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Study governance abroad

Find programs that match your eligibility and aspirations then apply with reduced application fees, a free assessment and access to a dedicated advisor.

Find your perfect governance programs abroad

Find governance programs you love that match your needs & aspirations, where you stand a high chance of acceptance.

Find other programs in governance

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.

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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

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
    24,629 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

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

    Public Policy and Governance - BA St. Francis Xavier University, Canada

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    22,646 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Public Policy and Governance

Governance graduate programs

Master's in governance

  • false

    American Indian Studies: Tribal Leadership and Governance (Tempe Campus) - MSc Arizona State University (in partnership with Kaplan International), USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    35,280 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

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

    Cybersecurity: Governance, Risk Management and Compliance - MSc DePaul University, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    23,868 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Cybersecurity: Governance, Risk Management and Compliance
  • false

    E-Government - MEGov Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    16 months
    Annual tuition fee
    46,121 NZD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    July
    Show program overview about E-Government
  • false

    Energy Policy and Governance - MPhil Abertay University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    15,750 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

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

    European Politics & Governance - MA University of Limerick, Ireland

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    18,000 EUR

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about European Politics & Governance

Doctorate in governance

  • false

    Energy Policy and Governance - PhD Abertay University, UK

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    15,750 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

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