Top US Universities for International Relations for Indian Students: 10 Best Schools for International Relations (QS World University Rankings 2025)

If diplomacy, global policy, and political strategy excite you, then studying international relations (IR) at a top-ranked university in the U.S. can be your launchpad.

Indian students often explore these programs to understand international affairs, foreign policy, and the kind of program that blends political-science degree with global perspectives.

Why Study at the Top US Universities for International Relations and Political Science?

Fun fact: More than 60% of IR professionals in the U.S. government earned their degrees from just 15 best colleges across the country.

Top universities in the U.S. offer international relations programs with unmatched academic insight:

• Ranked departments with faculty including former diplomats and global affairs advisors.
• Opportunities for undergrads and postgraduates to intern in Washington D.C. and beyond.
• Interdisciplinary degree like security studies, health policy, and public policy.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Best International Relation Schools and Colleges in the USA (QS 2025 World University Rankings and Student Reviews)

Here’s a fun fact: Many I.R programs in the United States work with international institutions like Sciences Po or LSE to create programs with dual degrees and exchange programs.

Now we dive into the top 10 universities for international relations degrees with strong student reviews and powerful study networks:

1. Stanford University

Stanford‘s School of Humanities and Sciences has defined an interdisciplinary approach with a combined major in International Relations, public policy, and security studies. Admission Requirements: GPA, ACT/SAT, transcript, personal statement, letter of recommendation, and a TOEFL/IELTS if applicable.

2. George Washington University

Located in D.C., GWU’s Elliott School of International Affairs provides students with the hands-on experience they need to know how foreign policy and public diplomacy works in the real world. Admission Requirements: Resume, GPA, statement of purpose, GRE/GMAT required for master’s programs, and IELTS/TOEFL.

3. Yale University

Yale’s Jackson School offered students the unique opportunity to connect with recognized professors and provides lots of fellowships opportunities in these humanitarian and foreign service fields. Admission Requirements: GPA, SAT, statement of purpose, letters of reference, and a TOEFL/IELTS if applicable.

4. University of California

UCSD is among the highest-ranked universities for international relation’s studies due to it’s systematic approach, and focus on international partnerships, which is actually a very global perspective. Admission Requirements: GPA, SAT/ACT, personal statement, TOEFL, and resume. 

5. Georgetown University

Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service is internationally renowned with strong connections to policy think tanks and DC based internships. Admission Requirements: GPA, transcript, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, TOEFL/IELTS if applicable, and SAT as well.

6. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University offers a SAIS-based master’s program that works from the perspectives of economics, security studies and diplomacy. Predominantly, the school asks for GRE, Statement of Purpose, resume, GPA, letters of recommendation, and IELTS/TOEFL.

7. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University integrates technology and policy, and has an I.R major that is data-based and interdisciplinary. Predominantly, the school asks for SAT/ACT, Statement of Purpose, transcript, letters of recommendation, GPA, and TOEFL/IELTS.

8. Tufts University

Tufts, the Fletcher School, is the center for applied research in international law and foreign policy degree programs, with master’s/Ph.D. programs. Predominantly, the school asks for GRE, Statement of Purpose, GPA, letters of recommendation, and resume.

9. Middlebury College

Middlebury is a liberal arts school that really gets it for global language development and I.R with a one-of-a-kind undergrad experience. Predominantly, the school asks for SAT, letters of recommendation, GPA, transcript, Statement of Purpose, and TOEFL.

10. Princeton University

Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School offers multidisciplinary tracks in international studies and health policy. Admission Requirements: ACT/SAT, SOP, transcript, GPA, TOEFL, resume.

Here’s a quick comparison table:

Conclusion

Choosing one of the top 10 universities in the U.S. for a major in international relations offers Indian students the best of both worlds: global exposure and academic excellence.

These top 10 universities in the U.S. offer international relations programs that blend academic excellence with practical experiences in foreign policy. Ready to launch your IR journey abroad? Get started with a free consultation at Ambitio now.

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