International Economics HWR Berlin (Berlin School of Economics and Law)
- Duration
- 3 semesters
- Language of instruction
- English
- Tuition fees
- No tuition fees
- Next application deadline
- View details
- Language level required
- English: B2German: None
Programme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- MA
- Duration
- 3 semesters
- Full-time / part-time
- Full-time
- Intake
- Winter semester
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- Yes
- A Diploma supplement will be issued
- Yes
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
Language of instruction
The language of instruction is English (100%).
Programme description
The Master's in International Economics provides students with a critical and pluralist understanding of current debates in economics, explicitly including heterodox approaches. The programme has a strongly international approach and aims to integrate an understanding of theoretical controversies, historical developments and contemporary policy disputes. It follows an interdisciplinary perspective reflecting the importance that social and political institutions play in shaping economic developments and current problems in international economics, like global and regional imbalances, macroeconomic instability, inequality and ecological constraints of economic activity.
Programme structure
During the first semester, students study four compulsory courses at the Master's level:
- International Economics
- Macroeconomics
- Development Economics
- Global Governance
In the second semester, students take part in a project seminar with a focus on current issues in International Economics. For three seminars, students choose from a number of electives, such as:
- Distribution and Growth
- Econometrics
- Labour and Ecology
- Modelling in Ecological Economics
- International Political Economy
- Politics of Social Cohesion
- Recent Development in European Law
- Feminist Economics
- The Role of Europe in a Multipolar World
(or another option from the Master's pool)
During the third semester, students will be committed to researching and writing their Master's theses.
Mode of study
- Fully on-site
International elements in the curriculum
The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:
- Training in intercultural skills
- Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
- International guest lecturers
- Specialist literature in other languages
- International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
- Content-related regional focus
Integrated internships
For admission to the programme, 210 ECTS credit points are required. Applicants with 180 ECTS credit points will be required to obtain the additional 30 ECTS credit points, for example, by completing an internship in the third semester. The programme will then last four semesters.
Application and admission
Application period(s)
The application period for students with a non-German Bachelor’s degree is:
15 March through 15 May.
The application period for students with a German Bachelor’s degree is:
15 April through 15 June.
Academic admissions requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Economics or in an equivalent course of study
- Evidence of having completed undergraduate courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics
- English skills equivalent to at least B2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
- Letter of motivation and CV in English
- If applicable: proof of professional experience in the field of study for at least one year
Language requirements
German language requirements
English language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
UNIcert® English
|
Total: UNIcert® II
|
PTE Academic
|
Total: 67 / 90
|
TOEFL iBT (since 2026)
|
Total: 4.5 / 6
|
TOEFL iBT (before 2026)
|
Total: 83 / 120
|
IELTS Academic
|
Total: 6 / 9
|
How to apply?
uni-assist
You can apply via uni-assist, the application processing service for international students.
Click hereCosts and funding
Tuition fees per semester
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
Approx. 350 EUR per semester
Cost of living
Between 800 and 1,000 EUR monthly:
Student residence: 400 to 500 EUR
Health insurance: approx. 100 to 150 EUR
Part-time employment
There are many job opportunities for students in Berlin. Non-EU students are permitted to work within specified limits.
Living & services
Support for international students
- Buddy programme
Career advisory services
Accommodation
The German National Association for Student Affairs ("Studierendenwerk") and other institutions currently offer 15,600 rooms in student halls of residence throughout Berlin. Due to waiting lists, it is advised to get in contact with the service early on.
You can also look online for shared flats, e.g. here: www.wg-gesucht.de/en/.