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From a global pandemic to the rise of AI, from surging prices to shifting trade alliances, recent years have shown just how quickly the economic landscape can change, and how urgently we need experts who can navigate it.
The future may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: organisations need economists who can think critically, act decisively, and adapt fast. This master’s in Economics is designed for ambitious students with a strong academic background in economics who want to sharpen their expertise even further and prepare for the demands of a rapidly changing world.
You will build a rigorous analytical and quantitative foundation through core courses in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics. A wide range of field courses and your master’s thesis let you apply these tools directly to real-world challenges — from globalisation to public health — while developing the problem-solving mindset and adaptability that employers value most.
You will work with real-world datasets, practice evidence-based policy analysis, and translate theory into actionable advice for public and private decision-makers. Also, you will learn from leading researchers in one of the Netherlands’ top Economics departments.
Summer School
Apply to VU Amsterdam Summer School and develop your academic skills in a focused and inspiring study abroad experience.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Economics and Econometrics
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
From a global pandemic to the rise of AI, from surging prices to shifting trade alliances, recent years have shown just how quickly the economic landscape can change, and how urgently we need experts who can navigate it.
The future may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: organisations need economists who can think critically, act decisively, and adapt fast. This master’s in Economics is designed for ambitious students with a strong academic background in economics who want to sharpen their expertise even further and prepare for the demands of a rapidly changing world.
You will build a rigorous analytical and quantitative foundation through core courses in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics. A wide range of field courses and your master’s thesis let you apply these tools directly to real-world challenges — from globalisation to public health — while developing the problem-solving mindset and adaptability that employers value most.
You will work with real-world datasets, practice evidence-based policy analysis, and translate theory into actionable advice for public and private decision-makers. Also, you will learn from leading researchers in one of the Netherlands’ top Economics departments.
Summer School
Apply to VU Amsterdam Summer School and develop your academic skills in a focused and inspiring study abroad experience.
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
Your previous education needs to be deemed equivalent to at least a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree ( wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO ) obtained at a research university (nominal duration 3 years).
Programme specific requirements
We expect you to have successfully completed courses on the following subjects at the specified level, with content that is comparable to the listed example textbook:
Microeconomics An intermediate-level course that covers, among others, topics such as i) consumer theory ii) producer theory ii) equilibrium, exchange, and welfare iii) game theory iv) monopoly and oligopoly. Example textbook: Varian, H.R., Intermediate Microeconomics, Norton, 9th ed., 2014, Chapters 1-6, 14-16, 19-26, 28-30, 32-34.
Macroeconomics An intermediate-level course that covers, among others, topic such as i) macroeconomic data ii) growth facts iii) Solow model iv) OLG Model v) dynamic consumption-saving model vi) fiscal policy. Example textbook: Garín, J., R. Lester, and E. Sims, Intermediate Macroeconomics , Claremont McKenna College, Typescript. v. 3.0.1, Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 13.
Econometrics and Statistics An intermediate-level course that covers, among others, topics such as: i) linear regression with one or multiple regressors ii) computing standard errors and hypothesis testing iii) heteroskedasticity iv) non-linear models such as interacted variables and log-transformations. Example textbook: Stock, J.H. and M.W. Watson, Introduction to Econometrics, Pearson, 4th ed., 2019, Chapters 2-9.
Mathematics for Economists An intermediate-level course that covers among others the concepts of i) functions of one and more variables ii) limits, sequences and series iii) differentiation and integration iv) unconstrained and constrained optimization v) basic linear algebra and matrices. Example textbook: Sydsaeter, K. and P. Hammond et al., Essential Mathematics for Economic Analysis, Prentice Hall, recent edition.
English-language proficiency requirements
You will have to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. You can find an overview of relevant information to demonstrate your English language proficiency on the language requirement page .
1 Year
Sep
Tuition fees
Domestic
2,694 EUR
International
24,830 EUR
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Start at the programme page of the degree you are interested in. Read the admission requirements and application steps carefully. Then apply through Studielink, complete your application on your VU dashboard, pay the application fee (if required), and wait for the admission decision, which is usually communicated within 4–6 weeks.
Check the specific ‘Admissions’ section on your programme’s page for required documents. General requirements include your diploma, transcripts and other supporting documents. Documents should be in English, German, Dutch, French, Italian, or Spanish; others must be translated into English.
Yes, for Master’s, you can apply without a diploma copy; if conditionally admitted, you must send a certified diploma copy before the deadline.
The International Office checks your application for completeness. If there’s missing or incorrect information, they will contact you. Otherwise, your application is reviewed and you typically receive a decision within 4–8 weeks. Check your email (including spam) regularly for updates.
Economics
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
# 142QS Subject Rankings
12 monthsProgramme duration
24,830 EURTuition Fee/year
Economics and EconometricsMain Subject Area
Programme overview
Main Subject
Economics and Econometrics
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
From a global pandemic to the rise of AI, from surging prices to shifting trade alliances, recent years have shown just how quickly the economic landscape can change, and how urgently we need experts who can navigate it.
The future may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: organisations need economists who can think critically, act decisively, and adapt fast. This master’s in Economics is designed for ambitious students with a strong academic background in economics who want to sharpen their expertise even further and prepare for the demands of a rapidly changing world.
You will build a rigorous analytical and quantitative foundation through core courses in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics. A wide range of field courses and your master’s thesis let you apply these tools directly to real-world challenges — from globalisation to public health — while developing the problem-solving mindset and adaptability that employers value most.
You will work with real-world datasets, practice evidence-based policy analysis, and translate theory into actionable advice for public and private decision-makers. Also, you will learn from leading researchers in one of the Netherlands’ top Economics departments.
Summer School
Apply to VU Amsterdam Summer School and develop your academic skills in a focused and inspiring study abroad experience.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Economics and Econometrics
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
From a global pandemic to the rise of AI, from surging prices to shifting trade alliances, recent years have shown just how quickly the economic landscape can change, and how urgently we need experts who can navigate it.
The future may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: organisations need economists who can think critically, act decisively, and adapt fast. This master’s in Economics is designed for ambitious students with a strong academic background in economics who want to sharpen their expertise even further and prepare for the demands of a rapidly changing world.
You will build a rigorous analytical and quantitative foundation through core courses in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics. A wide range of field courses and your master’s thesis let you apply these tools directly to real-world challenges — from globalisation to public health — while developing the problem-solving mindset and adaptability that employers value most.
You will work with real-world datasets, practice evidence-based policy analysis, and translate theory into actionable advice for public and private decision-makers. Also, you will learn from leading researchers in one of the Netherlands’ top Economics departments.
Summer School
Apply to VU Amsterdam Summer School and develop your academic skills in a focused and inspiring study abroad experience.
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
Your previous education needs to be deemed equivalent to at least a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree ( wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO ) obtained at a research university (nominal duration 3 years).
Programme specific requirements
We expect you to have successfully completed courses on the following subjects at the specified level, with content that is comparable to the listed example textbook:
Microeconomics An intermediate-level course that covers, among others, topics such as i) consumer theory ii) producer theory ii) equilibrium, exchange, and welfare iii) game theory iv) monopoly and oligopoly. Example textbook: Varian, H.R., Intermediate Microeconomics, Norton, 9th ed., 2014, Chapters 1-6, 14-16, 19-26, 28-30, 32-34.
Macroeconomics An intermediate-level course that covers, among others, topic such as i) macroeconomic data ii) growth facts iii) Solow model iv) OLG Model v) dynamic consumption-saving model vi) fiscal policy. Example textbook: Garín, J., R. Lester, and E. Sims, Intermediate Macroeconomics , Claremont McKenna College, Typescript. v. 3.0.1, Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 13.
Econometrics and Statistics An intermediate-level course that covers, among others, topics such as: i) linear regression with one or multiple regressors ii) computing standard errors and hypothesis testing iii) heteroskedasticity iv) non-linear models such as interacted variables and log-transformations. Example textbook: Stock, J.H. and M.W. Watson, Introduction to Econometrics, Pearson, 4th ed., 2019, Chapters 2-9.
Mathematics for Economists An intermediate-level course that covers among others the concepts of i) functions of one and more variables ii) limits, sequences and series iii) differentiation and integration iv) unconstrained and constrained optimization v) basic linear algebra and matrices. Example textbook: Sydsaeter, K. and P. Hammond et al., Essential Mathematics for Economic Analysis, Prentice Hall, recent edition.
English-language proficiency requirements
You will have to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. You can find an overview of relevant information to demonstrate your English language proficiency on the language requirement page .Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
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