Master of International Relations

Aalborg University
International Relations
Masters
Arts & Humanities
Public University
Denmark

The Master’s in International Relations at Aalborg University is a two-year programme of 120 ECTS across four semesters, taught in English on the Aalborg campus with a September intake. It is built on research-based problem-based learning: lectures, seminars and workshops fill the first half of the first two semesters, and group project work fills the second half. Groups of three to six students write project reports that take about half of the study time and are defended at an oral exam. Students choose one of four tracks: EU Studies, Global Gender Studies, Global China Studies or Global Refugee Studies, and may switch early on.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Aalborg
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	23-November,15-june,
Fee Per Year	55000
Application Fee	780
Currency	dkk
Intake Link	https://www.en.aau.dk/education/apply/master/how-and-when-to-apply
Deadline Link	https://www.en.aau.dk/education/apply/master/how-and-when-to-apply
Intakes	February
Program language requirement	All applicants applying for a Master's programme offered in English must prove that their English level is equivalent to level B (Danish level) in English. Danish level B in English compares to: New English requirements from the September 2025 intake: IELTS (including IELTS Online) (academic test): 6.5 overall band score with a minimum score of 6.0 in each section, TOEFL iBT (internet-based + Home Edition): 85 with a minimum score of 20 in each section, C2 Proficiency (CPE): 180/ level C1, C1 Advanced (CAE): 180/ grade C, ECPE: Passed test including certificate,

Who can Choose this program?

4-year Bachelor’s degree (16 years of education) in International Relations, Political Science, Political Economy, History, Law, Sociology, or a related social science/humanities field from a HEC-recognized university.

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Graduates work across several sectors. In the public sector they find roles in ministries, embassies, consulates and national or regional administration. International organisations such as the UN and the EU are possible employers, and NGOs and civil society are often a first step into international careers. The private sector offers work on international markets, sustainability, gender policy and lobbying. Typical roles are analyst or adviser, project manager on development or sustainability topics, and consultant in global companies. The internship semester helps build contacts, and some graduates continue to a PhD in International Studies or a research or teaching career.
Program entry requirement	The following Bachelor’s degrees are deemed qualified for admission to this Master’s programme: Language and International Studies, Aalborg University Politik og administration, Aalborg University Political Science, Aarhus University Political Science, University of Southern Denmark Political Science, University of Copenhagen Even though your bachelor’s degree is deemed qualified for admission, please note that this master’s programme has restricted admission and therefore your application will be prioritized based on the selection criteria stated below. Is your bachelor's degree not listed as qualifying? If your bachelor’s degree is not listed as a direct qualifying programme, you can still apply for admission. When you apply, the study board of the specific Master’s programme will make an individual academic assessment of your bachelor’s degree according to the admission requirements in ECTS mentioned below. If your bachelor’s degree is not listed as a direct qualifying programme you can still apply for admission. When you apply, the study board of the specific master’s programme will make an individual academic assessment of your bachelor’s degree according to the admission requirements in ECTS as stated below: Minimum of 30 ECTS credits within one or more of the following subject areas: International relations development studies European studies international political economy area studies (within social sciences) migration studies refugee studies integration studies international law or other central subjects of the program Please note that it is not possible to take supplementary courses in order to meet the requirements. Even though your bachelor’s degree is deemed qualified for admission, please note that this master’s programme has restricted admission and therefore your application will be prioritized based on the selection criteria stated below. Pre-assessments Aalborg University does not pre-assess applications for admission. This means that academic assessments are carried out only when an application for admission is submitted.
Required GPA	Bachelor’s: CGPA of 2.5 or equivalent (may vary by program).
GRE Required	No. GRE scores are not required for admission to this programme; admission is based on a relevant bachelor's degree, programme-specific requirements and proof of English proficiency.
GMAT Required	No. GMAT scores are not required for admission to this programme.
Application Process	Application Process: University Application Documents • Completed university application form • All academic transcripts (officially translated into English or Danish) • Passport/Travel document • ID Photo • CV • LoM / SOP (Letter of Motivation / Statement of Purpose) • Proof of English/Danish language proficiency • Proof of financial support • Any other required documents depending on the University (e.g., references, medical certificates) 2. Attestation & Legalization (For Visa ONLY – Not for University Application) • Legalization of educational documents is a must for Visa Apply not for applying in University. (Depends case to case) • Attestation from IBCC, HEC and MOFA is also mandatory for Visa application but not for applying in university. (Depends case to case) 3. Visa Fee & Financial Requirements • Visa fee: 334 Euros • Bank Statement: 11k Euros • Bank statement age: 6 months old • Sponsor: Self or Parents
Available Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/aalborg-university-phd-scholarship/
Program accreditation	Aalborg University holds positive institutional accreditation from the Danish Accreditation Institution (Akkrediteringsinstitutionen), which means its degree programmes are quality-assured and state-recognised under the Danish higher education system. The programme page does not list a separate programme-specific or international accreditation.
Living expenses	Living Expenses in Denmark • Monthly Budget: Generally ranges from DKK 6,000 to DKK 10,000 (~€800 to €1,350). Copenhagen is significantly more expensive than regional cities. • Upfront Costs: Expect a heavy initial cash layout—landlords frequently require 3 months of rent as a deposit plus the first month's rent upfront. • Visa Proof of Funds: You must show access to roughly €11,000 to €13,000 in a bank account under your name to satisfy SIRI visa requirements for the first year. • Perk: Public healthcare is 100% free once you receive your CPR number.
Visa Process Details	Visa Checklist 1. Paper/Online Application Form (Online Preferred) 2. SIRI Processing Fee Receipt 3. Travel Document / Passport 4. Previous Visa History Documents (if any) 5. Recent ID Photos (recent, white background, no headwear) 6. All Academic Transcripts 7. Previous Work Experience (if any) 8. Original CNIC & Family Registration Certificate issued by NADRA (in English) 9. Police Character Certificate 10. Medical and Travel Insurance (covers €30,000 in Schengen Area) 11. Proof of English/Danish Language Proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) 12. Verification of payment for studies provided by the educational establishment 13. Proof of Accommodation and Flight Reservation (both ways) 14. LOM / SOP 15. Financial Means Proof: Bank statement for the last six months in your own name or your guardian's name, containing funds to support your stay – €914 per month. You must multiply the amount by the number of months you will be studying in a higher educational program in Denmark (for a maximum of 12 months, approximately €11,000). However, the bank statement must not be older than 30 days. 16. The Consular might ask for additional documents if found necessary.
Part timework	Part-Time Work in Denmark • Hours: Non-EU students can work up to 90 hours per month during semesters and full-time in June, July, and August. • Average Pay: High hourly wages, typically DKK 130 to DKK 200 (~€17 to €27) depending on the sector. • Essentials: Requires a CPR number (residence registration), a NemKonto (bank account), and a Tax Card (Skattekort) to avoid a default 55% tax rate.
Post-study work opportunity	Post-Study Work Opportunities • 3-Year Job-Seeking Permit: Automatically granted or easily accessible upon graduating from an accredited Danish higher education program. • Work Rights: You can continue working part-time (90 hours/month) while searching for a career-level role. • Switching to a Full Work Visa: Once you find a full-time professional job, you can transition smoothly into a regular work permit via fast-track systems like the Pay Limit Scheme (minimum salary requirement applies) or the Positive List (shortage occupations).

What are the admission requirements for the Master's in International Relations at Aalborg University?

The admission requirements for the Master's in International Relations include a 4-year Bachelor's degree in fields such as International Relations, Political Science, Political Economy, History, Law, Sociology, or a related social science/humanities field from a HEC-recognized university. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum of 30 ECTS credits in certain subject areas, proof of English proficiency, and a CGPA of 2.5 or equivalent.

How much does it cost to study at Aalborg University for the Master's program?

The tuition fee for the Master's in International Relations at Aalborg University is 55,000 DKK per year. There is also an application fee of 780 DKK.

What is the duration of the Master's in International Relations program?

The Master's program in International Relations at Aalborg University has a duration of two years, which is equivalent to 120 ECTS credits.

What English language tests are accepted for admission to the Master's program?

Accepted English language tests include IELTS with an overall band score of 6.5 (minimum score of 6.0 in each section), TOEFL iBT with a score of 85 (minimum 20 in each section), and other equivalent tests such as C2 Proficiency and C1 Advanced.

What opportunities do graduates of the Master's in International Relations program have?

Graduates typically find roles in various sectors, including the public sector (ministries, embassies), international organizations (UN, EU), NGOs, and the private sector focusing on international markets and policy. Many graduates also choose to pursue a PhD or a research and teaching career.