launch your international career. Our program emphasizes interactivity and a practice-oriented approach in the classroom, while extracurricular activities enrich the overall learning experience.
We look forward to welcoming you to our program!
Alumni
Accreditations and Rankings
#350-400 for Economics and Econometrics
Career Opportunities
Graduating with an MA in International Relations from Corvinus University opens doors to a wide range of career paths. Whether in public administration, business, the non-governmental sector, or academia, your options are diverse. Depending on your interests and skills, you could pursue roles such as:
- Diplomat or public servant handling international affairs
- Officer or analyst at intergovernmental organizations (UN, EU, NATO, OSCE, OECD, and more)
- Advisor or practitioner at international NGOs (e.g., Oxfam, Amnesty International)
- Foreign policy analyst or journalist specializing in international affairs
- Various positions within multinational corporations or national companies
Many graduates secure jobs immediately after completing the program, reflecting the demand for professionals with expertise in international relations.