Overview

Do you ever find yourself puzzled by how the world works? Or why it often doesn’t work? And are you curious if, and how, we can find collective responses to urgent issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and the threat of nuclear weapons? If so, then the International Relations major is the degree for you.

As a student in the International Relations programme at University of Waikato, you will learn how to look behind news headlines and understand the forces that shape today’s world. You will examine the complex relationships between states, the role of non-state actors, and how global politics affect our daily lives. The degree will empower you to assess some of the most pressing challenges of our time and equip you with the skills to pursue a career in which you can help make a difference in addressing these challenges.

Career opportunities

Diplomat

Foreign Policy Analyst

International Defence Relations Officer

National Assessments Bureau

National and International NGOs

New Zealand Defence Force Officer

Security and Intelligence Officer

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Patriots, Racists, and Foreigners: Ethnicity and Identity in Global Perspective

Protest Movements in the Asia-Pacific

Politics and the Media

Modern Political Thinkers

Political Systems around the World

Public Policy Analysis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-07 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-30 00:00:00
Starting 2027-03-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-17 00:00:00

More details

Applications submitted after the deadline may be accepted if space is available.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

80

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PTE Academic

50

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Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Hamilton, New Zealand

Disciplines

International Relations View 18 other Bachelors in International Relations in New Zealand

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

50

Schedule a PTE test!

Other requirements

General requirements

Advanced Placement International Diploma (APID) - Applicants must have qualified for the diploma with grades of 3 or higher in each of at least 4 subjects.

International Baccalaureate (taken in NZ or overseas) - Completed International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with a minimum of 24 points.

Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) or Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) - A minimum of 120 points on the New Zealand CAIE Tariff at A or AS level, including at least three subjects (excluding Thinking Skills) in which no grade is lower than D.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Waikato and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

38250 NZD / year

≈ 38250 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

8620 NZD / year

≈ 8620 NZD / year

Additional Details

Domestic: $8,132 - $8,290 per year

Living costs

Hamilton

New Zealand

1470 - 2020 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for International Relations.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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