Study objectives and content
A broad, high-level education in economics
The M.Sc. in Economics program offers a broad, high-level education in economics with a focus on economic issues and methodologies. In addition to gaining specialized knowledge of current economic conditions, students develop strong analytical skills to identify, structure, and analyze issues across a wide range of economic, political, and social contexts, and ultimately to present potential solutions. Students acquire broad economic expertise and methodological skills, thereby equipping them to succeed as future, responsible decision-makers in politics, business, and academia.
The M.Sc. in Economics is divided into the core areas of economic theory, economic policy, and econometrics. In addition, students select two areas of specialization. In each of these areas, students must earn a certain minimum number of ECTS credits, as outlined in the recommended study plan.
A wide range of options for creating a personalized profile
In the modules Advanced Microeconomics I and II and Advanced Macroeconomics I and II – students must select three of these four modules – students acquire in-depth knowledge of microeconomic decision-making theory, equilibrium theory, and game theory, as well as advanced macroeconomic theory. The module Intermediate Econometrics provides knowledge of advanced econometric methods in empirical economic research, while Economic Policy and Public Choice covers economic policy issues and social decision-making.
In addition to these modules, which together total 30 ECTS credits, each student must complete two areas of specialization totaling 60 ECTS credits:
- Accounting, Finance and Taxation
- Business Analytics
- Constitutional Economics and Competition Policy
- Corporate Governance, Business Ethics and Marketing
- Empirical Economics
- International and Development Economics
- Labour, Human Resource Management and Organization
- Network Economics and IT Risk Management
- Public Sector Economics and International Taxation
Admission requirements
In order to fulfil the requirements for a successful M.Sc. VWL, applicants must provide evidence of the following skills and documents:
- Bachelor’s degree in economics with a grade of 2.7 or better (or comparable university degree of at least three years) with at least 20 ECTS credits in the field of mathematics/statistics/econometrics and at least 70 ECTS credits from economics modules, of which at least 40 ECTS credits from economics modules. If the grade point average of the required university degree is lower than 2.7, the Bachelor’s thesis or final thesis must have been graded at least 2.0
- Strong interest in economic issues and economic analyses
- German language skills at least at level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
- English language skills at least at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Application
Application modalities
Applications for the start of the winter semester are possible from 15 April. The application deadline is 15 July.
Please note that applications for the master study programme Volkswirtschaftslehrewill only be made online.
How does the online application work?
The online application is divided into several steps:
- If you already have a university account for students of the University of Freiburg, please log in at the top right of this page with your user ID and start the application directly.
- If you do not yet have a university account, please click on ‘Registration’ and complete your personal details. You will then receive a registration access by e-mail. Please follow the instructions in the e-mail to activate your account. You can then log in to the Campus Management portal.
After logging in to the portal, you can do the following:
- Select the desired degree programme, whereby we require additional information from you that may increase your chances of being accepted.
- Upload all required documents
- Submit your application online
- After submitting online, print out the data control sheet for your documents.
It is no longer necessary to submit an application form and accompanying documents to the university by post or in person. Please refer to the information on the ‘Study application’ overview page (login required).
Note for applicants who wish to apply for several degree programmes: After self-registration for applicants in HISinOne, applicants can apply for several (up to 5) degree programmes at the same time using the same access data.
Here you must upload the following documents (see §3 Admission regulations – Application):
- Certificate of the Bachelor’s degree (or comparable university degree)
- A meaningful, certified (stamp of the examination office or verification code) overview of all examinations and academic achievements including the individual grades obtained and the overall grade
- Proof of German and English language skills (see below)
- a curriculum vitae in tabular form in German or English (max. 1 DIN A4 page)
- a letter of motivation of one A4 page in German or English, explaining the applicant’s personal reasons for taking up the Master’s programme in Economics
- a declaration signed by the applicant in German or English stating whether he/she has definitively failed an examination in a Master’s, Magister or Diplom degree programme in economics and lost his/her right to take examinations.
If documents no. 1 to 3 are not in German, English or French, a copy of an officially certified translation in German or English is required.
Unfortunately, incomplete applications cannot be considered.
Apply if the Bachelor’s degree is completed between July and October?
Yes, if you have not yet completed your Bachelor’s degree by 15 July, but will do so by the end of the summer semester, we look forward to receiving your application. All documents are required with the exception of a copy of your Bachelor’s degree certificate. The transcript of records must include all examinations and coursework completed up to the date of application, including grades achieved.
In this case, you must also provide proof that you have registered for the Bachelor’s thesis by submitting a certificate from your university.
Proof of successful completion of your Bachelor’s degree programme must be provided at the latest when enrolling for the M.Sc. VWL.
Language certificates
To be eligible for the M.Sc. in Business Administration program, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in German at the C1 level and in English at the B2 level, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
You can find an overview of the language proficiency certificates accepted by the University of Freiburg on the main page. Please note the required language proficiency level.
If you do not have proof of proficiency in German or English in one of the formats listed above at the time of application, you must provide proof that you are currently enrolled in or have completed a course at the appropriate level (C1 German, B2 English) or submit proof of registration for a language test. Proof of proficiency in the relevant language(s) must be submitted no later than the time of enrollment.
International Studies
Students can benefit from the international connections of the Department of Economics at the University of Freiburg. The department maintains exchange partnerships with economics departments at renowned universities as part of the European ERASMUS program (e.g., in Bologna, Geneva, Helsinki, Istanbul, Copenhagen, Madrid, and Warsaw), as well as in the United States, Brazil, and Japan. Through the University of Freiburg’s partnerships, study abroad opportunities are available in other destinations worldwide. Alternatively, students can organize their stay at a host university independently as “free movers.” In any case, the Economics Study Abroad Office offers comprehensive advice and support to students who wish to spend a semester abroad.
Through the EUCOR network of the five Upper Rhine universities Freiburg, Basel, Strasbourg, Mulhouse, and Karlsruhe, students can easily take advantage of the course offerings at the other universities and specifically select modules to complete and have them recognized toward their degree in Freiburg.