Available in 5 languages
Economics › Specialization

Study Econometrics in Europe

Econometrics programs are the most methodologically rigorous track within economics graduate education: they are primarily about how to use statistical and mathematical methods to estimate causal relationships from economic data.

12
Econometrics programs in Europe from 11 universities · updated for 2026
Jump to:

This is not statistics for its own sake — econometrics is the empirical toolkit economists use to answer questions like: Does raising the minimum wage reduce employment? Do smaller class sizes improve educational outcomes? Does access to microcredit increase household income? The technical content is demanding: regression analysis (OLS, IV, 2SLS), panel data methods (fixed effects, random effects, difference-in-differences), time series analysis (ARIMA, VAR, cointegration), and increasingly, machine learning methods adapted for causal inference. European programs in this field benefit from exceptional research institutions across the continent, with some of the most rigorous econometrics programs in the world. The honest warning: econometrics programs are mathematically demanding and not well-suited to students primarily interested in economics as a policy or social science subject — they are training in quantitative methods, and the mathematical bar is genuinely high.

What You Actually Study

Core areas within Econometrics

Linear regression and its extensions: OLS, GLS, heteroskedasticity, multicollinearity, and specification testing
Causal inference methodology: instrumental variables, difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity design, and propensity score matching
Panel data methods: fixed effects, random effects, pooled OLS, and dynamic panel (GMM) estimators
Time series analysis: ARIMA, VAR, ARCH/GARCH, cointegration, and error correction models

Why Europe for Econometrics?

What makes European programs distinctive for this specialization

Europe has an exceptional concentration of rigorous econometrics programs. Europe is home to several of the world's leading research training institutes for economics, with econometrics as a core strength, and to some of the most internationally recognized Ph.D. programs in economics anywhere, with strong quantitative methods training. Highly cited econometrics faculties are spread across universities throughout the continent. European central banks — the ECB, Bundesbank, Banque de France, and others — are active employers of econometrically trained economists, and the European research community (through EEA, CEPR, and national research councils) maintains a rich ecosystem of working papers, conferences, and collaboration opportunities that supports both academic and policy research careers.

Where It Leads

Career paths for Econometrics graduates

Econometrician or Quantitative Economist at a central bank, finance ministry, or international organization analyzing economic data and policy effects

Economic Consultant at a consulting firm specializing in antitrust, regulatory economics, or litigation support requiring rigorous empirical analysis

Data Scientist or Quantitative Analyst at a financial institution or technology company applying causal inference methods to business and policy questions

Salary & Career Outcomes

What graduates in this area realistically earn

€35,000 – €70,000 (entry to mid-level research and policy roles; private sector data science and economic consulting roles often higher) Typical Salary Range

How to Break In

What programs and employers are actually looking for

Econometrics programs are among the most mathematically selective in economics, and your application needs to demonstrate genuine quantitative ability. A strong undergraduate record in mathematics, statistics, and economics (with quantitative methods coursework) is the baseline expectation. Familiarity with at least one statistical computing environment (R, Stata, or Python) is expected. If you are targeting research or academic careers, letters of recommendation from economics professors who can speak to your research potential matter considerably. For the most rigorous programs, a pre-master's in quantitative economics is often recommended or required if your undergraduate background is in social science economics rather than mathematical economics. Be honest with yourself about whether your mathematical preparation is sufficient before applying to the most demanding programs.

Programs Covering Econometrics

Programs with strong content in this specialization, from verified European sources

Economics and Econometrics

University of Bologna Bologna, Italy

Master's English 2 years
EU: €1,200 Per year Non-EU: €1,400
Tap to see program details

Economics and Econometrics University of Bologna

This master's program in Economics and Econometrics provides advanced training in economic theory, quantitative methods, and data analysis. Core subjects include mathematical economics, microeconomics, game theory, and asset pricing. Students choose among modules in econometrics, macroeconomics, and applied statistical methods. The second year deepens specialization through courses such as panel data econometrics, machine learning for economics, macroeconometrics, and structural macroeconomic models. Electives and research seminars offer exposure to applied and policy-oriented topics. The program concludes with internships or a thesis-based final examination.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in economics, business, political science, statistics, computer science, mathematics, engineering, or physical sciences. Equivalent qualifications from earlier academic systems are also accepted. For those with a foreign degree, an academic committee will assess the equivalence to Italian standards. Students who have not yet completed their degree may apply, but must graduate by the end of the calendar year to finalize enrollment. English language proficiency at the 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.
Visit Program Website

Health Economics and Management

University of Bologna Bologna, Italy

Master's English 2 years
EU: €4,000 Per year Non-EU: €9,000
Tap to see program details

Health Economics and Management University of Bologna

This master's program in Health Economics and Management offers four specialization tracks: Population Health Management, Management of Healthcare Institutions, Economic Evaluation, and Economics and Policy. The curriculum combines foundational training in economics, management, and quantitative methods with sector-specific courses in health policy, pharmaceutical markets, and law. Students choose from advanced topics such as global health policy, health econometrics, biopharmaceutical economics, and empirical case study analysis. Practical learning is reinforced through internships or workshops, culminating in a thesis focused on health systems and policy evaluation.
To be eligible for this program, applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree equivalent to a Norwegian undergraduate degree and meet the minimum grade requirement of C on the Norwegian scale or its international equivalent. Proficiency in English must be demonstrated through an internationally recognized test. Admission is competitive and based on academic performance and a motivation letter, both of which contribute to the final evaluation score. Applicants who have not yet obtained their degree at the time of application are not eligible to apply.
Visit Program Website

Economics with Data Science

University of Ljubljana Ljubljana, Slovenia

Master's English 2 years
Non-EU: €4,700
Tap to see program details

Economics with Data Science University of Ljubljana

This master's program offers advanced training in economic theory and quantitative methods, with a strong focus on policy and data analysis. Students take courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and optimization methods, while also exploring topics such as political economy, trade analysis, and competition policy. In the second year, they can specialize in areas like labor economics, behavioral economics, or data analysis of business systems. The program also includes applied components like machine learning in economics, skill development sessions, and culminates in a master's thesis.
To enroll in this master's program, candidates must hold a prior degree with at least 180 ECTS credits in fields such as economics, business, administrative sciences, mathematics, statistics, or related areas. Applicants from other fields may be admitted if they complete additional coursework of up to 60 ECTS credits, including subjects like microeconomics, macroeconomics, or international economics. These obligations can be met through prior studies or by taking specific exams before enrollment. In case of limited spots, selection is based on previous academic performance.
Visit Program Website

Economics

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies Jelgava, Latvia

Bachelor's English 4 years
EU: €2,500 Per year Non-EU: €2,500
Tap to see program details

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/
Visit Program Website

Economics

Iscte University Institute of Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal

Master's English 2 years
EU: €4,500 Total Non-EU: €9,800
Tap to see program details

Economics Iscte University Institute of Lisbon

This master's program offers rigorous training in economics, combining advanced theoretical and quantitative methods. The first year covers core subjects such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, contract theory, and the history of economic thought. The second year includes two research seminars and culminates in a master's dissertation. Students may specialize in either Banking and Financial and Monetary Markets or Computing and Modelling for Economics & Business by completing two related elective courses, which will be noted in their diploma supplement.
This master's program requires applicants to hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum final grade of 12 out of 20. Candidates are ranked based on a composite score that evaluates academic background (50%), professional experience (20%), and personal skills (30%), the latter assessed through a motivation letter and possibly an interview. A minimum score of 14.5 out of 20 is needed for admission. Applicants with international qualifications must submit translated academic records and may be admitted conditionally pending degree recognition. Candidates not immediately admitted may be reconsidered in later application phases.
Visit Program Website

Economics

Mykolas Romeris University Vilnius, Lithuania

PhD English 4 years
EU: €5,500 Per year Non-EU: €5,500
Tap to see program details

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.
Visit Program Website

Other Specializations in Economics

Leonardo AI

Find Programs with Leonardo

Tell Leonardo exactly what you're looking for and get personalized recommendations in seconds.

Try asking:

Back to Economics

See the full overview, all specializations, and more

Did you find this information useful?
0 / 1000
Thank you for your feedback!