International Relations (B.A.)

About the course

A six-semester degree taught in English, with additional foreign-language courses, that looks at global political, economic and legal structures. Students choose a profile in International Security, Human Rights and International Law, or Development Studies, and the course includes an integrated semester abroad.

Entry requirements for Irish students

• The university asks for a university entrance qualification (HZB), including recognised foreign certificates, but publishes nothing specific on the Irish Leaving Certificate. Under German (KMK) rules the Leaving Cert gives direct university entry only with six subjects, including two languages and Maths (O5/H6 or better), at least two at Higher Level H5 or better and the rest at O6/H6 or better; for social sciences Higher Level Maths at H5 is also expected. Confirm with admissions how they assess the Leaving Cert for this course.
• No entrance exam: selection is by online application (motivation letter in English of 1-2 pages, CV in English, photo, certificates, evidence of internships or volunteering) followed by a personal interview with a professor and the admissions team, on site or by video.
• English at B2 level is required, shown by IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 72, Trinity ISE III or a LanguageCert Academic certificate. The university mentions an individual review for German Abitur holders but says nothing about Leaving Cert English; ask admissions before booking a test.

How to apply

1. Check your subjectsMake sure your Leaving Cert subjects and levels meet the German entry rules, ideally including Higher Level Maths at H5, and ask admissions whether Leaving Cert English is accepted as proof of English.
2. Apply onlineSubmit the online application with a motivation letter, CV, photo and school results before the EU deadline of 1 September; applying early is advisable.
3. InterviewAttend a selection interview with a professor and the admissions team, on site in Karlsruhe or by video. The Admissions Committee decides within days.
4. Confirm your placeYou have a two-week period to accept the offer; studies start at the end of September.

Costs

• Private, state-recognised university. EU students pay EUR 550 a month (about EUR 6,600 a year, roughly EUR 19,800 over the three years); non-EU students pay EUR 750 a month. The programme page does not state which academic year this rate applies to, and no application fee is mentioned; confirm the 2027/28 rate with admissions.

At a glance