Our doctoral program is highly selective, competitive, and academically-oriented, and intended for those interested in an academic career. The main objective of the program is to develop skills in international political analysis, cutting-edge and innovative research, and teaching. International security, foreign policy, international political economy, sanctions, regional integration, global environmental problems, peacekeeping, conflict resolution, human rights, and social movements.
Qualifying full-time students are eligible for tuition waivers, stipend support, university-funded private health insurance, and subsidized student housing based on availability.
Most of the students who complete the program are currently working as professional scholars in leading academic institutions of Europe and Türkiye.
Read below to see application requirements and specific program details.
Application requirements: EN / Bilkent University – International Relations (MA, PhD) (15 May 2026, interviews 12-13 June 2026)
A note: This year’s ALES exam will take place on May 10, and results are scheduled to be announced by June 5.
Curriculum:
Our students take 8 courses to complete their 25 credit units course work along with program required training such as Pre-Thesis Seminar, Academic Practices and PhD Dissertation. Among these 8 courses, they must take one program-required courses, Current Debates in International Relations Theory; minimum two courses among the method-elective cluster; four courses from department-elective cluster; and one unrestricted elective course that can be taken from any department to support the expertise of the student. Following the completion of the course load, our students take a comprehensive exam to qualify for dissertation stage, and they are expected to defend their dissertation by the end of the fifth year in the program.
See specifics: PhD Curriculum
For questions not covered here, please contact: dgs_ir@bilkent.edu.tr