Best universities for Political Science in Europe for 2024 (EU only!)

Want to study Political Science? Then, you're at the right place!

In this article, we delve into the best universities for studying Political Science in mainland Europe, especially focusing on those within the European Union due to the recent tuition increases at British universities post-Brexit. We've carefully considered various factors, including international rankings, tuition costs, English-taught programs, and student satisfaction rates gathered from online reviews, to bring you a well-rounded guide that we hope you will find very informative.

1. Sciences Po

Sciences Po, founded in 1872, is one of the most prestigious universities in France and is renowned worldwide for its focus on the social sciences. Sciences Po offers specialized programs in political science, international relations, law, economics, history, and sociology, with an emphasis on cultivating a global perspective and fostering critical thinking.

Did you know that the graduates of Sciences Po have their pictures displayed on the Eiffel Tower?

2. University of Bocconi

Bocconi University, located in Milan, Italy, is a prestigious institution renowned for its rigorous programs in business, economics, and law. While tuition fees are required, Bocconi also provides a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to support its diverse student body. The university's urban campus is situated in Italy's financial and fashion capital, offering students a dynamic environment for both academic and personal growth.

QS Ranking (Politics) Tuition Fees Politics Programs in English
4

Bachelor:

  • All: €16,500

Master:

  • All: €18,000

Tuition fees don't differ between EU and Non-EU.

Studying at Bocconi University has been a truly enriching and fun experience. In terms of education, I was particularly impressed by the world-class quality of Bocconi's academic faculty. Many professors are thought leaders in their respective fields, and this excellence is clearly reflected in the quality of teaching. At the same time, the Bocconi faculty fosters close ties to other globally renowned institutions as well as to the private sector.

Domenico Maddio Bocconi, MSc Economic and Social Sciences
3. Leiden University

Leiden University, located in the historic cities of Leiden and The Hague in the Netherlands, has a robust academic tradition dating back to 1575, making it the oldest university in the country. Leiden is renowned for its great political science and international politics departments, which for 2024 has been ranked as 15th in the World according to QS Ranking.

QS Ranking (Politics) Tuition Fees Politics Programs in English
15

Bachelor:

  • EU: €2,530
  • Non-EU: €13,400

Master:

  • EU: €2,530
  • Non-EU: €20,900

"Leiden University offers a bunch of attractions, and one of the highlights for me is spending time by the canals. It's incredibly peaceful, especially in the evening when the lanterns are on. The law library is another standout feature—it's truly impressive. The professors are approachable and knowledgeable, often times joking around with the students. Overall, the study program (law) is demanding but with the proper amount of studying it’s definitely doable."

Adam El Abel Leiden University, L.L.B. Law
4. University of Amsterdam

Located in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, the University of Amsterdam, dating back to 1632, offers a wide range of programs, including a notable political science track. It's known for its research-focused environment and commitment to addressing global issues through interdisciplinary studies. With a focus on academic freedom, the university prepares students for successful careers in academia and beyond.

QS Ranking (Politics) Tuition Fees Politics Programs in English
23

Bachelor:

  • EU: €2,530
  • Non-EU: €7,100

Master:

  • EU: €2,530
  • Non-EU: €16,900

Studying at the University of Amsterdam has been a delightful journey. The range of courses provided a comprehensive exploration of potential paths for my future studies and career. The international community among my classmates enriched group assignments and discussions, making learning even more engaging. Amsterdam's compact size and bike-friendly infrastructure made navigating the city a breeze, further enhancing the overall experience of studying in this vibrant city.

Tamas Vince University of Amsterdam, BSc Business Administration
5. Central European University

Central European University (CEU) is a graduate-level, private university accredited in the US, Austria, and Hungary. Known for social sciences, humanities, law, public policy, and management, CEU draws students and faculty from over 100 countries, creating a vibrant international atmosphere. Despite political challenges, especially in Hungary, CEU primarily operates out of Vienna while keeping a presence in Budapest. It's celebrated for its strong research, distinguished faculty, and dedication to social engagement and democratic values.

QS Ranking (Politics) Tuition Fees Politics Programs in English
26

Master:

  • All: €11,000 - 17,000

Tuition fees don't differ between EU and Non-EU.

Hungary is an often overlooked, yet very much recommended study destination!

6. ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich excels not just in STEM but also in social sciences, emphasizing critical thinking and teamwork. The university welcomes students from around the world and fosters a lively community that encourages innovative thinking and solving real-world problems. Beyond the classroom, ETH Zurich offers a variety of cultural, social, and fun activities, enriching student life in one of Europe's most beautiful cities.

QS Ranking (Politics) Tuition Fees Politics Programs in English
30

Bachelor & Master:

  • All: €11,000 - 17,000

Tuition fees don't differ between EU and Non-EU.

7. KU Leuven

Established in 1425, KU Leuven is Belgium's largest and top-ranked university. Renowned for its research excellence and interdisciplinary approach, it engages actively with society and industry. With a rich history and European academic influence, it's a top choice for students worldwide. KU Leuven consistently ranks among the top 50 political schools globally.

QS Ranking (Politics) Tuition Fees Politics Programs in English
61

Master:

  • EU: €1,000-4,000
  • Non-EU: €5,000 - 7,999
8. Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin, formally known as The College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin, is the oldest university in Ireland and the sole constituent college of the University of Dublin. Established by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, Trinity College stands out not only for its historic legacy but also for its academic excellence across a broad spectrum of disciplines, specializing in Social Science and Medical Studies.

QS Ranking (Politics) Tuition Fees Politics Programs in English
81

Bachelor:

  • EU: €5,000 - 11,000
  • Non-EU: €21,000 - 32,000

Master:

  • EU: €6,000 - 20,000
  • Non-EU: €8,000 - 30,000
9. University of Mannheim

The University of Mannheim, founded in 1967 with roots tracing back to 1763, is renowned for its strong focus on business, economics, and social sciences. Its main campus is uniquely located in the Mannheim Palace, in the heart of Mannheim, Germany. The university is public, offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various fields, including humanities and law. It's known for its urban campus and has gained recognition for its academic excellence, both nationally and internationally.

QS Ranking (Politics) Tuition Fees Politics Programs in English
90

Bachelor & Master:

  • EU: €408
  • Non-EU: €3,000
10. University of Groningen

Established in 1614, the University of Groningen ranks among the top 100 globally. It offers a wide array of bachelor's and master's programs for international students, with varying tuition fees and exemptions available. Additionally, it provides numerous scholarships to support motivated learners worldwide.

QS Ranking (Politics) Tuition Fees Politics Programs in English
151

Bachelor:

  • EU: €2,530
  • Non-EU: €13,100

Master:

  • EU: €2,530
  • Non-EU: €18,700
Summary

In today’s article we provided you with a comprehensive summary of the best universities to study Politics in Europe. We hope that the article covered the scope of the topic and answered most or all your potential questions. We also hope that it will help you to make a final decision about where to study your political science degree.

If after reading you still have some questions regarding the article, the university you should ultimately choose or are looking for guidance regarding studying abroad - make sure to hit us up at contact@edunade.com! Also, if you need more information about specific universities, their requirements, application guides, and much more, be sure to check out our platform - Edunade Academy, with tons of useful FREE resources 💪 🥳

Michael Slowak CEO & Co-Founder

Michael is a graduate of University of Cambridge and the co-founder of Edunade. He is currently responsible for expanding Edunade's operations into Saudi Arabia and helps with maintaining our foothold in Europe.

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