International Relations, BA Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences

Courses are held entirely in English.

Study International Relations in Germany, completely in English. In this Bachelor's degree programme, you will gain knowledge and skills in the fields of international politics, international economic relations, and international law in an interdisciplinary and international setting. As a graduate, you will be able to analyse questions and problems of international relations from different perspectives and develop application-oriented solutions.

The Bachelor's programme in International Relations examines political dimensions of globalisation and European integration, internationalisation strategies of companies and non-governmental organisations. We analyse various phenomena that transcend boundaries in today’s world: commerce and climate change, values and political ideas, rights and regulations. International Relations students organise events and simulations that connect the lecture hall with real-world experiences, such as KleMUN (Kleve Model United Nations) or KleMAU (Kleve Model African Union). These student-driven activities shape our campus life.

Develop your professional skill set in our modern laboratory landscape with numerous projects and interactively designed courses. Test your career ambitions during the internship semester in a political organisation, a company, or in the non-profit sector. The high proportion of students from around the world and the opportunity of a semester abroad at a partner university will provide you with first-hand international experience.

All applicants: 15 July (for the following winter semester)

In total, the standard period of study comprises seven semesters. Sound foundations in business administration and economics, analytical skills as well as fundamental knowledge of social sciences are imparted during the first three semesters. This acquired knowledge is then enhanced in key areas in the fourth and fifth semester. The sixth semester is reserved for a practical internship or semester abroad. Through the choice of specific elective subjects and the organisation of the sixth semester, students can sharpen their profiles in terms of their aspired careers after graduation. In the final semester, each student writes a Bachelor's thesis after having developed an appropriate topic.
The programme is characterised by an emphasis on practical relevance. Supported by extensive cooperation with governmental and non-governmental institutions, each student will write a highly application-oriented final thesis.

An eight-week internship has to be completed before the start of the fourth semester. You can also do this internship in your home country before applying to Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences.

The sixth semester is reserved for an internship or a semester abroad.

No tuition fees

Enrolment fees amount to approximately 300 EUR per semester. This covers nominal administrative fees and a public transport ticket valid for the entire federal republic of Germany.

The average cost of living for students in Germany is around 1,150 EUR per month. This includes rent, utilities, personal expenses, and general expenses (https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-stay/money-and-costs/cost-of-living_28220.php).

Prospective students with qualifications earned neither in Germany nor from a German education institution must meet the following specific, legal requirements to study at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences:

• A qualifying university entrance qualification
• Sufficient level of English language proficiency (CEFR level B2 or better)
• Completion of an eight-week preparatory internship: This is not required for initial admission, but it must be met by the fourth semester re-enrolment deadline at the latest.

This degree programme has restricted admission. Please find more information on our website: hsrw.info/admissionrequirements.

Please note that English language skills at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference are required for our Bachelor's degree programmes. Please be aware that all applicants' test report form numbers will be checked. The following certificates are accepted:

• IELTS: level CEFR B2 or better
• TOEFL: level CEFR B2 or better

The TOEFL code of our university: 6962

All applicants: 15 July (for the following winter semester)

The university offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships ("Deutschlandstipendium") to both current students and students who are soon to be enrolled with excellent marks. This scholarship consists of a monthly stipend of 300 EUR and applies to international students as well. Further information is available on our website: https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/students/costs-scholarships-and-grants/scholarships-and-financial-aid.

Non-EU students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year without requiring an additional visa. Student jobs within the university can be solely in English, but the vast majority of off-campus jobs will require at least basic proficiency in German. German courses are available for students through our International Center.

First-year students are strongly advised to focus primarily on their studies and to begin learning German. This will open up many more part-time job opportunities in later semesters.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences strongly urges you to arrange your accommodation before arrival. One option is accommodation at the residence halls run by student services ("Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf") with one-, two- or three-room flats and rent starting around 290 EUR per month (with a security deposit equivalent to three months' rent). Availability is limited, so register online as soon as possible. See our website for details.

Most students live in private flats shared with other students. There are a number of popular online portals for finding a flat in Germany. Contact the Welcome Centre for more information or look into social media platforms because some students might be graduating when you plan to start. Additionally, the Welcome Centre is always ready to offer advice or help with conversations or correspondence in German.

Internship, student job, or first steps in a new career – Rhine-Waal’s Career Service is here to help with a broad range of useful services.

Correspondingly, we act as bridge builders between students and fresh graduates, the university, and companies or organisations from industry, science, social sectors, etc. Our overall goal is to "help others help themselves" by supporting capacity development in students and fresh graduates with respect to their individual career paths.

Weekly catch-up sessions with study programme manager throughout the first semester

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, with two campus locations in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort and around 6,500 students, is an innovative, interdisciplinary, and international university of applied sciences. The university currently offers over 30 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in engineering, the natural and social sciences, technology, design, and more. Our programmes are geared towards your employability, addressing current and future needs of industry by giving you valuable expertise and experience in your field of study. We are unique in that some 75% of our programmes are taught exclusively in English, resulting in a vibrant campus culture and a rich, intercultural exchange of ideas, experience, and knowledge.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences prides itself on top-notch teaching, excellent research, and a strong network of international partnerships with research institutions and industry. Our team of professors bring a fresh, dynamic approach to teaching and continuously support, encourage, guide, and inspire students. Professors are often on a first-name basis with their students. Teaching takes place in a range of cutting edge facilities, laboratories, work spaces, smart classrooms, and auditoriums.

The result is a memorable and valuable university experience, which will help you grow as a person and set you on the path to your chosen career. We look forward to welcoming you!

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is centrally and conveniently located on the Lower Rhine between the Netherlands and the Rhine-Ruhr metropolis.

Kleve, where our main campus is located, is a city rich in tradition and history, and it has approximately 50,000 residents. It offers the best of both worlds: the bustle and excitement of nearby cities like Nijmegen, Düsseldorf, and Cologne with the safety, comfort, and ambience of a smaller town. The flat landscapes, mild climate, and good infrastructure of the Lower Rhine make it ideal for getting around by bicycle. Noteworthy sights include the Swan Castle, Baroque-style botanical gardens, museums, and art galleries. The town is home to large department stores and smaller boutiques, pubs, cafés, and more. Students can also participate in a range of sports offered both by the university and local clubs.

Kamp-Lintfort, our campus for the Faculty of Communication and Environment, has a current population of around 39,000 and is located 60 km (37 miles) south of Kleve. Kamp-Lintfort takes its name from a nearly 900-year-old monastery, maintained in its original style to this day. The city's proximity to the Rhine-Ruhr metropolis made it an integral part of post-WWII coal production in Germany. In recent years, Kamp-Lintfort has redefined itself as a hub of technology, innovation, and higher education. The Kamp-Lintfort campus is centrally and conveniently located in the centre of town. In addition to its historical sights, Kamp-Lintfort offers a welcoming and safe atmosphere for students with numerous shops, pubs, cafés, and sports.