Top 10 Best Universities to Study Politics in Europe in 2026
Photo by Edmond Dantès
Politics affects nearly every aspect of modern life, from international relations and global security to economic policy, climate action, and social change.
If you’re interested in understanding how governments work, how policies are created, and how global challenges are addressed, studying Politics in Europe can provide an excellent foundation. Among its main advantajes, the continent is home to major international institutions, diverse political systems, and a long history of political thought and debate.
But with so many European universities offering politics-related degrees, choosing the right one can be challenging. Which institutions have the strongest reputation? Which programmes are best for international students? And where can you study close to major political centres? Let's have a look together.
Study Politics: Find Bachelors & Masters in English
The table below gives an overview of some of the best universities to study Politics in Europe in 2026. These institutions are known for their strong academic reputation, modern facilities, and opportunities for students to engage in real-world political research or internships.
Importantly, these universities listed actively welcome international students and all offer English-taught programmes, creating diverse and global learning environments.
| University | Country | Degree Type |
|---|---|---|
| Central European University | Austria | 2 Bachelors, 2 Masters, 1 PhD |
| Jagiellonian University | Poland | 1 Bachelor of Arts, 1 Master of Arts |
| Malmö University | Sweden | 1 Bachelor, 3 Masters |
| Radboud University | Netherlands | 1 Bachelor, 3 Masters |
| Sciences Po | France | Bachelors, Masters, PhD |
| Stockholm University | Sweden | 2 Bachelors, 4 Masters |
| The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) |
United Kingdom | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | MPhil in Digital Policy |
| University of Helsinki | Finland | 1 Master of Science |
| Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) | Belgium | 1 Master of Science |
If you’re interested in studying Politics, you’ll also find several closely related degrees across Europe. Depending on your interests (whether focused on policy, international affairs, or political theory) one of these alternatives might be the perfect fit:
Bachelor’s degrees:
Master’s degrees:
Europe is a great place to study Politics thanks to its diverse political systems, international institutions, and long history of political thought. For students interested in global affairs and public policy, it offers a unique learning environment.
On average, Politics degrees at public universities in Europe cost between €0 and €3,500 per year for EU/EEA students. In some countries, such as Germany or the Nordic countries, many institutions charge very low or no tuition fees, with students only paying a semester contribution for administrative costs and services.
For non-EU/EEA students, tuition fees at public universities for Bachelors and Masters usually range from €3,000 to €15,000 per year, varying by country and institution. Even at the higher end, these fees are generally much lower than the cost of comparable Politics degrees in the United States or Australia.
At private universities, such as Central European University, fees are generally more expensive, ranging from €8,000 to €25,000 per year. These depend on the programme, facilities, and reputation of the institution.
Many European universities and governments offer scholarships and financial aid to help international students cover tuition and living costs. These can include merit-based scholarships for high-achieving students, need-based grants, or awards for students from specific countries or regions. Make sure to ask the admissions team about your options.
Study.eu Tip: Before committing to a full degree, make sure the field is right for you by exploring the subject through online free resources, short courses, or podcasts. Reading international news outlets is a great way, for example: Politico.eu (which won the EU-sponsored .eu Web Award - as did Study.eu!), BBC News, and others.
Entry requirements for Politics degrees vary by university, country, and study level, but most programmes across Europe look for a combination of strong academic skills, analytical thinking, and an interest in current affairs.
You’ll typically need to meet the following criteria:
Application deadlines differ across Europe. Public universities often have strict annual deadlines, while private institutions may offer multiple intakes (for example, September or February) with more flexible timelines. If you’re unsure about a deadline, it’s always worth contacting the admissions office about late applications or alternative start dates.
Study Politics: Find Bachelors & Masters in English
A degree in Politics can lead to a wide range of careers in government, international organisations, media, business, and non-profit sectors. Students develop valuable skills such as critical thinking, research, communication, and policy analysis; all of which are highly valued in today’s global job market.
Typical career paths include:
Many world leaders have studied political science too, so this path could even lead you to becoming the prime minister of your country someday!
Whether you want to work in government, international institutions, journalism, or global organisations, a Politics degree from a leading European university can provide a strong foundation for an international career.
Want to learn more?
Find Bachelors & Masters in Political Sciences
529 Politics & Political Science Programmes in Europe
.svg "University of Helsinki")
.svg "Radboud University")
.jpg "Top 10 Best Universities in Europe to Study Biology in 2026")
