Economics of the Middle East (EMEA) Marburg University

EMEA is a unique Master's programme combining institutional economics and business administration with applications to the economies of the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region.
Understanding complex economic challenges in the MENA requires an interdisciplinary approach. Thus, EMEA includes a wide range of electives from various disciplines to facilitate a broad understanding of the region's complexity.
The curriculum equips students with knowledge about up-to-date issues relevant for many MENA countries, such as the political economy of Islam, natural resources, corruption, conflict, and economic sanctions.
Combined with one of the specialisation tracks, students can sharpen their job market profile towards a career as regional experts with modern problem-solving skills specific to economics, finance and accounting, or management.
Hands-on regional experience is an asset: spend a semester abroad at one of our many partner universities in the MENA region.

Programme structure (for start in winter semester):

First semester (30 ECTS) | October to March

• Introduction to MENA Region (12 ECTS)
• Economics Analysis (6 ECTS)
• MENA Economics (6 ECTS)
• Electives (6 ECTS)

Second semester (30 ECTS) | April to September

• Economics Analysis (6 ECTS)
• MENA Economics (24 ECTS)

Third semester (30 ECTS) | October to March

• Specialisation (18 ECTS)
• Electives (12 ECTS)

Fourth semester (30 ECTS) | April to September

• Master's thesis (30 ECTS)

Programme structure (for start in summer semester):

First semester (30 ECTS) | April to September

• Economics Analysis (6 ECTS)
• MENA Economics (24 ECTS)

Second semester (30 ECTS) | October to March

• Introduction to MENA Region (12 ECTS)
• Economics Analysis (6 ECTS)
• MENA Economics (6 ECTS)
• Specialisation (6 ECTS)

Third semester (30 ECTS) | April to September

• Specialisation (12 ECTS)
• Electives (18 ECTS)

Fourth semester (30 ECTS) | October to March

• Master's thesis (30 ECTS)

There are different deadlines depending on the application procedure.

• Application with a foreign university degree via uni-assist: 1 April to 15 July for a start in the winter semester; 1 October to 15 January for a start in the summer semester
• Application with a German university degree via Marvin: 1 June to 15 July for a start in the winter semester; 1 December to 15 January for a start in the summer semester

The admission requirements are as follows:

• Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent).
• Within the previously studied programmes, the applicant must have acquired basic knowledge of economics and business administration, i.e., must have completed at least 60 ECTS in economics and business administration. Of these, 18 ECTS must cover theoretical economics (e.g. microeconomics, macroeconomics, public finance, etc.). In addition, 12 ECTS must cover methodological courses (e.g. research methods, statistics, mathematics, econometrics, etc.)

There is a semester fee, which includes the mandatory student union membership (required by state law) and a free travel pass for public transport in the state of Hesse and beyond, as well as access to subsidised accommodation and meals. In the summer semester of 2026, the semester fee amounted to approx. 406 EUR.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/finance

Living costs depend on individual lifestyles and on regional prices. The Marburg foreigners' registration office ("Ausländerbehörde") requires international students to prove that they have at least 992 EUR per month at their disposal in order to cover their living costs.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/finance

Within certain legal limits, job opportunities are available for international students. Fluent German is required for most jobs. Employment for international students must be approved by the foreigners' registration office. There are hardly any legal restrictions on taking academic assistant jobs at the university.

Further information on job opportunities and university career services: https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/work-1

Our Career Advisory Service supports students transitioning from their studies to professional life. Each semester, Marburg University offers a wide range of workshops and events on topics such as job applications, career planning, and entering the workforce, which are open to students from all faculties. In one-on-one counselling sessions, some in cooperation with the Employment Agency’s Career Team in Marburg, students receive advice regarding career orientation and career options in Germany. Our staff support students in integrating their strengths, interests, and values in order to actively shape rewarding career paths.

The market situation for accommodation is not easy in Marburg. However, the university assists international students in finding suitable and affordable accommodation. The student services office ("Studierendenwerk Marburg") maintains student residence halls with a total of approx. 2,100 units. Apart from single rooms, there are two- to three-room flats for student families. Only students registered at Marburg University are entitled to a place in a residence hall. The "Konrad Biesalski House", in which handicapped and non-handicapped students live together, offers round-the-clock assistance. A bus service and services such as physiotherapeutic exercises and massage baths are offered. Many students live in private accommodation or shared flats. The supply of flats in the centre of Marburg is limited, especially in the Old Town ("Oberstadt"). The situation on the outskirts of Marburg and in the immediate vicinity is better. There are good bus connections. Experience shows that demand for accommodation is highest at the beginning of each semester (April, October), so you should start looking for accommodation around the end of the previous semester (February, July) if possible.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/housing

Marburg University is not just a German university steeped in tradition. Founded in 1527, it is also the oldest Protestant university in the world. It has been a place of research and teaching for nearly five centuries. Currently, approx. 21,000 students are studying in Marburg, and international students comprise 23% of the student body. With the exception of the engineering sciences, almost all scientific disciplines are represented at Marburg University. Numerous organisations complement and enrich the university’s range of services. These organisations carry out special research activities or support Marburg University in the areas of communications, information technology, and foreign languages.

Total number of students
21,000

International students
23%

The university is an integral part of the scenic town of Marburg, which lies 100 km north of Frankfurt. Marburg is situated on the Lahn River and is marked by the castle on the hill. With its 80,000 inhabitants (approx. 50,000 in the centre), the town has over 21,000 students and about 4,000 people working for the university. The saying "Other towns have a university; Marburg is a university" reflects the unique historic atmosphere of the city. Wherever you are in town, you are part of a vibrant academic community. Marburg can easily be reached by plane, public transport, or by car. For detailed descriptions of the different routes to Marburg and to find one's way around the town, see: https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/during-studying/life-in-marburg/transport.