Economics University of Bonn

The Master of Science programme in Economics at the University of Bonn prepares graduates for academic careers as well as for leading positions in institutions and companies that demand advanced analytical skills.

This quantitative and research-focused programme offers a great combination of rigorous training in core areas of economics with the opportunity for individual specialisations. Students also benefit from the chance to conduct research under the guidance of internationally renowned experts in the field. The programme familiarises students with current topics and debates in economic research, enabling them to understand complex economic models and to critically evaluate the relevance and limitations of economic theories. Students develop advanced mathematical, statistical and econometric skills alongside practical programming techniques relevant for economic analysis. 

Through intensive coursework and research opportunities, students gain the ability to critically analyse economic research and pursue their own research interests. They collaborate with a highly motivated and diverse cohort of peers from more than 20 countries, making the programme an enriching international experience. Furthermore, Bonn’s numerous research institutes offer valuable job opportunities, allowing students to gain practical, hands-on experience in economic research. Various German federal offices, agencies and ministries, as well as international organisations, such as the UN, and well-known companies, such as Deutsche Telekom and Deutsche Post offer additional job opportunities.

The programme includes both research-oriented and more applied courses, helping students make informed decisions about the study fields they want to specialise in. Students can choose from a broad range of advanced courses in the following areas:

• Microeconomic Theory
• Macroeconomics and Public Economics
• Management and Applied Microeconomics
• Financial Economics
• Econometrics and Statistics
• Economic Research

Examples of advanced modules include Dynamic Methods and Applications, Economics of Contracts and Information, Game Theory, Growth and Development Economics, International Economics and Finance, Behavioural Economics, Environmental Economics, Asset Pricing, Banking and Securitisation, Computational Statistics and Effective Programming Practices for Economists.

In the MSc programme in Economics, students acquire a total of 120 ECTS – with 30 credits earned from basic modules, 60 from advanced modules (including a research seminar of 15 ECTS) and 30 from the Master's thesis. Both basic and advanced modules are taught as lectures and are worth 7.5 ECTS each.

In the first semester, students attend the mandatory course "Mathematics for Economists" and select three (out of four) basic modules in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Finance and Econometrics, depending on their preferences. These basic modules are designed to strengthen the knowledge gained during students' Bachelor's studies, while at the same time laying a strong groundwork for the more specialised courses that follow. Mathematics for Economists provides students with a solid foundation in real analysis, difference and differential equations, dynamic optimisation, and formal proof writing. The other basic modules deepen students' understanding of the core concepts and models that underpin modern economics, with an emphasis on the mathematical and econometric techniques and tools that are needed in order to deal with them effectively.

In the second and third semesters, students shape their individual academic profile by selecting advanced modules across at least two and up to four different areas of economics. Depending on the course choice, they will further deepen their theoretical knowledge, apply familiar concepts to current real-world issues and/or gain hands-on experience with software tools such as MATLAB, R, Python, and Stata.

A key element of the third semester is the Research Module, in which students delve into contemporary economic research. They are guided to devise their own research projects, write a research paper and present their findings to their peers. This research seminar not only offers a glimpse into professional research projects but also provides essential preparation for the Master's thesis that students write in the fourth semester to complete the programme.

None

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in economics or an equivalent degree with a final grade that converts into the German grade "good" (2.3) or better
• a solid background in mathematics (differential and integral calculus, linear algebra), statistics (descriptive and inferential statistics) and econometrics

The University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the semester fee of about 350 EUR per semester, which covers a Deutschlandsemesterticket (student transit pass for public transport) and statutory accident insurance, among other things.

Students in Bonn can expect to pay around 1,000 EUR a month, with rent accounting for the largest share of their living costs. This is just an estimate, as costs vary widely according to the type of accommodation that students select.

During their studies, EU citizens are free to work in Germany, and non-EU citizens are allowed to work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year.
Due to the very concise nature of the two-year programme, students will have little time to work during the semester. They can, however, work as teaching assistants (which will sometimes require advanced German proficiency) or research assistants at the department or at one of the affiliated research institutions. Contracts are usually made for about eight hours per week. For jobs outside the university, advanced German proficiency is almost always required.

The University of Bonn has a central Career Service (www.uni-bonn.de/careerservice), which provides a range of advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. International students can also join the iStart career programme (www.uni-bonn.de/istart), which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies and thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.

Accommodation in student dormitories is available through the Student Services Office ("Studierendenwerk"). Monthly rates for dorm rooms range from about 300 EUR to about 500 EUR. The rent covers water, heating, and electricity. More information: https://www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation/

International applicants who are admitted to the Master’s programme can apply for a dorm room through the programme coordinator, provided that they pay a deposit of 300 EUR. As these rooms are in short supply, only a few students will be able to secure a room this way, and all incoming Master's students will also have to look for rooms on their own. For additional information on housing in Bonn, please visit www.uni-bonn.de/living-in-bonn.

Private accommodation can be found online, e.g. at http://www.wg-gesucht.de or https://housinganywhere.com/de/.

As the former capital of Germany and the seat of the United Nations in Germany, Bonn is synonymous with internationality and diversity, and this also applies to the university in its capacity as a globally renowned research institution: In addition to research and teaching partnerships around the globe, it is characterised not least by its diverse student body with more than 5,200 international students and doctoral candidates from over 135 countries.

According to the Times Higher Education World University Ranking for 2026, the University of Bonn is one of the most international universities in the world and occupies the top spot within the diverse university landscape of North Rhine-Westphalia. This international orientation has a long tradition, as the university has maintained relationships with universities abroad for a long time. For example, it has interdepartmental cooperation agreements in place with almost 70 universities around the world.

In addition, the University of Bonn cooperates with more than 300 partner universities within the framework of student exchange programmes. The internationality of the University of Bonn is also reflected in its range of courses: There are now 46 international degree programmes, many of which are taught entirely in English or other foreign languages or lead to a double degree with a partner university.

Bonn is a beautiful and historic city located on the banks of the Rhine and is famous as the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. At the same time, it is a modern, lively and cosmopolitan city with a high quality of life. Bonn is also the German city of the United Nations, home to 27 UN institutions and many international organisations. With over 5,200 international students from more than 135 countries, the university contributes significantly to the international flair to be found in the city of Bonn.