Programs/Bachelor/Law, public administration, public order and safety
Bachelor

International Relations and International Organization

★ StudyPath verdict
7.8/10
Best for students interested in global politics, EU studies and international organizations seeking a broad social science foundation. Trade-off: limited quantitative methods training compared to more specialized IR programmes.
Tuition · Intl
€14,000
EU: €2,694/year · click ↗
Duration
3 years
180 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by Jan 26
Language
English
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2021
Admission
300
fixus places ↗
Enrolled/yr
384
DUO ↑75% ↗
Intl. %
?
no data yet
S:F ratio
25:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
?
not specified
Entry route
Any VWO
profile required ↗
Satisfaction
4.0/5
NSE 2026 ↗
Employment
?
no data yet
Median salary
?
no data yet
Alumni
?
no data yet
↗ Real values are sourced; tiles marked “?” aren’t collected yet · Enrolled/yr is live from DUO · Satisfaction/outcomes are live from StudiekeuzedatabaseLast sync: 24 Jun 2026
About this program
Can the EU survive the rise of euroscepticism and populism? Why has international cooperation on global environmental issues proven to be difficult? How can we address other issues in an increasingly globalized world? IRIO in Groningen is a multidisciplinary English-taught degree programme in which you explore political questions on an international level. You focus on the place of politics, history, economics and law in international relations but also the role of international organizations. You also learn or improve your proficiency in a modern foreign language and choose a minor that fits your profile. If you choose IRIO in Groningen, you choose: * a challenging programme with a strong theoretical focus as well as a variety of practical assignments * a programme with three decades of experience, that enjoys the support and expertise of many renowned international lecturers * a programme in which you will acquire analytical, practical and methodological skills that are highly valuable in fields as diverse as policy advocacy and consultancy, governmental and civil services, public affairs, risk analysis, journalism, international aid/development work and diplomacy. * an international environment and a global perspective: your lecturers and classmates come from all over the world.
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English180 ECTSBachelor of ArtsField area: Language & CultureSector: Recht en BestuurCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeBachelor
Teaching formats
Case studyGroup assignmentGroup discussionIndividual assignmentLectureLiterature studyOral presentationProject
About University of Groningen
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen is the second oldest university in the Netherlands with over 33,000 students. Known for its vibrant student city atmosphere (1 in 4 residents is a student), excellent research output, and 4 Nobel Prize laureates including Ben Feringa (Chemistry 2016).
Living in Groningen
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€450/mo
Monthly total
€800–€1,400
Cost of living
Medium
Population
234k

Young, vibrant, and welcoming. Groningen has a laid-back northern Dutch charm combined with the energy of a true student city. The compact city center is easy to navigate by bike, and the local community is known for being friendly and open to international students.

View city guide →
Specializations
Tracks from HOVI
MinorsSpecialisation
University of Groningen Honours CollegeHonourstraject
The Honours College will give talented, motivated students the chance to be challenged even more by following Honours programmes and taking part in numerous other activities. The
Source: HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase
Curriculum
Course structure by year
?No curriculum data yet
Career outcomes
Graduate surveys · field-group level
Where bachelor graduates continue
Internationale betrekkingen38%
Crisis and Security Management13%
Public International Law5%
International and European Law4%
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Continue to year 283%
Complete this degree56%
Continue studying after graduating77%
Women among first-years52%
Say workload is “just right”47%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
4/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 160 respondents
Content & set-up3.8
Teachers3.9
Atmosphere4.3
Involvement & contact3.9
Study guidance3.7
Testing & assessment3.6
Facilities4.1
Career preparation2.8
Teachers' English4.5
Would choose again4.1
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Application timeline
Application deadline
2026-01-15
Non-EU deadline
2026-01-15
Application deadline
2027-01-15
Non-EU deadline
2027-01-15
Application deadline
2028-01-15
Upcoming open days
Open day
30 Oct 2026
Open dayonline
6 Dec 2026
Open day
29 Jan 2027
Open day
10 Apr 2027
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
?No admission requirements in source
Internships
?No data yet
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