How to Get Into IE University - International Relations, Political Science & PPLE
In case you want to pursue a powerful, globally‑oriented bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, or PPLE (Philosophy, Politics, Law & Economics) the IE University has three leading English-taught programs aligned to bring out highly flexible multidimensional leader’s structure. Here's everything you need to know to stand out.
What’s covered
Why IE University and Madrid? What makes it ideal for global studies
Program overview of International relations, Political Science, PPLE
Entry requirements (IB, A-levels, GPA, etc.)
Application steps, assessments, and deadlines
Standardized test & English requirements
Motivation letter tips
Next steps after acceptance
Getting into IE University’s International Relations, Political Science, or PPLE programs isn’t easy - but with the right support, it’s entirely within reach.
Our Think Smart Admissions Experts will help you build a competitive profile, from crafting a compelling motivation letter to preparing for the ieGAT or standardized tests. Book a consultation today and take your first step toward studying in Madrid or Segovia at one of Europe’s most innovative and global universities.
Why IE University & Madrid?
IE University offers a globally respected education known for innovation, interdisciplinary teaching, and real-world learning. It offers fully English-taught and internationally recognized (APSIA, NASPAA) programs like International Relations, Political Science and PPLE that are perfect fits to those wishing to have a career as a diplomat, policy maker, or global business individual.
With campuses in Segovia and Madrid, students get an option of studying in a historic academic environment or in the ultra-modern IE Tower in Madrid's financial district. Madrid by itself is among the leading diplomatic and cultural capitals in Europe- and that means direct access to embassies, international companies as well as global institutions. It has become a perfect launching pad to anyone wishing to study, live and work internationally.
What can you study at IE? Three Powerful Global Programs
International Relations, Political Science, and PPLE (Philosophy, Politics, Law & Economics) are three exceptional undergraduate degrees provided by the IE University to the students interested in world matters. The three are all taught entirely in English and created to help merge academic depth with real-world preparation.
Bachelor in International Relations
This program is perfect for a student who wishes to work in diplomacy, international organizations, or global policy. You will explore issues like conflict resolution, global governance, and development - while building skills through hands-on simulations, policy challenges, and projects with institutions like the United Nations System Staff College.
IE's approach is practical and global. By the end of the program, you will be equipped to work in NGOs, multilateral institutions, think tanks, or government agencies.
Bachelor in Political Science
For those individuals who are interested in domestic and international politics, the Political Science program at IE is highly immersive, as it explores the way societies are organized as well as the way policies are defined. You will learn about political theory, data analysis and public policy and experience the solution of real-life problems in labs, debates, and case studies.
The degree is a perfect fit in case you want to pursue a career in politics, advocacy, journalism, or political consulting.
Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law & Economics (PPLE)
The PPLE program at IE is an interdisciplinary degree, which aims at producing problem solvers and critical thinkers. It combines philosophy, law, political science, and economics to assist you to have a multifaceted view of complicated issues that exist in society.
Your education will cover the history and theory of morality to the forms of legal and economic modelling, to set you up to pursue careers or graduate degrees in law, policy, consulting and international leadership.
IE University’s International Relations, Political Science, and PPLE programs are among the most competitive global degrees in Europe. Maximise your chances with TS Admissions experts - specialists in elite European university applications.
Admission Requirements
All three IE bachelor's programs covered in this blog share the same core admission framework, one difference is PPLE which is a more selective program and requires stronger academic credentials and higher test scores to stand out. While the overall application structure is consistent across all three degrees, PPLE is the most selective and typically attracts students with a slightly stronger academic profile.
All applicants regardless of the program, follow the same core admissions path: you submit your academic transcripts, take the IE Admission Test (or provide SAT/ACT scores), complete the Kira video Interview, and prove your English proficiency.
IE recognizes majority of world diplomas, such as International Diplomas (IB), A-levels or the U.S.: High School Diplomas, and European and national equivalent.
With regards to Political Science and International Relations, the student applicants have typically attained an overall score of 32-36 in IB or 3.0 GPA on A level or around 3.0-3.2 GPA on the U.S. scale.
In case of PPLE the threshold is a bit higher. Accepted students may typically show IB scores of 36+, A-levels of A-A-A or a U.S. GPA of 3.5 or better.
This doesn’t mean you need perfect grades to apply - but if PPLE is your first choice, it’s a good idea to showcase strong academics alongside your personal motivation and critical thinking skills.
Standardized Test Requirements
The IE Admission Test (ieGAT) is compulsory to all students except those planning to provide their SAT or ACT scores.
The basic standard entry score in each of these three programs is a 1200 SAT or a 24 ACT.
But in case of PPLE which is more academically challenging, it is advisable to achieve greater scores to build a strong profile.
IE will always consider your best result, and the ieGAT can be taken online on your own schedule - making it a flexible choice if you haven’t taken SAT/ACT.
English Proficiency
Since all three programs are taught purely in English, one of the requirements is to exhibit fluency in the language. Automatically exempted in case you have studied in English all along high school otherwise you have to provide a documentation of one of the following:
TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 100.
IELTS Academic with a score of 7 or above.
Cambridge English C1 or C2.
The scores must be submitted by enrollment, though IE can grant conditional offers if your results are pending.
So, the application process and their minimum requirements are common among all three programs; however, PPLE is the most competitive among three. It does not only take good grades and test scores but an expressed sense of purpose and curiosity about ideas.
Applying to Political Science? To IR? To PPLE? With passion, pay the necessary attention to each component of your application, and, in particular, your motivation letter and your interview. IE seeks students who think globally and who are willing to change the status quo and if you are someone like that, then you are already halfway to earning a spot in IE.
IE Application Process & Timeline
| Step | When |
|---|---|
| Prepare Documents | Summer – Early Autumn 2025 |
| Submit Online Application | Rolling Admissions (Apply Early Recommended) |
| Take Admissions Test (ieGAT) or Submit SAT/ACT | Before or Shortly After Application |
| Complete Kira Video Assessment | After Submitting Application |
| Attend Online Interview | 1–2 Weeks After Kira Assessment |
| Receive Admission Decision | 1–3 Weeks After Interview |
| Submit Final Diploma | Before October 15, 2026 |
| Apply for Visa (non-EU students) | Immediately After Acceptance (April–July) |
| Start of Semester | Early September 2026 |
Interested in improving your chances of getting into IE University’s International Relations, Political Science, or PPLE program? Our Think Smart Admissions Experts can help - contact us for support today!
Final Thoughts
The Madrid and Segovia programs provided in IE University provide an interdisciplinary and internationalized education, pursued by leaders with the desire to influence in any international field, whether politics, diplomacy, law, or economics. It is not difficult to gain admission to the process but it involves good academics, test scores and a driving force.
Ready to start your application journey? Book a consultation with TS Admissions, and let's ensure your profile shines at IE.