Institute of International Relations
University of São Paulo
The multidisciplinary program is structured around a single area of concentration (International Relations) with three associated research lines. All research lines enable the involvement of scholars from four fields of knowledge — Political Science, Law, Economics, and History — as those lines are defined based on thematic areas rather than methodological or disciplinary criteria.
1. International Political Economy
This research line focuses on the intersection of international political and economic processes, addressing topics such as multilateral institutions that regulate finance and international trade, the relationship between domestic regulation and international agreements, and the economic and political aspects of regional integration. Studies in political economy related to various topics, including gender, human rights, immigration, security studies and international development, are also encompassed within this research line.
2. Foreign Policy and Institutions
Topic related to the study of the formulation of foreign policy in various countries, with a particular emphasis on Brazil, and its interactions with both domestic and international institutions. It analyzes foreign policy decision-making processes and their determiners, as well as similar processes within international institutions. Research in this area may cover a wide range of topics related to foreign policy, including migration, human rights, security studies, and international cooperation.
3. Governance and History of International Relations
This line focuses on issues regarding international governance and global processes that evolve over time and across different regions. It includes studies on the governance of international systems and studies on global history, with an emphasis on international relations between state and non-state actors from multiple temporal and spatial perspectives.
USP GRADUATE PROGRAM BYLAWS
The Graduate Program in International Relations, as well as all other graduate programs at USP, is regulated by the University of São Paulo’s Graduate Program Bylaws, which establish its guidelines and operational framework.
The current Graduate Program Bylaws of the University of São Paulo were established by Resolution nº. 7493, dated March 27, 2018.
Students must thoroughly acquaint themselves with the USP Graduate Program Bylaws and regard them as a primary reference throughout their studies.
IRI GRADUATE PROGRAM REGULATIONS
The Graduate Studies Committee of the IRI (CPG), in accordance with the USP Graduate Program Bylaws and with the particularities of the Graduate Program in International Relations, formulates specific regulations and guidelines for its courses, subject to approval by the relevant higher authorities.
Although the USP Graduate Program Bylaws serve as its foundation, certain guidelines and rules apply exclusively to students of the IRI-USP.
Access the Bylaws of the Graduate Studies Committee of the IRI.
Access the Regulations of the Graduate Program in International Relations.
Established in 2004, the Institute of International Relations (IRI) at the University of São Paulo has the mission of promoting research, teaching, and the dissemination of knowledge in the field of international relations; strengthening academic ties with national and foreign institutions; and increasing public understanding of global affairs.
The IRI is committed to a multidisciplinary approach to global issues, bringing together expertise in the fields of Law, Political Science, Economics, and History.
Its faculty includes professors exclusively dedicated to the institute, as well as political scientists, economists, historians, jurists, management specialists, and sociologists from other USP departments who are engaged in research and teaching in international relations.
The Institute offers Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees in International Relations. It also has a Postdoctoral Program for recent PhD graduates from both national and international institutions, as well as an International Scholars Program, which hosts faculty and researchers from abroad at the institute for a limited period.
The Graduate Program in International Relations at the University of São Paulo (Master’s and Doctoral degrees) was approved by CAPES in July 2008. The program aims at becoming a national and international reference center for research and teaching, dedicated to training high-level researchers as well as professionals to work in institutions that require specialized knowledge in international relations, such as higher education institutions, international organizations, the diplomatic service or other government agencies, research and planning bodies, private companies, class-based social associations, and civil society organizations.
The program seeks to establish an ongoing exchange of faculty and students, as well as dual-degree agreements, with leading international centers renowned for their contributions to the field of international relations.
Multidisciplinary in nature, the program is structured around three research lines: International Political Economy; Foreign Policy and Institutions; Governance and History of International Relations. All research lines enable the involvement of scholars from four fields of knowledge — Political Science, Law, Economics, and History — as those lines are defined based on thematic areas rather than methodological or disciplinary criteria.
Candidates with a completed undergraduate degree, regardless of their field of study, are eligible to apply for the Master's program.
To be eligible to apply for the Doctoral program, candidates must hold both an undergraduate and a master's degree, regardless of their field of study. Students who have completed their studies at foreign institutions must request diploma equivalency after being admitted through the selection process.
Admissions will be determined through a selection exam.
Email: pospesq.iri@usp.br
Phone numbers: +55 11 3091-0545 / 3091-0562 / 3091-6029
In-person service hours
During the academic term:
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Address:
University of São Paulo’s (USP) Institute of International Relations (IRI) - Graduate Program Office
Av. Prof. Lúcio Martins Rodrigues, s/n, Travessa do Labirinto, 286 – 2nd floor, room 24
Cidade Universitária – São Paulo – SP – Brazil
ZIP Code: 05508-210
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Institute of International Relations - 2025
