Political Science and International Relations in Turkey

Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) is a four-year social-science bachelor's covering political theory, comparative politics, international law, diplomacy and foreign-policy analysis. Turkey is a strong place to study it because the curriculum sits next to live regional questions: the Black Sea, the Middle East, the Caucasus and EU relations. For 2026–27, English-taught PSIR starts at $4 000 a year at Ankara Medipol and $4 400 at Üsküdar, Turkish-taught tracks start at $4 200 (Üsküdar), and Sabancı sits at the top of the range at $36 500.

Political science and international relations are sometimes separate departments in Turkey. Combined PSIR programmes give a balance of domestic politics and global affairs; if you are sure you want diplomacy and foreign policy, compare pure International Relations degrees such as those listed by İstinye, Bilgi and Nişantaşı.

The first year introduces politics, economics, sociology, law and history. The second and third years build the core: political theory, comparative politics, international relations theory, international law and organisations, and foreign-policy analysis, with Turkish foreign policy and regional studies as a local speciality. The final year is built from electives and a research paper; many departments also run Model UN teams and internships with NGOs, think tanks or consulates.

PSIR admissions at private universities rely on school results. Language is the main hurdle.

1. School certificate and transcript. Humanities and language marks help. The Ministry of National Education issues the equivalence certificate (denklik) after admission.
2. Exams. SAT or TR-YÖS scores are optional at many private universities and can improve scholarship offers; state universities usually require them.
3. English for English tracks. An accepted score (for example TOEFL iBT or another test on the university’s list) or the university’s own exam; otherwise an English preparatory year.
4. Turkish for Turkish tracks. A Turkish certificate at the required level or a preparatory year.
5. Graduate applicants. A bachelor’s degree, transcript, statement of purpose and references; some institutes add ALES and an interview.

The university decides admission and scholarships; the Presidency of Migration Management decides the student residence permit.

Fees vary widely, so compare what the extra money buys.

Watch for different titles: Political Science and Public Administration trains for public-sector management, and Public Relations degrees are communication programmes, not politics.

Graduates work in international organisations and NGOs, think tanks and research institutes, journalism and media analysis, political-risk and consulting firms, corporate public-affairs and government-relations teams, international trade and logistics companies, and in teaching after further study. Many go on to a master’s in international relations, security studies, EU studies, public policy or law.

Diplomatic and civil-service careers are decided by each country’s own entry exams and citizenship rules, so check your home country’s requirements early. In Turkey, foreign graduates need a work permit. Languages matter as much as the degree: English plus Turkish, Russian, Arabic or another regional language is a strong combination for analysis and field roles.