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BA in Political Science and International Relations

American University in Bulgaria · Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria

100% taught in EnglishApply direct to the university, not the CAOSelectivePrivate universityInterviewUS-style degree
Duration4 years
StartsAutumn 2027
EntrySelective
Deadline (EU)15 May 2027
Fee 2026/27 (all students)€13,800 / yr

About the course

A 12-course major covering comparative and EU politics, global politics, foreign policy analysis, conflict resolution and political philosophy, taught in small classes (average 28) in the US liberal arts style. It is often combined with a second major such as Economics, European Studies or Journalism.

Entry requirements for Irish students

  • AUBG asks for official transcripts from the last three years of secondary school and does not publish Leaving Cert grade or subject minimums. Under Bulgarian rules, EU applicants usually need their foreign school-leaving certificate recognised (a Certificate of acknowledged secondary education). AUBG sends admitted students to its High School Diploma Recognition instructions, so confirm the details with admissions.
  • No entrance exam and no SAT/ACT needed. You apply with an essay of about 650 words, one academic reference, a CV or portfolio, and an admissions interview.
  • English: minimum IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80 or Duolingo 110. This can be waived for Irish citizens who were mainly educated in Ireland.

How to apply

  1. Apply earlySubmit the online application at apply.aubg.edu or through the Common App. Priority deadline 15 January, early 15 March, regular 15 May (confirm the 2027 dates).
  2. Prepare documentsEssay (about 650 words), one teacher or counsellor reference, a CV, and transcripts for the last three years of school.
  3. InterviewTake part in an admissions interview, in person or online. Apply for financial aid at the same time if needed.
  4. EnrolPay tuition (due around 25 July in the current cycle) and complete AUBG’s Leaving Cert recognition steps for Bulgaria.
Deadline for Irish/EU applicants: AUBG’s How to Apply page lists Priority Admission 15 January, Early Admission 15 March and Regular Admission 15 May, for autumn entry. Earlier rounds give better scholarship and aid chances. Another AUBG page gives 1 March and 1 June, so confirm the 2027 dates with admissions..

Costs

  • Tuition is €6,900 a semester in 2026/27 (€13,800 a year), the same for all students regardless of nationality. There is also a student activity fee of €320 a semester and a €200 meal plan deposit a semester. There is no application fee. AUBG is private, and financial aid and scholarships are offered.
AUBG is a private American-style university charging about €13,800 a year to all students. You can add a second major or minors at no extra cost.

At a glance

CountryBulgaria
CityBlagoevgrad
LanguageEnglish
Apply viaUniversity online portal (apply.aubg.edu) or Common App
PlacesNot published
EntrySelective
Political Science and International Relations programme ↗How to apply ↗Tuition and fees ↗← Back to all European courses

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Checked against the official AUBG website: September 2026 (2027 entry). Fees are for 2026/27 and deadlines are from the current cycle, so confirm both for 2027 entry. Always confirm details with the university before applying.