We no longer accept applications to the MA in Economics program separately. It has been integrated into our new MA in Economics, Data, and Policy program as the Research (pre-PhD) track. Please submit your application to that program.
CEU's MA in Economics program equips you with the knowledge and the technical skills necessary to do cutting-edge applied research in the public or private sector, as well as preparing you to continue with PhD studies if you prefer a career in academia. The coursework puts special emphasis on quantitative skills, data work and exposure to frontier research.
Why study for an MA in Economics 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, consulting, data analysis or academia
- 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 Austria, Brazil, China, Hungary, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Ukraine 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
Beyond providing you with a deep knowledge of the core economics courses, you will be able to choose elective courses, allowing you to tailor the program to your future ambitions.
See below the structure of the program:
Year 1, Pre-session (September): Math course
Year 1, Fall & Winter terms (September – March): Core courses
The first two terms provide you with a deep knowledge of the foundations of economics.
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Econometrics and Coding
Year 1, Spring – Year 2, Winter (April – March): Electives
You are free to choose courses that better suit your career plans and interests; below are some examples.
If you are interested in a PhD:
- Development Economics
- Labor Economics
- Macroeconomics of Labor Markets
- Core PhD courses
If you are interested in data-related careers:
- Introduction to Data Analysis in R
- Scientific Python
- Prediction with Machine Learning for Economists
- Machine Learning for Natural Language Processing
If you are interested in policy work:
- Fiscal Policy in Practice
- Theory and Practice of Economic Forecasting
- Computational Macroeconomics
Year 2, Spring term (April – May): Master thesis
Build critical, in-demand skills for a successful career
Completing our MA in Economics will equip you with the skills of a professional economist. You will have a solid foundation in economic theory and in quantitative methodology, and you will have strong analytical skills. These skills will enable you to pursue a variety of exciting careers. In the past, graduating MA Economics students
- Continued their studies in highly ranked PhD programs, for example at Boston University, Duke University, University of California San Diego, University of Michigan
- Embarked on careers in banking, finance, or consulting, for example at BlackRock, Raiffeisen Bank, Morgan Stanley, McKinsey, PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG
- Engaged in policy and research work in the public sector, at international organizations or at think-tanks, for example at the European Commission, the ECB, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), or at RAND corporation
Admission requirements, deadlines, and scholarships
Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in economics or related fields. Students with degrees in math-intensive subjects are encouraged to apply as well.
- 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.
- Online CEU-organized mathematics exam (practice here), or general GRE exam, or both. The online mathematics exam tests your knowledge on basic calculus, probability theory and linear algebra and is organized by CEU. Your GRE scores are valid for five years.
- 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 and also, as usual the CEU math test as an alternative to GRE. The above tests 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 tests.
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 Economics 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.