Faculty of Business and Economics

Master of Science (MSc) in International Economics


The master's programme in international economics is centered on the acquisition of specialised knowledge of international markets and the global interconnections of national economies. Emphasis is placed on independent academic work. The intercultural communication skills of the students should be deepened by a compulsory semester abroad. Through an optional specialisation in areas that are particularly intensively represented in research at the Department of Economics, students can build up an individual professional profile with a view to their future career.

General information

  • The master's programme in international economics is accredited by ZEvA Hanover.
  • The master's programme is ranked 3rd in the category "Economics" (in Germany) of the Eduniversal Best Masters Ranking 2022
  • Languages: German, English (proof of both German and English skills required)
  • Standard period of study is 4 semesters.
  • Enrollment is possible every winter semester and summer semesters.
  • Information for students: Subscribe to the Mailinglist of the Department of Economics and receive important information e.g. about new seminars and other courses or job offers for student assistants and tutors!


Application deadline

  • The application period to commence studies in the winter semester: 1 April to 15 May of the same calendar year
  • Application period to commence studies in the summer semester: 1 October to 15 November of the previous calendar year


You may submit an application to a master's programme even if you have not completed your current programme of study at the time of application. You must, however, have acquired at least 150 ECTS credit points in a related bachelor's programme. You will find the online application form and detailed information on the application and admission procedure under Application and Admission. This deadline is also valid for international applicants who must also complete the online application form.

The Master of Science in International Economics is a German-language programme. An increasing number of courses, however, are being offered in English. An overview of our English-language courses within the Faculty of Business and Economics can be found here. These courses offer the opportunity to customize your coursework and study plan in English. Nevertheless you must provide proof of German and English language skills as part of your application.

The master's programme in international economics is centered on the acquisition of specialised knowledge of international markets and the global interconnections of national economies. Emphasis is placed on independent academic work, and intercultural communication through an obligatory semester abroad, as well as knowledge in an additional language (aside from English).

By specialising in the master's programme, students gain in-depth knowledge in the specific areas that are of interest to them for their future career path. Students may also receive a supplement to their master's degree that states their specialisation.
The selection procedure takes place in two steps with a pre-selection of applicants based on their written application documents followed by a personal selection interview with some of the applicants.

The following points are evaluated in the pre-selection procedure:

  • Final grade of the bachelor's degree (or the comparable university degree)
  • Letter of motivation
  • Sound knowledge of economic theory documented by a corresponding specialisation and performance in the programme, on which application is based

Suitable candidates will be invited to a selection interview. The admission committee will inform the applicants of the selection procedure result in writing.

The master's programme in international economics is four semesters in length during which 120 ECTS are completed. It is divided into coursework and the completion of a master's thesis:

  • Advanced Modules in Economics (24 C) ("Volkswirtschaftliche Vertiefung")
  • Specialisation in Economics (48 C) ("Volkswirtschaftliche Spezialisierung")
  • Elective Area (24 C) ("Wahlbereich")
  • Master's thesis (24 C) ("Master-Arbeit")


Through an optional specialization in areas that are particularly intensively represented in the research at the Department of Economics, you will be able to form an individual subject profile with a view to your future professional career. In the Master's certificate, you can, upon application, receive a supplement indicating such a focus. The following specialisations are offered:

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

Students seeking to specialize in one of these fields must obtain 24 credits in modules that are related to this topic.

A thematically broad elective area offers the opportunity to learn another foreign language (in addition to English) or to supplement the specialist focus with suitable modules from other economic sciences, political science or law.

International students who completed their education in Germany must also study abroad for one semester. This semester must be spent at a partner university of the Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of Göttingen. The following exchange programmes are available (among others):

  • University of Mississippi, USA
  • Several universities in Latin and South America (for example Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico)
  • Thammasat University in Bangkok, Thailand
  • Stellenbosch University, South Africa (an additional scholarship is funded by the DAAD)
  • Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia
  • Fudan University, China
  • European Exchange Programmes ERASMUS (over 60 European partner universities)

Detailed information about the exchange programmes and according contact partners you will find here.

The following illustration gives a schematic overview of the structure of the Master's programme in International Economics and contains a suggestion of its chronological sequence (Click here for larger image):

MA_IE_Studienverlauf-ENG_800px

Since the beginning of the winter semester 2010/ 2011, applicants interested in the master's programmes in international economics have the option to apply for a double degree programme in cooperation with the University of Groningen Faculty of Economics and Business, the Netherlands. Highly qualified students get the opportunity to simultaneously receive both a MSc in international economics from the University of Göttingen, and a MSc in economic development and globalization from the University of Groningen. The official language of the programme is English. For further information about the double degree programme, please visit: www.wiwi.uni-goettingen.de/studium/doubledegree
In order to apply the acquired knowledge in practice, to gain first work experience or to get to know possible relevant professional fields - the Faculty of Business and Economics welcomes students to gain practical experience during their studies. Therefore, you have the possibility to have a voluntary internship in the elective area of your studies credited under certain conditions. You can find detailed information here.
Job portal of the University of Göttingen with external job offers: Stellenwerk Göttingen (in German)
The MSc programme provides students with a fundamental understanding of economics required to meet the shifting demands of the career world. The programme also has an international focus, prepares students to independently carry out academic work, to critically produce scientific findings, as well as act responsibly. By focusing on one of the four fields of interest, students acquire specific professional skills making them competitive for international governmental organizations such as the IMF, World Bank, OECD, WTO, ECB and the EU.