What is a Masters in
International Relations in France?
A Masters in International Relations (IR) is a postgraduate degree that prepares you for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, security studies, development policy, and global governance. It combines political science, international law, economics, and area studies into a rigorous, analytically demanding program.
France is not just another country that teaches IR — it is where international relations happen. Paris hosts the headquarters of UNESCO, the OECD, the International Chamber of Commerce, and the European Space Agency. Strasbourg is home to the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights.
Sciences Po Paris — ranked #3 in the world for Politics & International Studies — has produced presidents, prime ministers, and the heads of virtually every major international organisation. For Indian students, France offers a combination of world-class education, institutional access, and affordability that no other country can match.
Quick Comparison
IR vs Public Policy
Sciences Po Paris
Sorbonne Université
Université Paris-Saclay
Université Paris Cité
ESSEC Business School
HEC Paris
INALCO
Université de Strasbourg
Université de Lyon
Université Grenoble Alpes
Université de Bordeaux
Aix-Marseille Université
Sciences Po Paris
Sorbonne Université
Université Paris-Saclay
Université Paris Cité
ESSEC Business School
HEC Paris
INALCO
Université de Strasbourg
Université de Lyon
Université Grenoble Alpes
Université de Bordeaux
Aix-Marseille Université
6 Reasons France Is
the Best Place to
Study International Relations
No country offers the combination of institutional access, academic prestige, and affordability that France delivers for International Relations students.
Seat of UNESCO, OECD & ESA
France hosts the headquarters of UNESCO, OECD, ESA, and dozens of other major international organisations. No country outside the USA and Switzerland offers this level of institutional access for IR students.
Paris — Global Diplomacy Capital
Paris is the world's diplomatic nerve centre. From the Quai d'Orsay to UNESCO's headquarters, the city offers unparalleled proximity to the institutions that shape international policy — and the internships that open doors.
Sciences Po — World's #3 for IR
Sciences Po Paris ranks #3 globally for Politics & International Studies (QS Rankings). Its alumni include presidents, prime ministers, and the leaders of every major international organisation. No other European IR school commands this prestige.
Multilateral Thinking by Design
France's IR programs are built on multilateral, multicultural foundations. You study alongside 50+ nationalities, with mandatory international exchanges and direct exposure to European Union governance in Strasbourg and Brussels.
2-Year Post-Study Work Visa
France's APS permit gives you the right to live and work in France after graduation, with full Schengen zone access — a direct path to careers in European diplomacy, international organisations, and policy research.
Public Universities Under €500/Year
World-class IR education at French public universities costs just €243–€500 per year. Even Sciences Po's fees (€10K–€14K) are a fraction of comparable programs at LSE, Georgetown, or Columbia.
IR Programs in France
— by School
Select a school to explore its programs and USPs. Also browse related programs: Masters in Management, Finance, Data Science, International Business and Cyber Security.
Sciences Po Paris
#3 World
Programs Offered
Why Sciences Po Paris
Ready to apply to Sciences Po Paris?
What Indian Students
Need to Qualify
These are baseline criteria. Our counsellors assess your profile individually and tell you exactly where you stand.
Academic Score & Accepted Degrees
Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) in Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Political Science, Economics, or related fields. Sciences Po Paris expects 75%+ (CGPA 7.5+). Sorbonne and Paris-Saclay accept 65%–70%. Other public universities work with 60%+. Strong academic writing skills are essential for IR programs.
Strong SOP & Essays
IR admissions at Sciences Po and Sorbonne place enormous weight on your Statement of Purpose, research proposal, and written essays. Your SOP must demonstrate genuine engagement with global affairs, not just academic interest.
English Proficiency
IELTS 6.5–7.0 or equivalent TOEFL score. All top IR programs in France are taught in English — no French language requirement for admission. Learning French is encouraged but not mandatory.
Work Experience
Not mandatory for most IR Masters programs — they welcome fresh graduates with 0–2 years of experience. However, Model UN participation, NGO volunteering, policy research internships, or work with international organisations (UN agencies, embassies, think tanks) significantly strengthen your application at Sciences Po. Any demonstrated engagement with global affairs — journalism, debate societies, or diplomatic simulations — is viewed very favourably.
Documents Required
Statement of Purpose (1–2 pages — articulate your understanding of global affairs, any fieldwork or research experience, and career goals in diplomacy, policy, or international development), 2–3 Letters of Recommendation (1 academic + 1 professional or mentor preferred), updated CV, all academic transcripts, passport copy, and a writing sample or research proposal if required. Sciences Po's Emile Boutmy Scholarship applications are highly competitive — always write original, well-researched essays.
Not sure if you qualify? Our counsellors do a profile analysis and tell you which schools you can get into — and what it takes to strengthen your application.
When to Apply for International Relations Masters
in France
French business schools follow a rolling admissions model. Applying early gives you the best chance at scholarships and preferred campus choices.
September / Fall Intake
Primary Intake — Most Programs
Round 1 (Early)
Best scholarship chances
Round 2 (Regular)
Main application window
Round 3 (Late)
Limited seats, fewer scholarships
Classes Begin
Orientation typically starts late August
January / Spring Intake
Select Programs Only
Applications Open
Fewer schools offer Jan intake
Application Deadline
Rolling admissions at most schools
Visa Processing
Allow 6–8 weeks for Campus France
Classes Begin
Some schools start late January
Pro tip: Apply in Round 1 (October–December) for the September intake. This gives you the highest scholarship allocation, more campus choices, and ample time for visa processing through Campus France.
Most top schools like HEC Paris, ESSEC, and ESCP fill their seats by Round 2. Don't wait for Round 3 unless you have no other option.
Masters in International Relations
— Tuition Fees
Part-time work (20 hrs/week permitted) significantly offsets living costs of €900–€1,200/month.
| University | Annual Tuition (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Sciences Po Paris | €10,000 – €14,000/yr |
| Sorbonne Université | €243 – €500/yr |
| Université Paris-Saclay | €243 – €500/yr |
| Université Paris Cité | €243 – €500/yr |
| ESSEC Business School | €18,000 – €25,000/yr |
| HEC Paris | €22,000 – €30,000/yr |
| INALCO | €243 – €500/yr |
| Université de Strasbourg | €243 – €500/yr |
| Université de Lyon | €243 – €500/yr |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | €243 – €500/yr |
| Université de Bordeaux | €243 – €500/yr |
| Aix-Marseille Université | €243 – €500/yr |
Total Budget Estimate
Scholarship Tip
The Sciences Po Émile Boutmy Scholarship can cover up to full tuition for exceptional non-EU students. The Eiffel Scholarship also covers living expenses.
*Fees are approximate and change each intake. Contact our counsellors for current, scholarship-adjusted figures.
Scholarships for IR in France
Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
Charpak Excellence Masters
Sciences Po Émile Boutmy Scholarship
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
DAAD Franco-German Scholarships
Regional Council Scholarships
Scholarship availability changes each intake cycle. Our team tracks these in real-time — speak to us before you apply.
We've lived this
journey.
We walk it with you.
We've stood where you are — uncertain, hopeful, and afraid of getting it wrong.
What began as our own journey to France became a promise to guide others with honesty, not pressure. Our founders and partners don't just know about France — they live in Europe. Our co-founder pursued her Masters in France and calls Paris home today.
She didn't read about the experience online. She lived it. That means when you talk to us, you get reality — not a sales pitch built on brochures. We tell you what university interviews feel like. What the visa process actually requires. What Paris costs in January. What you'll miss about India, and what you'll love about France.
"We are always there to help or guide you — anytime — from India to France, forever."
— StudyFrance Founders & Co-owner, Paris
Our End-to-End Services
University Selection & Shortlisting
We match you with the right schools based on your profile, budget, and career goals — not what's easiest to sell.
Application & SOP Crafting
Our team has reviewed hundreds of successful applications to Sciences Po, Sorbonne, and top French IR schools. We know what works.
Scholarship Guidance
We track all scholarship cycles and help you apply for every opportunity you qualify for — government and school-level.
Visa Support — Zero Guesswork
France visa applications can be complex. We guide you through every document, every step, with zero confusion.
Pre-Departure & Settlement Support
From accommodation hunting in Paris to setting up your French bank account — before and after you land.
Ongoing Mentorship — Always
Our co-owner in Paris and our France alumni network are always a WhatsApp message away, for as long as you need us.
Career Prospects After
IR Masters in France
France's unique position as the host country for UNESCO, OECD, and dozens of international organisations means IR graduates have direct access to career opportunities that simply don't exist elsewhere. Sciences Po alumni lead international organisations, ministries, and NGOs across the globe.
Common career paths include diplomacy, policy analysis, international development, EU governance, intelligence, and international journalism. Starting salaries range from €35,000 to €70,000, with EU Policy Advisors and Intelligence Analysts at the higher end.
The 2-year APS visa creates a powerful window for Indian students: gain European work experience at UN agencies, EU institutions, or international NGOs before deciding your long-term path. StudyFrance alumni have built careers in Paris, Brussels, Geneva, and New Delhi.
| Job Role | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer | €40,000 – €65,000 |
| Policy Analyst | €38,000 – €55,000 |
| International Development Officer | €35,000 – €52,000 |
| NGO Programme Manager | €36,000 – €50,000 |
| EU Policy Advisor | €45,000 – €70,000 |
| Intelligence Analyst | €42,000 – €62,000 |
| International Journalist | €35,000 – €50,000 |
Your IR Questions,
Answered Honestly.
Everything Indian students ask us before deciding to study International Relations in France.
Absolutely. France is the seat of UNESCO, OECD, and dozens of international organisations. Sciences Po Paris is ranked #3 globally for Politics & IR. For Indian students, France offers unmatched institutional access, affordable public university fees (€243–€500/yr), a 2-year post-study work visa, and direct pathways into European diplomacy and international development careers.
Ready to Shape
the World's Future?
Whether you're just exploring or ready to apply — our Paris-based team walks every step with you. From India. To France. Forever.