The Postgraduate Program in International Relations at the University of São Paulo (Masters and Doctorate) was approved by CAPES in July 2008. The program aims to be a national and international reference point in research and teaching, dedicated to the training of high-quality 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 governmental agencies, planning and research centers, private sector companies, professional associations and civil society organizations.

The Program seeks to promote a continuous exchange program of researchers and students with those academic centers abroad which distinguish themselves through their research output in International Relations. IRI-USP has a joint degree with King's College London since 2014.

Of a multidisciplinary scope, the Program is organized around two main lines of research: International Political Economy and Culture and Normative Issues in International Relations – which brings together academic activities in International Economy, International Law, History and Political Science.