Why Turkey is the Ideal Destination for Studying International Relations in 2025

The Growing Importance of International Relations

In an increasingly interconnected world, the study of international relations has gained significant importance. This field delves into diplomacy, global politics, economics, and security, preparing students for careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. As a country that bridges Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Turkey offers a unique environment to study international relations, making it an ideal destination for students in 2025.

Why Study International Relations in Turkey?

1. Geopolitical Significance

Turkey’s geopolitical position makes it a natural focus for international relations students. Its location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia places it in the middle of key geopolitical events, allowing students to study firsthand how global politics play out in real time. Turkey’s role as a member of NATO, its involvement in Middle Eastern diplomacy, and its growing influence in Eurasian politics make it an exciting place to study global affairs.

Middle Eastern Affairs: Students in Turkey have a front-row seat to political dynamics in the Middle East, learning about the region’s historical and modern conflicts, its relationship with Western powers, and its shifting alliances.
EU-Turkey Relations: Turkey’s longstanding bid to join the European Union (EU) offers an interesting case study for students interested in European politics, economic integration, and foreign policy.

2. High-Quality International Relations Programs

Turkish universities offer some of the best international relations programs in the region, with world-class faculty, advanced research opportunities, and access to international seminars and workshops. Many programs are English-taught, making them accessible to international students.

Top Universities: Institutions like Koç University, Sabancı University, and Middle East Technical University (METU) offer highly ranked international relations programs. Their interdisciplinary approaches help students gain a comprehensive understanding of global diplomacy, international law, economics, and politics.
Research and Exchange Programs: Turkish universities frequently partner with universities in Europe, the United States, and Asia, allowing students to participate in exchange programs and international research collaborations.

Best Universities for International Relations in Turkey

1. Koç University

Koç University offers one of the leading international relations programs in Turkey, blending theory and practice through interdisciplinary courses. Students are encouraged to explore international political economy, security studies, and regional politics, making it a great choice for those aiming for careers in diplomacy, think tanks, or international NGOs.

Program Highlights: Koç offers specialized courses in foreign policy analysis, conflict resolution, and global governance, with access to real-world projects.

2. Sabancı University

Sabancı University is known for its interdisciplinary approach, combining political science and international relations in one program. This structure allows students to explore international relations through various lenses, including political theory, global economics, and development studies.

Program Strengths: Sabancı’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is renowned for its research output in regional conflicts, EU politics, and Middle Eastern diplomacy.

3. Middle East Technical University (METU)

METU’s international relations program is highly regarded for its rigorous curriculum and research focus. The program covers a broad range of topics such as international security, political economy, and environmental politics. METU students have the opportunity to engage in research projects and internships with global organizations and foreign embassies in Turkey.

Unique Opportunities: METU’s ties with international bodies such as the United Nations (UN) and World Bank provide students with valuable internship experiences and global exposure.

Internship and Career Opportunities for International Relations Graduates

Studying international relations in Turkey provides students with a gateway to a wealth of internship and career opportunities in diplomacy, government agencies, multinational organizations, and NGOs.

Internship Opportunities

Many universities in Turkey offer internships as part of their international relations programs, giving students practical experience in global politics and diplomacy. Students can intern with:

Government Ministries: Interning at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of European Union Affairs provides firsthand experience in diplomacy and foreign policy.
International Organizations: Turkey hosts a number of international organizations and embassies, where students can intern and gain experience in global governance, human rights, and conflict resolution.
Think Tanks: Turkey is home to many influential think tanks such as TEPAV and SETA, where students can contribute to research on political issues and foreign policy.

Career Pathways

A degree in international relations from a Turkish university can open doors to a variety of global careers. Graduates often find employment in:

Diplomacy and Foreign Service: Working for government foreign ministries or consulates.
International NGOs: Positions in organizations focused on humanitarian aid, human rights, and development.
United Nations or International Agencies: Graduates may also pursue roles within international bodies like the UN, NATO, and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Turkey offers a range of scholarship programs for international students interested in studying international relations. These scholarships can help cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.

Türkiye Scholarships: One of the most comprehensive scholarship programs, Türkiye Scholarships offer full tuition coverage, monthly stipends, and accommodation for international students.
University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities, including Koç and Sabancı, offer merit-based scholarships for outstanding students. Some of these scholarships cover up to 100% of tuition fees.

Conclusion

Studying international relations in Turkey in 2025 offers a unique blend of academic excellence, geopolitical relevance, and career opportunities. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in diplomacy, global governance, or international development, Turkey’s rich political landscape, world-class universities, and strategic location make it the ideal destination. With the right blend of academic theory and practical internships, international relations students in Turkey are well-prepared to shape the future of global politics.