All classes are held in English and all exams are given in English. The thesis is written in English.
We accept applications between 1 January and 31 January (early application round) and between 1 February and 31 March for entry into the programme in the following winter semester. For details, please see https://www.econ.uni-bonn.de/en/study-programs/master/application-admission.
The Master of Science programme in Economics at the University of Bonn prepares graduates for an academic career as well as for leading positions in institutions and companies that require advanced analytical skills.
It is a quantitative and research-oriented programme that offers a great combination of rigorous training in core areas of economics and individual specialisations plus the opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of internationally renowned experts in the field. The programme introduces students to current topics and debates in economic research. It enables them to understand complex economic models and to assess the relevance and limits of economic theories. Students gain advanced mathematical, statistical and econometric skills and are also introduced to effective programming practices relevant for economic analysis. The programme provides rigorous training enabling students to understand and critically analyse economic research. Students can explore their own research interests and work with highly motivated and talented fellow students from over 20 countries, making the programme a truly international experience. In addition, various research institutes in Bonn offer students job opportunities that represent a unique way to get hands-on experience in economic research.
The programme offers both research-based and more applied courses for students to explore, enabling them to make an informed decision about the study field they want to specialise in. Students can choose from a wide variety of advanced courses that allow them to specialise in the following areas:
Examples of advanced modules in these study fields 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 – 30 from basic modules, 60 from advanced modules (including a research seminar of 15 ECTS) and 30 from the Master's thesis. Basic and advanced modules are taught as lectures and are worth 7.5 ECTS.
During the first semester, students attend Mathematics for Economists (mandatory) and, depending on their preferences, three (out of four) basic modules in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Finance and Econometrics. These modules are basic in that they prepare students for the further course of their studies, but they already build on knowledge acquired during the Bachelor's programme. Mathematics for Economists provides students with a solid foundation in real analysis, difference and differential equations, and dynamic optimisation, and also trains them in mathematical proof writing. The other basic modules strengthen students' understanding of the core concepts and models used in 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 determine their individual study profile by selecting advanced modules covering a minimum of two and a maximum of four areas of economics. Students choosing more theoretical or methodological courses become acquainted with and learn to solve variants of the models used in the different subfields of economics or are familiarised with advanced statistical and econometric tools. Numerous advanced modules make use of programming languages or software packages, such as MATLAB, R, Python and Stata. Students inclined more towards applied economics can take courses that focus on the practical application of microeconomic principles to real-world management issues or on the application of economic theories and principles to financial markets, investments, and decision-making within the financial sector. In the third semester, students take a research seminar that gives them the opportunity to delve into current research. In addition, they will be guided to devise a research project, address it in a research paper and present it in class. In this way, the research seminar will prepare them for writing the Master's thesis in the fourth semester, thereby completing the programme.
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The University of Bonn is a public university and thus does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the so-called social contribution of about 330 EUR per semester. It includes among other things a student transit pass for public transport and a statutory accident insurance.
The average monthly cost of living in Bonn amounts to about 800 EUR to 1,000 EUR. This includes accommodation, food, books, and medical insurance. This is just an estimate, as costs vary widely according to the type of accommodation that students select.
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at level B2 CEFR or above.
To provide proof, they need to submit TOEFL test scores (iBT), preferably of 87 or higher, IELTS test scores preferably of 6.0 or higher or another internationally recognised certificate.
Applicants whose native language is English and applicants who have received their Bachelor's degree from a study programme held in English do not need to submit English language test scores.
German proficiency is not required.
We accept applications between 1 January and 31 January (early application round) and between 1 February and 31 March for entry into the programme in the following winter semester. For details, please see https://www.econ.uni-bonn.de/en/study-programs/master/application-admission.
Please submit applications online at: https://masterapplication.uni-bonn.de/movein/hosted/online/move/movein/portal/studyportal.php
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 ten hours per week.
Accommodation in student dormitories is available through the Student Services Office ("Studierendenwerk"). Monthly rates for dorm rooms range from 250 EUR to 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 reserve 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.
Private accommodation can be found online, e.g. at http://www.wg-gesucht.de or https://housinganywhere.com/de/.
The University of Bonn has a central Career Service that provides advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. Moreover, international students can join the iStart career programme which supports students with writing successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared towards giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies, thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.
The Department of Economics offers several support programmes for international students. There is a social tutor who organises events to facilitate contact and networking of Master's students to integrate them into the programme and make them feel more at home. In addition, the so-called "Econ Buddy" programme matches incoming Master's students with senior Master's students who can answer all kinds of questions regarding the programme, the university and life in Bonn. Also, the student association of the Department of Economics organises events such as city rallies and parties.
As the former capital of Germany and the seat of the United Nations in Europe, Bonn stands for internationality and diversity. As a globally renowned research institution, this also applies to the university: In addition to research and teaching collaborations with partners around the globe, it is characterised not least by its diverse student body with more than 5,000 students and doctoral candidates from over 135 countries.
According to the Times Higher Education Ranking 2024, the University of Bonn is one of the most international universities in the world and occupies the top position within the diverse university landscape of North Rhine-Westphalia. This international orientation has a long tradition: the university has maintained relationships with universities abroad for a long time. For example, there are interdepartmental cooperation agreements with almost 40 universities around the world.
In addition, the University of Bonn cooperates with 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 39 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 also known 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 with 25 UN institutions and many international organisations. With over 4,500 international students from more than 135 countries, the university contributes significantly to the international flair of the city of Bonn.
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