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Study international development 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 international development programs abroad

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

Find other programs in international development

International Development degrees abroad

International development degree programs examine the major issues facing developing and emerging nations around the globe. You’ll look at a wide range of issues including colonialism, gender, poverty, environment, health and economics, and consider what innovative solutions can be found to tackle development challenges all over the world.

A degree in international development is ideal if you dream of working with organizations in roles like fundraising, campaigning, community development and public affairs. It will give you the skills and knowledge you’ll need to make a difference to societies across the globe.

There are international development degree programs available all over the world, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Choosing to study abroad will give you a chance to broaden your horizons, improve your language skills and see how international development is approached in a different country.

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International Development program structure

International development degrees are offered at all levels, including foundation, diploma, bachelor’s and master’s. At undergraduate level, you can study international development as a BA or BSc over three or four years, depending on the university. The difference between the two is usually small, but a BSc program will usually include more technical and scientific modules.

A taught or research master’s in international development will be between one and two years of study, and you can choose between an MA, MSc and MRes. It’s also possible to study for a PhD, which can take up to six years to complete.

International development programs are often offered as joint honor degrees, which means they’re combined with another subject. For example, you can study international development with politics, economics, education or geography.

The program structure and content of each course will differ based on several factors including the university, level of study and type of degree you choose. However, here are some of the study areas and modules you can expect to find on an international development program:

  • International relations
  • International economic development
  • International politics
  • Social and cultural issues in emerging economies
  • Globalization
  • Academic skills and research methods
  • Global environmental issues
  • Global justice

International Development study abroad programs

International development undergraduate programs

Bachelor's in international development

  • false

    International Development and Glolization - BSocSc University of Ottawa, Canada

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    43,334 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    January, September
    Show program overview about Honours BSocSc International Development and Globalization
  • false

    International Development - BA Redeemer University, Canada

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    18,567 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about International Development
  • false

    International Development - BA (Hons) University of Portsmouth, UK

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    18,100 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about International Development
  • false

    Art: Major in International Development - BA Canadian Mennonite University, Canada

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    9,536 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Major in International Development Studies within the 4-year Bachelor of Arts

Diploma in international development

  • false

    International Development - Dip Okanagan College, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,000 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about International Development Diploma

Pathway in international development

  • false

    International Relations and International Development, International Year One - UGP University of Sussex, UK

    Program type
    Undergraduate pathway
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    18,500 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, November, January
    Show program overview about International Relations and International Development - International Year One

International development graduate programs

Master's in international development

  • false

    Anthropology: International Development - MA Colorado State University, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    32,058 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    January, August
    Show program overview about Anthropology (M.A.) – International Development Specialization - Liberal Arts | Western Regional Graduate Program, On-Campus
  • false

    Public Policy: International Development - MA American University, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    34,596 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Public Policy: International Development
  • false

    International Development - MBA ECEMA Business School, France

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    12,290 EUR

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, February
    Show program overview about International Development
  • false

    International Development - MID Massey University, New Zealand

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    18 months
    Annual tuition fee
    31,010 NZD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    July, November, February
    Show program overview about International Development
  • false

    International Development: Urban Resilience - MA Clark University, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    60,350 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about M.A. in International Development

Diploma in international development

  • false

    International Development - PGDip Massey University, New Zealand

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    31,010 NZD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    July, November, February
    Show program overview about International Development

Certificate in international development

  • false

    International Development - PGCert Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    27,087 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about International Development
  • false

    International Development (Optional Co-op) - OCGCert Centennial College, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    25,659 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about International Development (Optional Co-op)

Future international development careers

As an international development graduate you will be in demand from a wide range of employers. Some of the roles graduates have gone on to include:

  • Politician’s assistant
  • Project manager
  • Public affairs consultant
  • Local government administrator
  • International relations specialist
  • Fundraiser
  • Economic development officer
  • International aid worker

Many graduates go on to work for charities or in government, but the transferable skills you’ll gain from your degree mean you don’t have to limit your search to careers related to international development.

Make use of any career services offered by the university you choose, as they’ll be able to help you work out what you want to do, and put you on the right path to get there.