Master of Arts in Economic Policy in Global Markets

We no longer accept applications to the MA in Economic Policy in Global Markets program separately. It has been integrated into our new MA in Economics, Data, and Policy program as the Global Economic Policy track. Please submit your application to that program.

CEU's MA in Economic Policy program focuses on economic policy in the context of global markets. Its main goal is to equip you with solid foundations in economics, to give you a deep understanding of the economic policy process, and to provide you with the analytical ability to evaluate economic policies at the macro and micro level.

The program is an ideal steppingstone if you want a job in government (ministries, central banks), in international organizations, or in the private sector (banks, consulting firms, etc.).

Why study for an MA in Economic Policy at CEU?

  • MA degree with a global recognition that is accredited in Austria and the US
  • Fully English language program and university
  • 2-year full time program
  • Tailored to the unique ambitions of each student, be it policy work in the government or international organization, consulting work or data analysis
  • Approximately 20 students admitted per year
  • High quality yet affordable degree: 12,000 euros tuition fee per year & generous tuition waivers and scholarships awarded. The top applicants will be offered a full tuition waiver and a 10,000 euros scholarship per year, while partial tuition waivers and smaller stipends will also be distributed
  • Most internationally diverse program in the region. Current students come from Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, Bangladesh, Hungary, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Viet Nam, Ukraine, United States among other countries
  • Study in Vienna – consistently rated as the world's most livable city for its vibrant culture scene, architecture, and great recreational opportunities

Choose the electives that match your ambitions

A hallmark of the program is that you can choose from a wide range of electives, many of which are taught by professors from other departments at CEU. You will be exposed to many alternative viewpoints and approaches.

See below the structure of the program:

Year 1, Pre-session (September): Math course

Year 1, Fall & Winter terms (September – March): Core courses

  • Fall: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Data Analysis
  • Winter: Global Economic Policy Issues, Academic Writing

Year 1, Summer: Internship program

Year 1, Spring & Year 2, Winter (April – March): Electives

Besides the Economic Policy Seminar, you are free to choose courses that better suit your career plans and interests, see below for some possible specializations.

If you are interested in finance:

  • Asset Pricing
  • Corporate Finance and Risk Management
  • Trading and Portfolio Theory

If you are interested in data-related careers:

  • Data Mining and Big Data Analysis
  • Econometrics II
  • Economic Forecasting
  • Machine Learning for Natural Language Processing

If you are interested in macro policy:

  • Economic Policy After the Crisis
  • Economics of Underdevelopment
  • Macroeconomic and Public Institutions
  • The Political Economy of the EU

If you want to focus on special policy areas

  • Energy Markets
  • Economics of Higher Education
  • Labor Economics
  • Health Policy

Year 2, Spring term (April – May): Master thesis

Build critical, in-demand skills for a successful career

Completing our MA in Economic Policy prepares you to become a decision-maker in economic policy. You will have the skills of an economist and the multidisciplinary approach that is necessary in this field. You will have the ability to interpret data and link them to economic and social processes. The skills you gain will enable you to pursue a variety of exciting careers. In the past, graduating MA in Economic Policy students

  • Engaged in economic policy analysis in the public sector or at international organizations, for example at the European Investment Bank, International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Bank, the United Nations (UN), or the World Food Programme
  • Embarked on careers in banking, finance, or consulting, for example at CitiBank, Ernst & Young, Boston Consulting Group
  • Found jobs in data-related fields, for example at Eurostat or at ZOE Covid Study
  • Pursued PhD studies in fields related to economics, for example at the University of Stavanger, Norway (Economics), Semmelweis University (Health Economy), Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Switzerland (Development Economics), CEU (Public Policy)

Admission requirements, deadlines, and scholarships

Requirements

  • Undergraduate degree in economics or other fields, not directly related to economics.
  • Statement of Purpose (max. 500 words): explain your reasons for applying to the program and indicate how your studies at CEU would help achieve your future career goals.
  • Proof of English proficiency.
  • Letters of recommendation, curriculum vitae, academic records, completed CEU application form.

Note that we currently and exceptionally accept Duolingo English test as an alternative to TOEFL/IELTS. The above test can be administered at any suitable place with stable internet connection. If you live in a country without easy access to ETS or IELTS test centers, we encourage you to consider the above test.

Deadlines

  • February 1, 2023 – if you seek financial aid
  • March 15, 2023 – if you need a study visa
  • August 15, 2023 – if you do not need a visa

Scholarships

Financial aid is granted on the basis of academic merit. The top candidates in the MA in Economic Policy in Global Markets Program will receive a full tuition waiver and 10,000 EUR per year as a scholarship. Partial tuition waivers and smaller stipends will also be offered.