Students interested in international affairs often face a choice: pursue their MA in  international relations colleges in India or go abroad. These two directions have advantages and disadvantages. Students at the School of Liberal Arts, MA in International Relations (offered at Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Pune) are establishing a good reputation. The study in ADYPU/India vs the overseas will make you choose what to do according to you and your objectives.

What ADYPU Offers

The full-time MA in international relations offered at ADYPU is a two-year postgraduate course that enables strong analytical, research, and global policy skills. Students study international policies, relations, the art of diplomacy, international governance, security, and others.

The university offers interactions with faculty, case studies, seminars, and often exposure via guest lectures and collaborations. 

Eligibility for ADYPU’s MA requires a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with minimum required percentage. The fees are competitive compared to many international universities: total tuition fee is roughly ₹2,30,000 for two years. ADYPU also has an International Division that provides exchange programs, exposure to global academic partners, which improves learning outcomes.

Therefore, by doing your MA in International Relations in India, and more specifically at such institutions, like ADYPU, you can enjoy a combination of cheap, but at the same time relevant to Indian/global policy-related context, and expanding academic infrastructure.

Advantages of Studying Abroad

Studying MA in International Relations abroad may have the following benefits:

  • Global Exposure: Exposure to diverse perspectives, cross cultural setups and international networks.
  • Opportunities in Specialization: Numerous foreign universities have extremely specialized courses (e.g. climate diplomacy, international security, foreign policy analysis) and research labs, think tanks.
  • Language & Soft Skills: Exposure to various language, communication patterns and academic culture worldwide assists in developing skills that are appreciated across the world.

Nevertheless, there are also increased expenses (tuition + living) of studying abroad, the trouble of applying for the visa, relocating, and probably decreased attention to India-specific issues, unless you study abroad wisely.

Why Choose Indian Institutions Like ADYPU

For many students, doing their MA in India, especially at top MA international relations colleges in India, has strong appeal:

  • Cost-effectiveness: Lower fees, lower cost of living. ADYPU’s fee structure shows good value for what you receive.
  • Contextual Relevance: Studying international relations in Indian institutes has an added advantage of understanding the foreign policy of India, the geopolitics of this region, the neighbour countries and operation of new global issues in an Indian perspective.
  • Expanding Prospects: Indian universities are establishing international connections, providing distance learning and hybrid courses, and increasing the research. ADYPU’s International Division shows active collaborations with many countries.

Distance Learning and Flexible Options

If staying abroad is not feasible, or you want flexibility, masters in international relations in india distance learning modes are an option (though fewer). Some Indian universities offer part-time, online or distance MA/PG programs in International Relations or allied discipline. These offer flexibility to working people.

 

Nevertheless, distance learning might not be as good as it could be: there could be a shortage of in-person interaction, live seminars, networking, or practical experiences. When you take this path, you must make sure that the program is respectable/academically accredited, has a good faculty and is virtual/exchange. ADYPU currently offers the standard full-time mode for International Relations; distance modes may be less common in their portfolio. 

Considerations Before Deciding

  • Recognised Accreditation:Ensure that your degree is recognised in fields that you may want to work or further your studies.
  • Specialization and Curriculum: Select your programs to offer the specializations that you like (e.g. diplomacy, policy analysis, security studies). ADYPU allows you to choose relevant electives and tracks.
  • Cost vs Scholarship: Abroad programs often offer scholarships, TA/RA positions. In India, scholarships or financial aid are more limited but available.
  • Career Objectives: If you aim for roles in Indian government, foreign service, policy think tanks in India/Nepal/South Asia, Indian MA may suffice. If you want to work globally or in multilateral organisations, abroad degrees may give a slight edge.

Conclusion

Both paths, studying IR in top MA international relations colleges in India like ADYPU vs studying abroad, have their merits. If you value affordability, contextual learning, proximity, and growing resources, doing your MA in India is a very strong option. If global exposure, specific research labs, and diverse cultural immersion are priorities, abroad may be worth the investment.

In the case of students who require flexibility, master’s in international relations in India’s distance learning programs (where reputable) might also be a balance of cost plus flexibility, but one must determine their acceptability in his or her area of interest.

 

When ADYPU is in question, it has a good combination of curriculum, international partnerships, and infrastructure. It can hardly compare (or even pretend to compare) to the features of the programs abroad, but its value proposition is high–at least to those who want to make a contribution to the policy of the region, the country, or the world as an Indian.

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Last Update: October 8, 2025