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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.

International Economics

Berlin School of Economics and Law Berlin, Germany

Master's English 1,5 years
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International Economics Berlin School of Economics and Law

This master's program focuses on advanced knowledge and analysis in international and development economics. In the first semester, students study core topics including macroeconomics, international economics, development economics, and global governance. The second semester emphasizes applied learning through a project seminar on current issues in international economics, complemented by three elective seminars. These electives allow for specialization in areas such as economic inequality and growth, econometrics, political economy, ecological economics, feminist economics, and regional integration, enabling students to tailor their studies to their interests in global and socio-economic challenges.
This master's program is designed for students with a degree in Economics or a closely related field. Applicants must have completed at least 210 ECTS credits; those with 180 credits must gain an additional 30, for instance through a placement in the third semester. Prior coursework in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and International Economics is required. English proficiency at a high B2 level is mandatory, which can be demonstrated through standardized tests like TOEFL (minimum 83), IELTS (minimum 6.0), or other recognized equivalents. The language requirement can also be met with proof of two semesters of higher education in English or a valid GMAT score. Applicants must also submit a motivation letter and a curriculum vitae, both in English.
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Economics

Mykolas Romeris University Vilnius, Lithuania

PhD English 4 years
EU: €5,500 Per year Non-EU: €5,500
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Economics Mykolas Romeris University

This joint PhD program is designed for candidates seeking to deepen their expertise in economic theory, financial systems, global integration, or agricultural policy. The curriculum includes courses in econometrics, macroeconomic theory, institutional economics, and research methodology, along with elective subjects tailored to each student’s research focus. Candidates must publish peer-reviewed articles, attend international conferences, complete a research internship, and successfully defend their dissertation.
This joint doctoral program is a rigorous, research-intensive pathway designed for candidates with a master’s degree and demonstrated scientific potential. Applicants must submit a comprehensive portfolio, including a scientific research project that outlines a clearly defined problem, objectives, methodology, and expected contributions. Selection is based on a competitive score combining prior academic performance, publication record, research project quality, and a motivational interview. Proficiency in English at C1 level is required.
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Global Business and Economics B.Sc.

FH Aachen – University of Applied Sciences Aachen, Germany

Bachelor's English 3 years
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Global Business and Economics B.Sc. FH Aachen – University of Applied Sciences

This bachelor's program offers a solid foundation in business and economics, focusing on both global and interdisciplinary approaches. Core subjects include micro- and macroeconomics, financial and managerial accounting, marketing, business law, and international economics. Students gain key skills in statistics, information technology, operations management, and finance, along with strong training in business English and academic writing. From the fourth semester, students can specialize in areas such as international business law, leadership, corporate finance, taxation, digital business, supply chain management, and competition analysis. The final year includes a practical project and a thesis to integrate theoretical knowledge with real-world experience.
To apply for this bachelor's program, applicants must have a general university entrance qualification and demonstrate English language proficiency at level B2. Accepted English tests include IELTS (scores between 5.5 and 6.5), TOEFL (iBT 72–94, PBT 543–626), Cambridge (PET, FCE, BEC, ILEC, ICFE), PTE Academic (59–75), TOEIC (various parts with specific scores), telc B2, UNIcert II, and IGCSEs at B2 level. Applicants with certain secondary school certificates or a university degree from English-speaking countries (except Quebec and New Brunswick in Canada) are exempt from this requirement. Applications must be submitted through Uni Assist, which will verify all credentials, including language proficiency.
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Law, Economics and Governance

University of Bologna Bologna, Italy

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

This program focuses on the intersection of law, economics, and governance, equipping students with interdisciplinary skills in corporate law, financial transactions, market regulation, and entrepreneurship. It includes core modules in international and comparative law, industry dynamics, behavioral economics, and organizational management. Elective topics range from corporate governance and intellectual property to AI regulation, innovation policy, and digital markets. Students can further personalize their studies with internships, language courses, and applied seminars. The final phase includes dissertation work and preparation for a comprehensive examination.
To be admitted to this program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in legal, economic, administrative, political, statistical, or social sciences fields, as recognized by Italian academic classifications or their equivalents under earlier national systems. Foreign degrees are accepted if deemed suitable by the admissions committee. Applicants without a listed degree may still qualify by having earned at least 42 ECTS credits in specified legal, economic, and political disciplines. A B2 level of English proficiency is required, and non-native speakers must also demonstrate at least B2 proficiency in Italian or commit to reaching it during their studies. 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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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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