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Quick answer
The essentials at a glance
You can study international relations in Canada from Nepal by starting a bachelor's degree in an Arts faculty, such as at UBC or the University of Calgary. This page explains how entry into the major works, what you study, which English score UBC asks for, what Calgary tuition looks like, and which jobs and work permits follow. Strong English and history or politics marks help most.
Key takeaways
Main points from this page
- International relations is a bachelor's major at UBC in Vancouver and at the University of Calgary.
- At UBC you join the Faculty of Arts first and apply into the IR major at the end of second year.
- UBC asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no part below 6.0.
- The degree is not a licensed profession, so you can look for work in many fields without a separate licence.
- A Canadian degree does not give permanent residence automatically, but it can give you a post-graduation work permit.
Can You Study International Relations in Canada from Nepal After +2?
Yes, you can start a bachelor’s degree in international relations in Canada after +2, in most cases through an Arts faculty.
International relations looks at how countries deal with each other. You study trade, security, aid and law. You read a lot and write many essays.
This guide is part of our study in Canada from Nepal series. It covers bachelor’s degrees at universities. If you are still choosing a level, read our bachelors in Canada guide first.
Students from management, science and humanities can all apply. Your English marks matter most. The degree depends on reading and writing.
- Where it sits: an Arts faculty, usually with a political science department.
- Entry: some universities admit you into the major later, after first-year courses.
- Core subjects: politics, economics, history and regional studies.
- Careers: public service, international organisations, research, journalism and further study.
How Do You Get Into an International Relations Program in Canada?
At UBC you join the Faculty of Arts first and apply into the IR major near the end of your second year.
The UBC page says the IR major is competitive. Admission is not automatic. You need at least 54 credits first.
Most students are admitted on their average. The minimum average is typically 76 to 78 percent. Read the steps on the UBC IR admissions page.
A few places go to students who send extra materials with their grades. UBC advises this if your average may fall below 80 percent.
So plan your first two years with care. Keep your marks high and finish the listed courses. Also keep a second major in mind, in case you do not get a place at once.
For the first application, use your NEB result. Our NEB GPA calculator helps you check your grade. For documents, see the Canada student visa requirements.
What English Score Do You Need for International Relations in Canada?
UBC asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with no part below 6.0.
The UBC English language page also says IELTS General and IELTS Indicator are not accepted. Book the Academic test.
Students who love languages can also compare this with a bachelor of linguistics in Canada.
Other universities set their own scores. For a wider view, read our minimum IELTS and PTE for Canada guide.
Which Canadian Universities Can You Look At for International Relations?
Look at UBC in Vancouver and the University of Calgary first.
University of British Columbia
It is in Vancouver. Its IR major sits in the Faculty of Arts. Majors also complete 12 credits of a language other than English, as the IR major page explains. Read our University of British Columbia profile.
University of Calgary
It is in Calgary. The BA in International Relations is run by its political science department. You choose a world region and a theme. Read our University of Calgary profile and the program page.
How Much Does International Relations Cost in Canada?
At the University of Calgary, one 3-unit course costs CAD 3,078.21 in international tuition, so ten courses a year come to about Rs 33 lakh.
All amounts here are in Canadian dollars. Use our CAD to Rs forex converter to see them in rupees.
| University | Figure on the official page | About in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Calgary | CAD 3,078.21 per 3-unit course for Arts, from the undergraduate tuition chart | about Rs 3.3 lakh a course |
| University of Calgary | Ten courses in one year, about CAD 30,800 before general fees | about Rs 33 lakh |
The ten-course total is our own sum, and general fees are extra. UBC publishes its Arts fee on its own undergraduate tuition fees page, so check it before you compare.
Living costs and the money you must show for the visa come on top. Our cost of studying in Canada guide and the proof of funds page explain both. For help with fees, read about scholarships to study in Canada.
What Do You Study in an International Relations Degree?
You study politics, economics, history and world regions, with a focus on how countries work together.
Calgary builds the degree from a common core, one world region and one theme. At UBC you also need a language other than English, taken in third or fourth year.
You write many essays and read long articles. You also meet basic statistics and economics. A student who likes history, news and debate usually enjoys it.
Is International Relations Different From Political Science?
Yes, international relations focuses on how countries deal with each other, while political science also covers how one country is run.
At Calgary, the international relations degree is offered by the political science department. It mixes courses from economics, history, political science and anthropology. At UBC, the IR major is its own program inside the Faculty of Arts.
If you want to study how one government works, political science may suit you better. You can read about it in our social sciences in Canada guide.
If you want to follow trade, security and aid between countries, international relations is the closer match. Many students take a few courses in both before they decide.
Is International Relations Hard for a +2 Student From Nepal?
It is not hard in maths, but it asks for a lot of reading and essay writing in English.
Most courses give you long readings each week. You then write short papers and longer essays. You also speak in class discussions.
You can prepare at home. Read a daily newspaper in English. Practise writing a clear page on one news story. Also take the IELTS early, so you have time to retake it.
If you dislike writing, look at a subject with more numbers, such as economics.
What Jobs Can an International Relations Degree Lead To?
The degree can lead to jobs in government, research, media and non-profit work.
Common job types are policy assistant, research assistant, program officer, communications officer and analyst. Government roles have their own rules. Read each job notice.
Many graduates also continue to a master’s degree. Our masters in Canada guide explains that route. International relations is not a licensed field, so you do not need a licence to start.
Want a nearby subject? Try social sciences, economics or linguistics.
Can You Work and Stay in Canada After an International Relations Degree?
You can work part time while you study and apply for a post-graduation work permit after you graduate, but permanent residence is not automatic.
During term, international students can generally work up to 24 hours a week off campus, as the IRCC off-campus work page explains. Our guide on working over 24 hours in Canada covers the details.
After graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit can last up to three years, depending on the length of your program. A degree program has no field of study rule. Read our PGWP guide for the steps.
No course leads to permanent residence on its own. Read PR pathways through education in Canada to see how people plan this honestly. For start dates, see the Canada intakes guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you enjoy history, politics and writing. It prepares you for research, policy and communications jobs, and it also supports a later master’s degree.
Yes. Arts faculties accept students from management, science and humanities. English marks matter most.
No. At UBC you join the Faculty of Arts first and apply into the IR major at the end of second year, after at least 54 credits.
UBC asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no part below 6.0. Other universities set their own scores.
At UBC, IR majors complete 12 credits in one language other than English. Other universities set their own rules, so read each program page.
International students can generally work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term, if their study permit allows it.
No. A degree can make you eligible for a post-graduation work permit, but permanent residence is a separate application with its own rules.
How Can Goreto Help You Apply?
Goreto counselors help you pick a university, check your marks and prepare your papers.
You can meet a counselor at our Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Chitwan, Itahari or Pokhara branch. Visit get in touch to find the nearest office.
Sources
Reference links
Disclaimer
Important guidance note
Program rules, entry averages and fees change, so confirm each detail on the official university page before you apply.
