Program Overview

Economics Master of Science

The Master's program in Economics is a postgraduate degree that requires a first university degree. The program focuses on the application of economic theories and empirical methods to understand, model, and evaluate real economic issues.

Program Structure

The program consists of a compulsory area in Quantitative Economics, where students develop their skills in economic theory and econometrics. These skills are applied to a broad range of economic topics covered in the five specialization areas of the Master's program: Econometrics and Applied Economics, International Financial Economics, Macroeconomics and International Economics, Microeconomics and Decision Making, and Public Economics.

Department of Economics

The Department of Economics at the University of Konstanz has an excellent reputation in teaching and research. The department consists of 26 professors and junior professors from the fields of economics, business administration, econometrics, statistics, and business and economics education, as well as more than 60 doctoral students and visiting professors from renowned international universities. This provides an intellectually stimulating and productive environment for study and research.

Why Study Economics in Konstanz?

• StudyCheck Award 2025: The University of Konstanz ranks 12th in the national university ranking.
• Customized Study Program: Students can create their own program from a variety of courses, choose a specialization, or take courses with doctoral students.
• Excellence: The University of Konstanz is one of 12 German universities of excellence, and the department regularly achieves excellent ranking results.
• Excellent Supervision: Small class sizes enable direct interaction with teachers.
• No Tuition Fees for EU Citizens: There are no tuition fees for EU citizens (fees are charged for students from non-EU countries, but excellent students can be exempt).
• International Study: All courses are offered in English, and students can participate in double degree programs with partner universities.

Program Details

• Degree: Master of Science
• Start of Study: Winter semester
• Standard Duration: 4 semesters
• Application Period: 18.03. - 15.04. (for applicants with visa requirements), 18.03. - 15.06. (for applicants without visa requirements)
• Restrictions on Admission: No
• Compulsory Minor: No
• ECTS Credits: 120

Career Prospects

The Master's program in Economics has two main goals: to provide students with up-to-date and comprehensive economic knowledge that meets the highest international standards, and to lay the foundation for a variety of careers in both the private and public sectors. Graduates can pursue careers in national and multinational companies, banks, consulting firms, insurance companies, national and local governments, research institutes, universities, and international organizations.

Study Content

The program offers two tracks:

• Track 1: Specialization in one of the five areas.
• Track 2: General economic studies, where students create their own study program from the department's broad range of courses.

Additional Offers and Further Education

The University of Konstanz offers a variety of additional programs and further education opportunities, including:

• Schreibzentrum (Writing Center) writing coaching, writing groups, and workshops.
• Sprachlehrinstitut (Language Teaching Institute) language courses, language tandems, and additional training in German as a foreign language.
• SQ-Zentrum (Key Competences Center) interdisciplinary teaching for qualifications in studies and profession.
• Zentrale Studienberatung (Central Student Advisory Service) study and learning advice, study tips, and time management.

Internship and Stay Abroad

• Internship: A two-month internship is recommended during the third semester.
• Stay Abroad: Students can spend a year studying abroad through double degree programs with universities in the UK, Italy, and France.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Master's program in Economics, applicants must:

1. Hold a Bachelor's degree in Economics or a related field from a recognized university.
2. Demonstrate knowledge in mathematics, statistics, and economics acquired during their Bachelor's studies.
3. Submit a CV and a one-page motivation letter in English.
4. Provide proof of sufficient English language skills.
5. Optional: Submit a letter of recommendation from an academic teacher.
6. GRE or GMAT test results (only required if the first university degree does not fall under the Lisbon Convention).
7. APS certificate (for applicants from China, India, and Vietnam).

Tuition Fees

There are no tuition fees for EU citizens. International students from non-EU countries are required to pay tuition fees, but excellent students can be exempt.

Language Requirements

The program is taught in English. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English language skills, which can be proven by:

• Five years of continuous English instruction in secondary school.
• Successful completion of economic courses in English.
• TOEFL-iBT test with a minimum score of 92.
• IELTS test with a minimum score of 6.5.
• Cambridge First Certificate in English with a minimum grade of C.
• Secondary school diploma from an English-speaking country.
• Bachelor's degree from a program taught entirely in English.

Teaching and Examination Language

The teaching and examination language in the Master's program in Economics is English.