
Study governance abroad
: We maximize your chance of getting admitted to your chosen universitiesThe smart alternative to applying direct for governance degrees abroad and the easy way to find programs that match your eligibility and aspirations
Find your perfect governance programs abroad
Find governance programs you love that match your needs & aspirations, where you stand a high chance of acceptance.
Governance degrees abroad
Governance programs focus on the operations and interactions of governments and international organizations around the world. It’s a multidisciplinary subject that mixes politics, international relations, and diplomacy with economics, public policy, and sociology.
You’ll study theories and concepts of governance and will be challenged to apply them to real-world scenarios. You’ll also critically examine the challenges faced by public sectors today, and evaluate how issues like global trade, migration, climate change, and terrorism are being managed.
The value of studying governance abroad can’t be underestimated. Seeing the different interests, trends, and difficulties of governments across the globe will provide you with an international perspective that’s vital for success in today’s interrelated world.


Governance program structure
It’s possible to study governance at the bachelor’s level, but it’s normally only offered as part of a combined program. Typical combinations include governance with economics, public policy, legal order, and diplomacy. Bachelor’s courses last a minimum of three years, or four years if you complete a sandwich year.
You can major in governance as part of your four-year US undergraduate degree, but this is only offered at a handful of universities. You’ll take liberal arts courses for the first two years of your program, before focusing on governance-specific modules for the remaining half.
Studying governance as a master’s degree is by far the most popular and widely available option. To enroll, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, but the specific requirements will vary between institutions. You can study full-time over one year or part-time over two.
After finishing your Master’s you might consider pursuing a research-based MPhil or PhD. These usually require between four and seven years of extra study.
Your class schedule will mainly consist of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and group workshops. You’ll be assessed through a range of written and practical assessments including exams, essays, and presentations, and debates.
Each university will offer a different range of elective modules depending on its cultural context and the research interests of its faculty. However, this list gives you an idea of the core units delivered at most institutions:
- Theories of governance
- Governance and public-policy making
- Fundamentals of governance - diplomacy, negotiation, and lobbying
- Research methods for governance studies
- Globalization and global governance
- Comparative politics and governance
- Concepts and controversies in international governance
Best countries to study governance
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Governance study abroad programs
Governance undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in governance
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Public Administration and Governance - BA (Hons) Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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18,133 USD
Fee in university's local currency 24,629 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
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Indigenous Governance - Bachelor's Yukon University, Canada
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
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8,938 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,000 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
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International Governance and Policy - BA (Hons) Keele University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
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20,840 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,800 GBP
- Start date
- September
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International Studies: Global and Comparative Governance - BA American University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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50,542 USD
Fee in university's local currency 50,542 USD
- Start date
- January, May
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Political Science: Global Governance - BA Florida Atlantic University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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20,192 USD
Fee in university's local currency 20,192 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
Certificate in governance
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Collaborative Governance - Cert California State University, Sacramento, USA
- Program type
- Undergraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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16,800 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,800 USD
- Start date
- November, May
Governance graduate programs
Master's in governance
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American Indian Studies: Tribal Leadership and Governance - MSc Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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25,200 USD
Fee in university's local currency 25,200 USD
- Start date
- August, January
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Corporate Governance and Finance - MA MCI Management Center Innsbruck, Austria
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 16 months
- Annual tuition fee
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16,000 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,000 EUR
- Start date
- September
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Corporate Governance and Law/Grad.CG - LLM University of Portsmouth, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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20,219 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,300 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Corporate Governance with Graduate ICSA - MSc London South Bank University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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17,093 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,780 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Energy Policy and Governance - MSc (Research) Abertay University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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19,537 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,750 GBP
- Start date
- October, February, June
Doctorate in governance
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Energy Policy and Governance - PhD Abertay University, UK
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
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19,537 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,750 GBP
- Start date
- October, February, June
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Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance - PhD University of Nicosia, Cyprus
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
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16,000 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,000 EUR
- Start date
- September, February, June
Future governance careers
As a governance graduate, you’ll be set for a fast-paced and fascinating career. Your knowledge and skills will be transferable across an array of sectors, including government ministries, global agencies, international aid charities, and NGOs.
Here are some of the roles you’d be best prepared for:
- Policy advisor
- Government research officer
- Politician
- Diplomatic service officer
- Public affairs consultant
- Foreign service officer
- Political risk analyst
- International aid/development worker
Most universities have a careers office that can help you find relevant work experience and polish your interview skills. It’s worth dropping by to have a chat about your ambitions and to see how they could support you.
