After completing their undergraduate studies in their respective fields, students can apply for master's admission. The previous academic records, entry tests, and interviews are all part of the admission requirements. In different universities, the interview and entry tests may differ. Students can obtain admission forms from university campuses or online portals. The admission process continues for more than a month.
| Date Posted | Last Date | Institute Name | Program Name | Admission Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15-Jan-2026 | 26-Jan-2026 |
Balochistan University Of Information Technology & Management Sciences (BUITEMS) Quetta
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| 14-Jan-2026 | 15-Jan-2026 |
Govt College University GCU Faisalabad
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| 09-Jan-2026 | N/A |
Superior University
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| 02-Jan-2026 | N/A |
Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) Islamabad
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| 23-Dec-2025 | 02-Jan-2026 |
Bahauddin Zakariya University Bzu Multan
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| 15-Dec-2025 | 17-Dec-2025 |
Comsats Institute Of Information Technology Islamabad
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| 01-Dec-2025 | 18-Dec-2025 |
Bahria University Islamabad
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| 16-Nov-2025 | N/A |
International Islamic University IIU Islamabad
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| 16-Nov-2025 | 23-Dec-2025 |
Air University
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| 15-Oct-2025 | 19-Oct-2025 |
National College of Business Administration & Management Sciences (NCBAE) Multan
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MS International Relations is an advanced postgraduate degree in Pakistan designed for students interested in diplomacy, global politics, security studies, international law, and foreign policy analysis. A university-wise admission comparison helps applicants evaluate differences in curriculum focus, research opportunities, and academic resources across institutions. The comparison table highlights faculty expertise, access to research centers, policy analysis labs, and opportunities for thesis-based research, simulations, and internships with governmental and international organizations. By reviewing admission requirements, eligibility criteria, merit policies, program accreditation, and fee structures, students can make well-informed academic decisions. It also identifies universities offering stronger collaborations with think tanks, foreign affairs institutions, and international policy networks. This comparison assists students in selecting MS International Relations programs aligned with contemporary global research and professional standards in Pakistan.
| University | Duration | Credit Hours | Fee (Per Year) | Admission Month | Eligibility Criteria | Specializations Offered | Scholarship Options | Entry Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad | 2 Years | 30 | 90,000 - 115,000 | Fall (Aug-Sep) | MA/BS (4 Years) IR/Political Science, 2.5/4.0 CGPA | • Foreign Policy Analysis • Strategic Studies • International Political Economy • Peace & Conflict Studies |
Merit-Based, HEC, Indigenous | QAU Departmental Test |
| University of the Punjab, Lahore | 2 Years | 30 | 85,000 - 110,000 | • Fall (Aug-Sep) • Spring (Jan-Feb) |
MA/BS (4 Years) IR/Political Science, 2.5/4.0 CGPA | • Diplomacy & Foreign Policy • International Security • Global Governance • South Asian Studies |
Merit & Need-Based, HEC, Punjab Govt. | PU-CAT |
| Government College University, Lahore | 2 Years | 30 | 90,000 - 115,000 | • Fall (Aug-Sep) • Spring (Jan-Feb) |
MA/BS (4 Years) IR/Political Science, 2.5/4.0 CGPA | • Diplomatic Studies • International Law • Strategic & Security Studies • Comparative Regional Studies |
Merit-Based, Alumni, Punjab Govt. | GCU Entry Test |
| University of Karachi | 2 Years | 30 | 50,000 - 75,000 | • Fall (Sep-Oct) • Spring (Mar-Apr) |
MA International Relations, Minimum 2nd Division | • Foreign Policy • International Law • Strategic Studies • Global Political Economy |
Merit-Based, HEC, Sindh Govt. | KU Admission Test |
| International Islamic University (IIU), Islamabad | 2 Years | 30 | 80,000 - 105,000 | • Fall (Sep-Oct) • Spring (Mar-Apr) |
MA/BS (4 Years) IR/Political Science, 2.5/4.0 CGPA | • Islamic Perspective in IR • Diplomacy & Negotiations • Conflict Resolution • International Organizations |
Merit & Need-Based, IIU Schemes, HEC | IIU Admission Test |
| University of Peshawar | 2 Years | 30 | 45,000 - 70,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
MA/BS (Hons) IR/Political Science, 2.5/4.0 CGPA | • Afghan & Central Asian Studies • Security & Strategic Studies • Foreign Policy Analysis • Peace & Conflict Studies |
Merit & Need-Based, HEC, KP Govt. | UoP Postgraduate Admission Test |
| Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan | 2 Years | 30 | 55,000 - 80,000 | • Fall (Sep-Oct) • Spring (Mar-Apr) |
MA/BS (4 Years) IR/Political Science, 2.0/4.0 CGPA | • International Relations Theory • Foreign Policy • Strategic Studies • Diplomacy |
Merit-Based, BZU Schemes, HEC | BZU Postgraduate Test |
| University of Sindh, Jamshoro | 2 Years | 30 | 40,000 - 65,000 | • Fall (Nov-Dec) • Spring (May-Jun) |
MA International Relations, Minimum 45% Marks | • International Law • Foreign Policy • Strategic Studies • Regional Studies |
Merit-Based, HEC, Sindh Govt. | University of Sindh Admission Test |
| Islamia University of Bahawalpur | 2 Years | 30 | 50,000 - 75,000 | • Fall (Oct-Nov) • Spring (Apr-May) |
MA/BS (4 Years) IR/Political Science, 2.0/4.0 CGPA | • International Relations • Foreign Policy • Strategic Studies • Diplomacy |
Merit-Based, Need-Based, IUB Schemes | IUB Admission Test |
| University of Sargodha | 2 Years | 30 | 60,000 - 85,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
MA/BS (Hons) IR/Political Science, 2.0/4.0 CGPA | • International Security • Diplomacy • Foreign Policy • Peace Studies |
Merit-Based, Need-Based, Punjab Govt. | UOS Admission Test |
| University of Gujrat | 2 Years | 30 | 65,000 - 90,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
MA/BS (4 Years) IR/Political Science, 2.0/4.0 CGPA | • International Relations Theory • Strategic Studies • Diplomacy • Global Political Economy |
Merit Scholarships, HEC | UOG Graduate Admission Test |
| Hazara University, Mansehra | 2 Years | 30 | 45,000 - 70,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
MA/BS (Hons) IR/Political Science, 2.0/4.0 CGPA | • International Relations • Foreign Policy • Peace & Conflict • Regional Studies |
Merit-Based, HEC, KP Govt. | HU Entry Test |
| Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan | 2 Years | 30 | 40,000 - 65,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
MA/BS (Hons) IR/Political Science, 2.0/4.0 CGPA | • International Relations • Foreign Policy • Strategic Studies • Conflict Resolution |
Merit-Based, HEC, KP Govt. | AWKUM Departmental Test |
| Kohat University of Science & Technology | 2 Years | 30 | 50,000 - 75,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
MA/BS (Hons) IR/Political Science, 2.5/4.0 CGPA | • International Security • Diplomacy • Foreign Policy • Peace Studies |
Merit-Based, HEC | KUST Admission Test |
| University of Malakand | 2 Years | 30 | 40,000 - 65,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
MA/BS (Hons) IR/Political Science, 2.0/4.0 CGPA | • General International Relations • Foreign Policy • Peace & Conflict • Regional Dynamics |
Merit-Based, HEC | UOM Departmental Test |
| Lahore College for Women University | 2 Years | 30 | 65,000 - 90,000 | • Fall (Aug-Sep) • Spring (Jan-Feb) |
MA/BS (Hons) IR/Political Science, 2.5/4.0 CGPA | • Gender & International Relations • Diplomacy • Foreign Policy • International Law |
Merit-Based, Punjab Govt., HEC | LCWU Departmental Test |
| Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore | 2 Years | 30 | 150,000 - 185,000 | Fall (Aug-Sep) | MA/BS (4 Years) IR/Political Science, Minimum 2.5 CGPA | • International Relations • Diplomacy • Strategic Studies • Global Governance |
Merit-Based Scholarships, Alumni | Kinnaird College Admission Test |
| Forman Christian College University, Lahore | 2 Years | 30 | 240,000 - 290,000 | Fall (Aug-Sep) | MA/BS (4 Years) IR/Political Science, 2.5/4.0 CGPA | • Global Political Economy • Conflict Resolution • Diplomacy & Negotiation • Human Rights & International Law |
Merit Scholarships, Need-Based Financial Aid | FCCU Graduate Studies Test |
| University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Muzaffarabad | 2 Years | 30 | 50,000 - 75,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
MA International Relations, Minimum 2nd Division | • Kashmir & Regional Studies • Diplomacy • Foreign Policy • Peace & Conflict |
Merit-Based, HEC, AJK Govt. | UAJK Admission Test |
| Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur | 2 Years | 30 | 40,000 - 65,000 | • Fall (Nov-Dec) • Spring (May-Jun) |
MA International Relations, Minimum 45% Marks | • Foreign Policy • International Law • Strategic Studies • Regional Studies |
Merit-Based, HEC, Sindh Govt. | SALU Admission Test |
| University of Balochistan, Quetta | 2 Years | 30 | 35,000 - 60,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
MA International Relations, Minimum 2nd Division | • Foreign Policy • Strategic Studies • Diplomacy • Regional Security |
Merit-Based, HEC, Balochistan Govt. | UoB Postgraduate Test |
| Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University, Quetta | 2 Years | 30 | 40,000 - 65,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
MA International Relations, Minimum 2nd Division | • International Relations • Diplomacy • Foreign Policy • Peace Studies |
Merit-Based, Balochistan Govt. | SBKWU Admission Test |
| National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Islamabad | 1.5 - 2 Years | 30 | 220,000 - 280,000 | • Fall (Jul-Aug) • Spring (Jan-Feb) |
MA/BS (4 Years) IR/Political Science, 2.5/4.0 CGPA, NUST GAT 50% | • Strategic & Security Studies • International Security • Diplomacy • Conflict & Peace Studies |
NUST Merit Scholarships, Need-Based, HEC | NUST GAT (General) |
| University of Management & Technology, Lahore | 2 Years | 30 | 180,000 - 230,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
MA/BS (4 Years) IR/Political Science, Minimum 2.5 CGPA | • Global Governance • Diplomacy & Foreign Policy • International Political Economy • Security Studies |
Merit-Based, Need-Based, Alumni | UMT Graduate Admission Test |
| Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad | 2 Years | 30 | 45,000 - 70,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
MA International Relations, Minimum 2nd Division | • General International Relations • Foreign Policy • Diplomacy • Peace Studies |
Merit-Based, Fee Installments | No Entry Test |
The candidate must have 4 years of bachelors or Equivalent Degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 2.00 CGPA or 50% in the annual system.
Apart from the yearly admissions, most universities have admissions twice a year. The semester sessions include spring and fall sessions. The fall sessions start in September whereas, the spring session takes place in April.
One of the mandatory steps of the admission process is the entry test. To achieve admissions in postgraduate programs candidates are required to undertake the entrance exam of the university they look forward to. Every type of degree has its own type of entrance exam with a particular exam pattern. The different entry tests for postgraduate degrees are GAT, GRE, or the university test. The pattern includes field-related questions, general knowledge, questions based on basic research methodology, and some English vocabulary questions. The exam is mostly objective type.
After the admission process and entrance exams are completed, universities publish their merit lists. The university publishes the highest aggregate in the first merit list. Depending on the availability of seats in a particular department, universities display more than one merit list of successful applicants.
The fee structure differs for several universities. The private sector has a relatively higher fee structure than the public sector which is divided in a quarterly manner at most universities.
Some of the well-known HEC recognized universities offering a postgraduate degree in International Relations are:
The department of Political Sciences offers an MS/M.Phil. degree in International Relations. The eligibility criteria of a BS degree in political science, international relations, or equivalent. The candidate must own a minimum of 50% in the previous degree. The university offers admissions only on a merit basis at the 20 available seats. The degree of MS International Relations is a semester-based at Punjab University.
MS International Relations is a 2 years degree program. The program consists of theoretical and research-based work. The eligibility criteria include a minimum of 50% marks in the bachelor’s degree in international degree, political science, or equivalent.
The candidates must possess 16 years of education in international relations as majors from an HEC recognized university for an MS International Relations. The students must have a 2.5/4 CGPA or a minimum of 50% marks in bachelor’s degree. The entry test and interview part are mandatory for every candidate.
The eligibility criteria for MS International Relations consist of a 16 years degree, in the relevant field, from an accredited educational institution with First Division (annual system) or CGPA 2.5/4.0 (semester system). The candidate must possess 50% marks in the GAT general test.
The candidate is looking forward to admission to M.Phil. International Relations at Kinnaird College must possess a 4 years bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 in degree. The KC Graduate Assessment Test is mandatory for every candidate. Further, only short-listed candidates will be called for the Interview.
Lahore College for Women University offers a 2 years MS degree in International Relations. Female candidates with 16 years of education in the relevant subject only are eligible. The Candidate must have obtained 2.5/ 4.00 CGPA in the semester or 50% marks in the annual system.
The department of Politics and International Relations at Quaid-e-Azam University offers an M.Phil. degree in International Relations. The course work consists of a variety of subjects in addition to research work.
The Department offers admissions for M.Phil. usually in Spring Semester. For admissions in M.Phil. a candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree in International degree, social science, political science, or equivalent.
The M.Phil. International Relations at the National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad requires 16 years of education in relevant discipline from HEC recognized University with a minimum of 2.5 out of 4.0 or 50 % marks under the annual system.
To avail admission in M.Phil. in International Relations a candidate with 16 years of education in any subject of Social Sciences preferably in IR, History, Political Sciences and History, Defense, and Strategic Studies.
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