Overview

A combination of in depth, hands-on fieldwork and comprehensive theoretical study helps our Ph.D. students in the International Relations program from Tufts University to uncover the meaningful questions that ultimately shape both their future research and their careers.

Key Features

With approximately 60 students engaged in coursework or research at any given time, the Ph.D. program is an integral and vibrant component of the Fletcher community.

Working alongside our world-renowned faculty, Fletcher doctoral candidates acquire the theoretical and practical skills needed to produce research that will help shape future discourse on international relations.

After completing their degrees, our graduates go on to successful high-level careers in academia, research, non-profit organizations, government, and the private sector.

Programme Structure

Fields of study include:

Comparative Politics

Development Economics

Gender Analysis in International Studies

Human Security

International Business Relations

International Environment and Resource Policy

International Security Studies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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110

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Medford, United States

Disciplines

International Relations View 15 other PhDs in International Relations in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.6

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

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Other requirements

General requirements

To apply to the PhD program at The Fletcher School, prospective students must have a Master's degree in a field that is relevant to international relations, and directly related to the applicant's proposed doctoral studies.

The applicant's Master's degree must come from a program that required at least one and a half years of full-time study (not including internships or thesis preparation), and at least twelve courses in which the applicant earned a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher. Students enrolled in Fletcher's MALD program may apply to the PhD program during their second year of study.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Tufts University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

55424 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 55424 USD per year during 60 months.
National

55424 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 55424 USD per year during 60 months.
In-State

55424 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 55424 USD per year during 60 months.

Living costs for Medford

1458 - 3019 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for International Relations.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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