We created StudyinEurope.eu to support students like you — with clear information, personalized guidance, and a space to explore calmly. No rankings. No noise. Just tools that help — whether you're browsing on your own or getting help from Leonardo, our AI European Study Advisor.
International economics studies how countries trade, invest across borders, and interact through financial markets and policy — and studying it in Europe gives you a uniquely rich institutional context.
International Economics programs in Europe from 4 universities · updated for 2026
Jump to:
Search International Economics programs
Leonardo
I can help you understand and compare these programs.
The EU itself is one of the world's largest trade policy actors, and its complex internal market, external trade negotiations, and capital flow arrangements provide constant real-world material for analysis. A typical week involves trade theory seminars covering comparative advantage and new trade theory, exchange rate modeling workshops, multinational firm behavior case studies, and current events analysis framed through economic tools. This specialization sits between pure economics and policy studies: it is analytically rigorous but applied, and graduates regularly move into trade policy, international consulting, and multilateral organizations. It requires comfort with both theory and institutional analysis.
What You Actually Study
Core areas within International Economics
Trade theory: comparative advantage, Heckscher-Ohlin, new trade theory, and global value chains
Exchange rate economics: purchasing power parity, interest rate parity, and currency crises
Foreign direct investment, multinational firm behavior, and economic geography
Trade policy institutions: WTO dispute settlement, EU trade agreements, and non-tariff barriers
Why Europe for International Economics?
What makes European programs distinctive for this specialization
The EU is the world's largest trading bloc by many measures, and its trade policy apparatus — DG Trade within the European Commission, the European External Action Service, and the EU's representation at the WTO — employs a substantial number of economists and trade policy specialists. Studying international economics in Europe puts you in direct contact with this institutional ecosystem through research collaborations, internships, and alumni networks. The EU's approach to trade negotiations, including the use of economic impact assessments, regulatory alignment provisions, and sustainability chapters in trade agreements, represents the current frontier of trade policy practice. European programs that engage with this environment build skills that are directly transferable to careers in EU institutions, trade ministries, and international organizations.
Where It Leads
Career paths for International Economics graduates
Trade Policy Analyst at an EU institution, national trade ministry, or multilateral organization
International Economist at a consulting firm advising on market entry and trade policy impact
Economic Attaché or Analyst at an embassy, trade promotion agency, or export credit institution
Salary & Career Outcomes
What graduates in this area realistically earn
€32,000 – €70,000 (entry to mid-level; EU institution roles offer competitive packages; multilateral organizations vary by grade)Typical Salary Range
How to Break In
What programs and employers are actually looking for
International economics programs attract students with backgrounds in economics, political science, or international relations, and the admissions bar is typically set by demonstrated analytical ability rather than a specific undergraduate discipline. For students targeting EU institutional careers, awareness of EU concours recruitment processes is essential — EU institutions hire through a specific competitive examination system (EPSO) that runs on its own timeline and requires preparation that is separate from the academic program. Language requirements are real: English plus one other EU language is the minimum for most EU institution roles, and French or German significantly expands the range of accessible positions. Economic consultancy roles in trade advisory are recruited through more conventional channels and often align with standard graduate timelines.
Programs Covering International Economics
Programs with strong content in this specialization, from verified European sources
International Politics and Economics
University of Bologna Bologna, Italy
Master's English 2 years
EU: €1,200 Per yearNon-EU: €1,400
Tap to see program details
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.
This program offers two specialized tracks integrating law and economics. The "Economia e Diritto" curriculum covers topics such as economic regulation, corporate and financial law, public finance, organizational behavior, and sustainability, with flexible options in banking law, environmental taxation, and regional governance. The "Law and Economics of International Finance" curriculum focuses on financial markets, regulation and supervision, banking law, and corporate governance, along with options in fintech, antitrust, and tax law. Both tracks emphasize practical experience through internships and final examination preparation.
To be eligible for this program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in fields such as economics, business administration, public administration, political science, international cooperation, or statistics. Degrees from earlier Italian regulatory systems or equivalent foreign qualifications are also accepted upon evaluation. Alternatively, candidates with degrees in other fields must have at least 42 ECTS credits in specified legal, economic, statistical, or political science subjects. For the "Economia e Diritto" curriculum, a B1 level in English is required, validated through recent recognized certifications or qualifying academic coursework. Italian language proficiency is also mandatory and must be demonstrated at the application stage. 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.
FH Aachen – University of Applied Sciences Aachen, Germany
Bachelor's English 3 years
Tap to see program details
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.
Berlin School of Economics and Law Berlin, Germany
Master's English 1,5 years
Tap to see program details
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.
Berlin School of Economics and Law Berlin, Germany
Master's English 1 year
Tap to see program details
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).
Banking and International Finance University of Jyväskylä
This master's program offers a strong interdisciplinary and quantitative foundation in economics, banking, and international finance. It prepares students to work as financial experts in banks, financial institutions, and global markets, emphasizing analytical and policy-relevant decision-making. Core subjects include principles of banking, financial statement analysis, asset pricing, international finance, and financial econometrics, with a strong focus on research through a master’s thesis. Elective courses cover areas such as derivatives, behavioral finance, hedge funds, sustainability impacts in business, financial mathematics, and business analytics. The program also includes modules in academic writing, communication, and optional studies in econometrics, economics, and well-being, allowing students to customize their learning paths. Communication and language courses, including Finnish, are offered to support international students.
To be eligible for this master's program, applicants must hold a recognized higher education degree that qualifies for master’s-level studies in the country of issue. Degrees should ideally be in fields such as finance, economics, accounting, mathematics, statistics, or business administration. A degree that includes substantial coursework in finance and economics is generally considered suitable. Applicants who already hold a closely similar master’s degree in financial economics cannot be admitted. The awarding institution must be officially recognized within its national education system or by international bodies like UNESCO. Conditional admission is possible for students who have not yet graduated but will complete their degree before the specified deadline.
English proficiency must be proven through one of several approved methods. Accepted evidence includes previous education completed in English in certain countries (EU/EEA, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others) or a higher education degree taught in English. Alternatively, language proficiency can be demonstrated via standardized tests, including IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5), TOEFL iBT (minimum 92), PTE Academic (minimum 62), Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency, or the Finnish National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI) with advanced-level scores of 5 or higher in all components. Additionally, GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) scores of at least 515 (Focus edition) or 550 (previous format), and GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) scores with at least 150 in Quantitative Reasoning are also accepted.
Leonardo
