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BSc International Relations

Gisma University of Applied Sciences · Berlin, Germany

100% taught in EnglishApply direct to the university, not the CAOEntrance examPrivate universityEntrance testRolling admission
Duration3 years
StartsAutumn 2027
EntryEntrance exam
Deadline (EU)Rolling admission
Tuition fee per year (2026 intake rate)€13,825 / yr

About the course

A six-semester (180 ECTS), English-taught degree in Berlin. It covers transnational security, foreign policy analysis, global political economy and international organisations, and includes simulations and policy labs. The fifth semester is set aside for study abroad or career-focused modules. There is also a 20-ECTS internship and a 10-ECTS thesis. Gisma is a university of applied sciences recognised by the state of Brandenburg.

Entry requirements for Irish students

  • Gisma asks for a school-leaving certificate that lets you apply for a bachelor’s degree in the country that issued it. It publishes no specific Leaving Certificate rule. Under German rules the Leaving Cert gives direct entry to this subject area with six subjects: at least two at Higher Level with H5 or better, the other four at O6/H6 or better, and two languages and Maths (O5/H6 or better) among them. Confirm with Gisma admissions.
  • The programme page says international students must complete an entrance test. It is not clear whether EU applicants count as international for this, so ask admissions.
  • English: B2 level at minimum, shown through IELTS 6.0 (no component below 5.5) or an equivalent TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE or Duolingo score. Gisma offers a free English test. Ask whether Leaving Cert English is accepted.

How to apply

  1. Check your Leaving Cert subjectsMake sure your six subjects meet the German rules, including two languages and Maths, and ask Gisma how it will assess your results.
  2. Apply onlineFill in Gisma’s online application form. There is no fixed deadline, so apply early in 2027 for the October 2027 intake.
  3. Entrance test and EnglishAsk whether you need to take the entrance test. Either provide an English certificate or take Gisma’s free English test.
  4. Pay the deposit and find housingAfter your acceptance letter, pay the programme deposit to confirm your place. Arrange accommodation in Berlin early.
Deadline for Irish/EU applicants: Gisma publishes no fixed application deadline. There are four intakes a year: January, April, July and October. Irish students finishing the Leaving Cert in June 2027 would normally aim for October 2027 and should apply early..

Costs

  • Gisma is a private university. Its fees page gives €13,825 a year for all bachelor’s programmes (2026 intake), about €41,475 for six semesters, with no separate EU rate. Gisma says application, exam and thesis fees are included. You pay a deposit to secure your place, and it comes off the total fee. The fees page gives €1,500 for most international students, with higher amounts for some countries, so confirm what applies to you. Fees can be paid in up to ten instalments. Rent and living costs in Berlin are extra.
This is a private university charging €13,825 a year, not a free German public university. Public universities in Germany offer related degrees for only a semester contribution, so compare before you commit.

At a glance

CountryGermany
CityBerlin
LanguageEnglish
Apply viaUniversity online portal
PlacesNot published
EntryEntrance exam
Programme page ↗Tuition fees ↗How to apply ↗← Back to all European courses

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Checked against the official Gisma University of Applied Sciences website: September 2026 (2027 entry). The fee shown is for the 2026 intake, so confirm the 2027 fee before you apply. Always confirm details with the university before applying.