Master of Science in International Economics (MSc) University of Göttingen

Why do some countries thrive in global markets while others fall behind? How do trade policies, institutions, and human behaviour shape economic outcomes across borders? And what does it take to design solutions in an increasingly complex, data-driven world?

The Master’s programme in International Economics at the University of Göttingen prepares you to answer these questions — and to act on them. You can tailor your studies to your interests by specialising in one of four leading research areas:

• International Trade and Production
• Development Economics
• Behavioural and Institutional Economics
• Quantitative Methods of Economic Analysis

Flexible electives allow you to refine your profile even further, positioning you for a competitive international career.

What truly sets this programme apart is its global perspective. A mandatory semester abroad at one of our partner universities, combined with opportunities for international internships, ensures that you gain first-hand experience in diverse economic environments. Along the way, you strengthen your language and intercultural skills — essential assets in today’s interconnected world.

Graduates go on to careers where global impact matters. This degree opens up excellent career prospects in international organisations such as the IMF, World Bank, OECD, WTO, the European Central Bank, and the European Commission; research institutes; development agencies; and leading firms in consulting, finance, and international business.

Double your degree, double your perspective
Through our double degree option with the University of Groningen, you can earn two Master’s degrees while studying in two countries — combining Göttingen’s strengths in international economics with Groningen’s focus on development and globalisation. Please note that the double degree requires additional fees that are especially high for non-EU students (https://www.rug.nl/masters/ddm-international-development-economics/#!tuitionfee).

The Master's programme in International Economics lasts four semesters and comprises 120 credits (ECTS). It is divided into coursework and the completion of a Master's thesis (24 credits).

The programme starts with four modules (24 credits) that deepen your knowledge of economics and enable you to independently analyse global economic contexts:

• Advanced Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics of Open Economies
• International Trade
• Economics

Specialisation in economics (48 credits)

This block gives you the opportunity to give yourself an independent profile for your later professional activity through specialisation. You can choose from the following specialisations:

• International Trade and Production
• Development Economics
• Behavioural and Institutional Economics
• Quantitative Methods of Economic Analysis

You can have one of each of these four modules listed in your Master's degree certificate as a specialisation. You will supplement these specialisations with seminars and other modules with a foreign trade orientation.

Elective courses (24 credits)

In the elective area, you have the opportunity to freely choose additional modules from the selection offered by the Faculty of Business and Economics. This allows you to further refine your individual profile. Additionally, you can enrol in selected modules from other faculties covering topics such as machine learning or international law. Furthermore, you can have a voluntary internship credited under certain conditions.

Part of the elective area is also a semester abroad, which deepens your knowledge of foreign languages, strengthens your intercultural competence and broadens your horizons. You can complete this at a partner university of the Faculty of Business and Economics for example in the USA, China, Thailand, Latin America or various European universities.

Master's thesis (24 credits)

In your final thesis, you will combine all the skills you have acquired during your studies: Subject expertise, empirical methods, and proficiency in application. You will select contemporary, practical topics and questions related to challenges in the global economy, and you will employ real-world data and empirical methods to analyse them.

Under certain conditions, students of the Master of International Economics programme can have an internship credited to their degree.

Berlin Time Zone: UTC+2 / UTC+1

• 1 April to 15 May; 23:59 UTC+2 to commence studies in the winter semester (October)
• 1 October to 15 November; 23:59 UTC+1 to commence studies in the summer semester (April)

Please note that all necessary application documents have to be uploaded via the upload portal by their respective deadlines (15 May and 15 November). Subsequent submission of documents after the application deadline is not possible.

Admission to the Master’s programme in International Economics is competitive. Admission into the programme is based on proof of relevance of previous studies.

Proof of relevance of previous studies

• A minimum of six semesters of study culminating in a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent course of study with a minimum of 180 credits in the subject of Economics or a closely related subject
• Applicants must have completed at least 150 of the 180 credits at the time of application. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applications that do not meet this requirement.
• Completed 60 ECTS credits and course work in Economics including 30 ECTS credits in Economic Theory, Public Economics, and International Trade
• As part of fulfilling the minimum of 30 ECTS course requirements in Economic Theory, Public Economics, and International Trade:
  • A minimum of 18 ECTS from the modules must be from coursework that is of intermediate or advanced levels
• A minimum of 12 ECTS credits must be completed in Mathematics, Statistics, or Econometrics.

Proof of relevant language skills

• English language skills
• For a list of accepted documents, see: "Required application documents", https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/425268.html.

The fees are around 460 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaid semester ticket, which entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge as well as buses in Göttingen. University of Göttingen students also receive discounts or free entry to many cultural events in the city. Meals are available at reduced prices at university canteens.

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 800 to 1,000 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. International students should note that it is not possible to study in Germany without sufficient financing.

Further information on the requirements for non-EU citizens (proof of finances) can be found on the Visa and Residence Permit page of the International Office.

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses.

A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de.

Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa.

Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to find a job.

Non-EU students are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

Germany Scholarship (Deutschlandstipendium):
https://uni-goettingen.de/en/218535.html

Lower Saxony Scholarship (Niedersachsenstipendium):
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/306042.html

The Career Service of the university offers individual support for the job entry. For international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme.
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/292.html

If you are interested in founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/en/1279.html.

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studierendenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.