Economic Policy (MSc) University of Siegen

The University of Siegen offers a four-semester Master’s programme in Economic Policy. The programme is designed to help students understand and address the challenges of an increasingly globalised economy. It provides a solid foundation in economic theory, econometric methods, and empirical analysis, with a focus on applying these tools to real-world policy issues. Graduates are well prepared for careers in public administration, government, international organisations, and multinational companies.

The Economic Policy programme has a strong international focus. All core courses are taught in English, making it accessible to students from around the world. Students may also choose elective courses from related programmes that are taught in German. The programme begins each year in the winter semester (October) and runs for two years.

The Department of Economics at the University of Siegen is known for its active research and high-quality teaching. Faculty members are recognised both nationally and internationally and are committed to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment.

For more information, please visit our website. Before applying, make sure to review the application requirements carefully.

The Economic Policy programme has a duration of four semesters (two years). It is a full-time Master's programme for which 120 credit points have to be acquired. While the four compulsory modules account for 30 credit points, the elective modules are weighted at 75 credit points and the Master's thesis with 15 credit points.

Its curriculum consists of four compulsory modules, which are concerned with the acquisition of fundamental economic and econometric theories and techniques. In addition, there is a variety of 23 elective modules from which students have to choose basic, specialisation, and research modules. Some of these modules are more applied in nature and deal with various policy-relevant topics in economics. A wide range of modules provides specialisation in different fields of economics like development economics, international trade, labour market and social policy, public finance, growth, etc. Two of these modules cover various topics in business administration.

Internships are encouraged, but they are not required.

Applicants should note that no advance statements can be made regarding their chances of admission, as all decisions are based on the complete application. All applicants are advised to carefully review the admission requirements published on the programme’s website in advance. All documents must be submitted via Unisono in German or English.

A submitted application must include a one-page statement of purpose, a Bachelor’s transcript (or current transcript if still studying) demonstrating at least six semesters and a final grade equivalent to 2.5 or better, a complete transcript of records with a grading table, and a short CV. While a background in economics is beneficial, applicants without one should document relevant mathematical or statistical training.

Applicants must also provide proof of English proficiency at a minimum B2 (CEFR) level (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent) and submit an original academic writing sample; if unavailable, a 5–10 page essay is required. An APS certificate is mandatory for applicants from China, India, or Vietnam. Optional documents, such as recommendation letters and GRE or GMAT scores, may strengthen the application.

Students have to pay a semester contribution of approximately 372 EUR, which is due before the start of each semester, as part of (re-)registration. This fee covers the cost of a public transport ticket (valid for six months in all of Germany), a social services contribution, and student activities.

The city of Siegen has very moderate costs for accommodation, offering attractive living conditions for students. Living expenses range from only 800 EUR to 1,000 EUR per month, including rent, health insurance, food, clothing, learning materials, phone/Internet, travel expenses, entertainment, and sports. This estimated cost of living can vary depending on lifestyle, type of accommodation, budget, and spending habits.

It is important that students plan and manage their finances throughout the duration of the degree programme to ensure they have enough funds to cover semester contributions and living costs.

Students can find part-time jobs with the help of the job placement service of the university. Siegen and the surrounding area are home to a large number of medium-sized industrial enterprises (SMEs), or so-called hidden champions in electrical and mechanical engineering. Some bigger examples include the companies SMS and Achenbach Buschhütten. A lot of smaller, yet very successful and quickly growing high-tech companies are located here as well, for instance, PMD Technologies and Asentics, which are spin-off companies of the university. Therefore, there are employment prospects in the region, particularly for positions that are available during the semester break and following graduation.

Students at the University of Siegen can apply for the “Deutschlandstipendium / Studienförderfonds”, which can cover part of the students' cost of living. Scholarships for doctoral students are available at the House of Young Talents of the University of Siegen.

The career services team helps with all questions regarding career entry and career planning. It offers information on occupational fields, helps with the career-related structuring of studies and provides direct support with individual coaching and consulting services when it comes to finding a good career start after graduation.

Furthermore, the programme "Forging International Talents - FIT in Siegen" specifically supports international students during their whole studies with a focus on preparation for the German job market. Additionally, the offers of the "Alumniverbund" provide a good opportunity to network and to benefit from the experiences of former students.

There are student residences (dormitories) of the "Studierendenwerk" (student services) close to the university. The rent for a room is between 240 EUR and 460 EUR. Please be aware that German universities do not usually have campus systems like universities in some other countries, where all students can find accommodation directly on the university property. Therefore, some students might have to find rooms on their own. The private accommodation costs per room are 400 EUR on average. Detailed information concerning general accommodation can be found here.

Early application/search is advisable.