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Study Economics in Europe

Understand the forces shaping a continent of 450 million people.

23
Economics programs in Europe from 14 universities · updated for 2026
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Research Excellence European economics departments lead in behavioral economics, development theory, and international trade research
Policy Proximity Study near the ECB, World Trade Organization, IMF offices, and Eurostat for real-world research exposure
Live Policy Laboratory Monetary union, fiscal integration, and climate economics — European policy debates are genuinely ongoing experiments
Rich Data Access Eurostat, OECD, and national statistical offices provide exceptional datasets for research and thesis work

Economics taught in Europe reflects a rich diversity of intellectual traditions — empirical, theoretical, institutional, and heterodox approaches are all well-represented — and programs across the continent, from Ireland to Estonia and from Portugal to Finland, share the same rigorous foundation while bringing their own perspectives on economic questions. The proximity of European university economics departments to EU institutions is a concrete advantage for students with policy interests: the European Commission, ECB, European Parliament, and IMF all actively recruit economics graduates, and no other continent offers comparable access to these institutions. The academic job market for European economics PhD graduates is internationally competitive: top European economics PhD programs across the continent regularly place graduates at US universities and global central banks. For master's-level graduates, the career spectrum spans investment banking, asset management, central banking, economic consultancy, competition authority work (DG COMP at the European Commission is a major employer of economics graduates), and international development. Econometrics and data skills are now core to every serious European economics program — the days of purely qualitative economic analysis are over.

Featured Economics Programs in Europe

A selection of programs available across Europe — explore details, fees, and requirements.

European Studies: Law - Politics - Economics

HSB – Bremen City University of Applied Sciences Bremen, Germany

Master's English 2 years
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European Studies: Law - Politics - Economics HSB – Bremen City University of Applied Sciences

This master's program explores the political, legal, and economic dynamics of the European Union through a multidisciplinary and practice-oriented curriculum. It equips students with advanced research, writing, project management, and intercultural communication skills relevant to professional roles in EU institutions, public administration, or the private sector. The curriculum covers EU institutions and law, integration theories, current challenges such as climate change and digitalization, internal market regulation, competition policy, energy law, and economic integration. Special attention is given to EU funding mechanisms and proposal writing, including practical workshops.

Students may focus on public administration and EU external relations or opt for a private-sector emphasis on business and EU regulatory law. Modules include real-world case studies and visits to EU institutions in Brussels. Elective options allow tailored study paths aligned with current EU policy topics, and students may pursue interdisciplinary or legal specializations. A master's thesis, supported through academic supervision and a colloquium, can be linked to an optional internship. The internship is mandatory for those entering the program with 180 ECTS credits and offers hands-on experience with EU-related organizations.
Applicants to this master's program must hold a bachelor's degree in economics, politics, law, or a related field with at least 180, 210, or 240 ECTS credits. Those applying for the LL.M. track must have a law degree or a degree program with a strong legal focus. A letter of motivation and a letter of recommendation are required. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate high proficiency in English with a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL iBT score of 80. All application documents must be submitted in either English or German.
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International Politics and Economics

University of Bologna Bologna, Italy

Master's English 2 years
EU: €1,200 Per year Non-EU: €1,400
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International Politics and Economics University of Bologna

This program integrates the study of international politics and economics, offering students a multidisciplinary approach to understanding global challenges. Core subjects include international finance, public policy, international law, and political systems, supported by training in data analysis and economics. Students can specialize through elective groups focused on economics, law and politics, foreign languages, and global migration. The curriculum includes internships and seminars, with flexibility for students to shape their academic path through optional courses and final thesis preparation.
To qualify for this program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, or political science and international relations, as defined by Italian regulations. Degrees awarded under equivalent classifications from earlier regulatory frameworks or foreign institutions may also be accepted, pending evaluation of their alignment with the specified fields. Candidates who have not yet completed their degree may apply conditionally, provided they graduate by the end of the calendar year. English language proficiency at a minimum B2 CEFR level is required for admission. EU students typically pay around €1,200/year based on family income. Non-EU students usually pay a fixed fee of about €1,400/year. Check with the university for your exact fee.
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International Sports Diplomacy

Hungarian University of Sports Science Budapest, Hungary

Master's English 1 year
EU: €3,000 Per semester Non-EU: €3,000
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International Sports Diplomacy Hungarian University of Sports Science

This master's degree trains professionals for careers in international sport federations or national federations with international activities, addressing a gap where accomplished athletes often struggle to transition into organizational roles, and professionals from fields like economics or law often lack specialized diplomatic skills relevant to sport. Through a curriculum covering diplomacy, strategic planning, and diplomatic methods, students learn to navigate the intersection of the sports industry, the civil sector, and global trends, developing the skills to communicate effectively in international negotiations, events, and other cross-border activities, while also engaging with the organizational structures, legal frameworks, and differing values attached to sport worldwide.

The first semester covers the history and theory of diplomacy and international relations, the theory and methodology of sport diplomacy, sport in society, international sport law, global sport governance with a focus on international sport relations, the hosting and organization of international sporting events, and the practical contexts and tasks of sport diplomacy, alongside an internship and elective coursework. The second semester continues with global sport governance focused on international sport organizations, an introduction to grassroots sports diplomacy, communication for international relations and social media, sport protocol and event management, sports integrity, covering fair play, betting, and anti-doping, sport for development and inclusion, and decision-making and good governance in sport, culminating in a project or thesis and further electives.

Graduates are prepared for roles within sport federations and national Olympic committees, in organizing international sporting events, and as team managers or directors, sports program managers, sports consultants, and sports educators or lecturers.
Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree, or be in their final year of bachelor's study, and must submit a scanned passport, bachelor's transcripts, a bachelor's certificate where available, and a curriculum vitae. Priority is given to applicants who have completed or are completing studies in fields such as sport sciences, international relations, business administration, economics, social sciences, political sciences, communication, or marketing. As part of the admission process, applicants take part in an online interview.
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Sustainable Marketing

University of Oulu Oulu, Finland

Master's English 2 years
Non-EU: €12,000
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Sustainable Marketing University of Oulu

This master's program in sustainable marketing focuses on ethical and responsible marketing strategies in a global business environment. Core courses include principles of sustainable marketing, service and business marketing, digital marketing, brand management, consumer behavior, and business ethics. Students gain skills in marketing theory and research through both qualitative and quantitative methods. The program offers optional studies in topics such as supply chain management, AI in business, sustainability reporting, and business intelligence. Students may also complete an internship. Language and general studies include academic English and beginner to intermediate Finnish. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for marketing roles that emphasize sustainability and ethical practices.
This master's program focuses on fields related to business and economics, offering specialization tracks in Business Analytics, Finance, Financial and Management Accounting, International Business Management, Responsible Economics, and Sustainable Marketing. Applicants must hold a degree in economics or business administration, or present at least 24 ECTS of relevant coursework if from another field. Selection is based on a preliminary video assignment evaluating motivation, prior studies and work experience, and communication skills, along with academic background. Applicants must achieve at least 7 out of 20 total points to be considered. English language proficiency must be proven through accepted standardized tests or prior studies in English.
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Why Study Economics in Europe?

1

Historic economic thought tradition (Adam Smith, Keynes, Hayek)

2

Prestigious economics departments across the continent

3

Proximity to EU institutions for policy-oriented careers

4

Strong research funding and academic networks

5

Diverse economic systems to study

Popular Specializations

Focus areas within Economics

Admission Requirements

What you'll need to apply

BSc/BA

Bachelor's Programs

  • High school diploma with strong mathematics grades
  • Analytical and quantitative abilities
  • English proficiency for English-taught programs
  • Interest in economic and social issues

What You'll Study

Typical curriculum and coursework

Microeconomic theory

Macroeconomic theory

Econometrics and statistical methods

Mathematical economics

Applied economics courses

Research methods

Thesis or research project

How to Prepare

Tips to strengthen your application

1

Strengthen mathematical skills (calculus, linear algebra, statistics)

2

Learn econometric software (Stata, R, Python)

3

Read economic publications and follow current events

4

Develop writing and communication skills

5

Consider research assistant opportunities

6

Understand different schools of economic thought

Career Paths

Where a Economics degree can take you

€40,000 - €90,000 Typical Salary Range
Good demand in government, international organizations, finance, and consulting

Economist

Analyze economic data and trends

Policy Analyst

Advise on public policy

Research Economist

Conduct economic research

Data Analyst

Apply analytical skills to data

Central Bank Analyst

Work on monetary policy

International Organization Officer

Work at IMF, World Bank, EU, etc.

Economic Consultant

Provide economic analysis for businesses

Financial Economist

Apply economics in financial sector

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