Public Administration

Public Administration at Radboud University is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary Master's program designed to prepare students for impactful careers in government, policy-making, and the public sector. This program emphasizes understanding the complex interactions between governmental institutions, citizens, and other societal actors, equipping students with the analytical skills and practical knowledge necessary to address contemporary public challenges. Throughout the program, students explore core themes such as governance, policy analysis, public management, and innovation in public services, fostering a deep understanding of how public organizations operate within a democratic framework. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, including case studies, internships, and project work, to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Students are encouraged to engage with pressing issues like sustainable development, social justice, and digital transformation, ensuring their education remains relevant to current and future societal needs. Radboud University's culturally diverse environment enhances collaborative learning and provides a global perspective on public administration. The program also offers opportunities for specialization in areas such as European governance, urban management, or international policy, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests and career goals. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, international institutions, or consultancy firms, where they can contribute to creating effective and equitable public policies. With a strong focus on ethics, resilience, and innovation, the Master in Public Administration at Radboud University empowers students to become responsible and forward-thinking public leaders dedicated to societal betterment.

Key courses: New Public Governance; Policy Reform; Multi-Level Governance; Europeanisation; Advanced Research Methods.

Unique characteristics:
For the English-taught specialisattion, one of the following certificates is needed:
• Small-scale, interactive teaching
• Ranked best Master’s programme in Public Administration in Keuzegids Masters in 2016 for the third year in a row
• A wide range of elective courses is available and students choose their own thesis topic
• Possibility to do an internship within the one-year programme

A Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Political Science or a related discipline from a recognised university.

Competency in Social Science Research Methodology (quantitative and qualitative)
Due to the strong academic nature of this programme, it is essential that students have basic research skills.

Proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English.This requirement has been satisfied when the student meets one of the following conditions:

• Has successfully completed a three-year Bachelor's programme at a Dutch university.
• Is a citizen of Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, or the United States of America.
• Has successfully completed a Bachelor's programme that was taught completely in the English language in one of the following countries: EU/EEA-countries, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States of America.
• Has successfully completed a Master's programme from a Dutch university of applied sciences (HBO).

All other students need one of the following certificates (TOEFL and IELTS certificates may not be older than two years).

• A TOEFL score of ≥575 (paper based) or ≥232 (computer based) or ≥90 (internet based), with subscores not lower than 18
• A IELTS score of ≥6.5, with subscores not lower than 6.0
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

Public Administration at Radboud University is a comprehensive master's program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in public sector organizations and policy-making institutions. The program emphasizes the development of analytical, research, and practical skills necessary to address complex societal challenges through effective governance and policy strategies. Students engage with a diverse curriculum that covers core topics such as public management, policy analysis, governance, public values, and organizational behavior. The program also places a strong emphasis on the ethical considerations and societal impacts of public administration, encouraging students to consider the broader implications of their work.

Radboud University’s Public Administration program benefits from close ties with governmental agencies and non-profit organizations in the Netherlands and beyond, offering students opportunities for internships, collaborative projects, and networking with professionals. The program is taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in fields related to public policy, administration, and governance. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, engage in policy-oriented research, and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems through case studies and practical assignments.

The curriculum includes courses in public policy processes, strategic management, financial management in the public sector, and digital government, among others. Students are also trained to utilize quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, enabling them to conduct independent investigations and produce high-quality policy analyses. The program often incorporates guest lectures and seminars by practitioners in the field, providing students with current insights and practical perspectives.

Graduates of the Public Administration master's program at Radboud University are well-equipped to pursue careers in government departments, international organizations, NGOs, consultancy firms, and research institutions. They can expect to work in roles that require strategic planning, policy development, program evaluation, and public management. The program also prepares students for doctoral research if they choose to pursue further academic careers. Overall, Radboud University’s Public Administration program offers a rigorous, research-informed education grounded in societal relevance and practical application, empowering students to make meaningful contributions to the public sector.