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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Qualifying full-time students are eligible for tuition waivers, stipend support, university-funded private health insurance, and subsidized student housing based on availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most of the students who complete the program are currently working as professional scholars in leading academic institutions of Europe and T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read below to see application requirements and specific program details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Application requirements:<\/strong> EN \/ Bilkent University \u2013 International Relations (MA, PhD)<\/a> (15 May 2026, interviews 10-11 June 2026)<\/p>\n\n\n\n A note: This year\u2019s ALES exam will take place on May 10, and results are scheduled to be announced by June 5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Curriculum:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n See specifics: PhD Curriculum<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n