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Study governance abroad

: We maximize your chance of getting admitted to your chosen universities

The 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.

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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

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Governance study abroad programs

Governance undergraduate programs

Bachelor's in governance

  • false

    Public Administration and Governance - BA (Hons) Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    18,133 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 24,629 CAD

    Start date
    January, September
    Show program overview about Public Administration and Governance (BA (Hons))
  • false

    Indigenous Governance - Bachelor's Yukon University, Canada

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    8,938 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 12,000 CAD

    Start date
    January, September
    Show program overview about Indigenous Governance
  • false

    International Governance and Policy - BA (Hons) Keele University, UK

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    20,840 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,800 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about International Governance and Policy
  • false

    International Studies: Global and Comparative Governance - BA American University, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    50,542 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 50,542 USD

    Start date
    January, May
    Show program overview about International Studies: Global and Comparative Governance
  • false

    Political Science: Global Governance - BA Florida Atlantic University, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    20,192 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 20,192 USD

    Start date
    January, May, August
    Show program overview about Political Science: Global Governance

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
    16,800 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,800 USD

    Start date
    November, May
    Show program overview about Collaborative Governance

Governance graduate programs

Master's in governance

  • false

    American Indian Studies: Tribal Leadership and Governance - MSc Arizona State University, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    25,200 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 25,200 USD

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about American Indian Studies (Tribal Leadership and Governance)
  • false

    Corporate Governance and Finance - MA MCI Management Center Innsbruck, Austria
    • Blended learning
    • Part-time

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    16 months
    Annual tuition fee
    16,000 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 15,000 EUR

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Corporate Governance and Finance
  • false

    Corporate Governance and Law/Grad.CG - LLM University of Portsmouth, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    20,219 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,300 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Corporate Governance and Law/Grad.CG
  • false

    Corporate Governance with Graduate ICSA - MSc London South Bank University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    17,093 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 13,780 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Corporate Governance with Graduate ICSA
  • false

    Energy Policy and Governance - MSc (Research) Abertay University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    19,537 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 15,750 GBP

    Start date
    October, February, June
    Show program overview about Energy Policy and Governance

Doctorate in governance

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    Energy Policy and Governance - PhD Abertay University, UK

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    19,537 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 15,750 GBP

    Start date
    October, February, June
    Show program overview about Energy Policy and Governance
  • false

    Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance - PhD University of Nicosia, Cyprus

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,000 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 15,000 EUR

    Start date
    September, February, June
    Show program overview about Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance

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.