Business & Economics

Study Economics in Europe

Understand the forces shaping a continent of 450 million people.

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.

Labor Policies and Globalization

Berlin School of Economics and Law Berlin, Germany

Master's English 1 year

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Labor Policies and Globalization Berlin School of Economics and Law

This master's program focuses on labor issues, trade union strategies, and workers' rights in the context of globalization. In the first semester, students examine global trade union strategies, governance challenges of globalization, and research methods, alongside participating in a cross-cutting "One World Seminar" and completing an internship. The second semester covers economic policy from a labor perspective, global workers' rights, and decent work within global value chains. Students also take an elective, participate in a research seminar, and complete their master’s thesis and final oral examination, preparing them for roles in international labor policy and advocacy.

This master's program requires applicants to hold a degree in Political Science, Sociology, Law, or Economics. In some cases, equivalent skills, qualifications, and professional experience may be recognized in place of a formal degree, depending on accreditation and national regulations. Proven experience in trade union work or closely related fields is essential for admission. English language proficiency is mandatory and can be demonstrated with scores such as TOEFL (minimum iBT 79 or CBT 213) or IELTS (minimum 6.5).

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Economics

KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium

Master's English 1 year

EU: €1,157 Per year Non-EU: €4,591

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Economics KU Leuven

This master's program focuses on advanced training in economics, combining theoretical depth and applied skills. Students complete core courses in macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics, and a master’s thesis, with options to choose standard or advanced-level courses. The program includes at least 27 ECTS of electives, allowing students to specialize in areas such as development economics, environmental economics, industrial organization, inequality and labor markets, or macro-finance. Additional electives can be chosen from related programs, and students may also pursue internships, summer schools, or research projects to gain practical experience. The flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies to their career goals.

To apply for this master's program, applicants must hold a university bachelor’s degree in economics or business economics, with strong prior knowledge in microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematics, statistics, econometrics, and other economics-related subjects. English proficiency is required through an IELTS Academic score of at least 7.0 (minimum 6.5 per section), a TOEFL iBT score of at least 94 (minimum 20 per section), or a Cambridge CAE/CPE score of at least 180. Exemptions apply to those who completed a full degree in English in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA, or those with a Flemish diploma. A GMAT score of 620 (old version) or 585 (new version), or a GRE score of 164 in quantitative and 154 in verbal reasoning, is also required unless the applicant studied in Belgium or completed an exchange at the Faculty of Economics and Business. Applicants must include detailed course descriptions for evaluation.

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Economics

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies Jelgava, Latvia

Bachelor's English 4 years

EU: €2,500 Per year Non-EU: €2,500

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Economics Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

This bachelor's program offers a broad foundation in economics, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, accounting, finance, and statistics. Students gain insights into law, entrepreneurship, marketing, and sustainability-related topics. Two specialization tracks are available: Sustainable Economy and Territorial Development, focusing on circular economy, local governance, and environmental issues; and Business Process Management, which emphasizes quality management, logistics, risk management, and project leadership. Elective and free-choice courses allow students to tailor their learning to specific interests such as innovation, digital economy, and bioeconomy.

To qualify for this bachelor's program, applicants must have completed secondary education that allows access to university in their home country. They must have at least a satisfactory grade in Mathematics, which in Latvia means a minimum score of 4 out of 10. Good English language skills are required (at least CEFR level B2, IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 520, or TOEFL iBT 68). Additionally, candidates must pass an online aptitude test in social science. For more on European grading comparisons, visit https://www.studyineurope.eu/grades/

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Mathematics of Economy, Finance and Modeling

Comenius University Bratislava Bratislava, Slovakia

Master's English 2 years

EU: €1,800 Per year Non-EU: €1,800

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Mathematics of Economy, Finance and Modeling Comenius University Bratislava

This master's program combines mathematics with economics and finance, focusing on analytical modeling and computational methods. Students build a strong foundation in stochastic calculus, optimization, numerical modeling, and partial differential equations. Two specialization paths are available: one in mathematical modeling in economics and finance, and the other in general mathematical modeling. Topics covered include financial derivatives, time series analysis, risk management, macroeconomics, game theory, and insurance. The program prepares graduates for careers in quantitative finance, economic analysis, actuarial science, and data-driven policy modeling.

To apply for this master's program, students must submit a legalized copy of their bachelor's degree diploma (or confirmation of ongoing studies), an official transcript of completed courses, a structured CV, a copy of their passport, two academic reference letters, a motivation letter, and a recognized English language certificate. All documents must be in English and confirm the applicant's academic qualifications and language proficiency.

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