Your input will help us improve your experience.You can close this popup to continue using the website or choose an option below to register in or login.
Why do some cities grow while others struggle? How can we build economies that are green and responsible? What factors push up inflation, housing costs, or traffic jams? How can we prepare the welfare state for an ageing population, improve healthcare systems, and share economic wealth more fairly between countries? These are some examples of the challenges you will tackle in the master's programme in Spatial and Applied Economics.
In this master’s programme, you will choose one of seven specialisations:
By combining economic theory with cutting-edge empirical tools, you will learn to:
design sustainable growth strategies;
future-proof cities;
craft sound public policies;
streamline healthcare systems;
develop real estate policies that improve housing affordability;
manage congested transport networks;
promote inclusive development at local, national, and global scales.
This is the the only university in the Netherlands offering a master’s programme that fully integrates urban, transport, environmental, real estate, health, development, and public policy economics. Spatial and Applied Economics has been recognized for its excellence, ranked as the Best Economics Master’s in the Netherlands by Keuzegids Masters 2025, consistently receiving high ratings in the National Student Survey, and awarded a bronze medal in Elsevier’s Best Studies 2023.
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
Why do some cities grow while others struggle? How can we build economies that are green and responsible? What factors push up inflation, housing costs, or traffic jams? How can we prepare the welfare state for an ageing population, improve healthcare systems, and share economic wealth more fairly between countries? These are some examples of the challenges you will tackle in the master's programme in Spatial and Applied Economics.
In this master’s programme, you will choose one of seven specialisations:
By combining economic theory with cutting-edge empirical tools, you will learn to:
design sustainable growth strategies;
future-proof cities;
craft sound public policies;
streamline healthcare systems;
develop real estate policies that improve housing affordability;
manage congested transport networks;
promote inclusive development at local, national, and global scales.
This is the the only university in the Netherlands offering a master’s programme that fully integrates urban, transport, environmental, real estate, health, development, and public policy economics. Spatial and Applied Economics has been recognized for its excellence, ranked as the Best Economics Master’s in the Netherlands by Keuzegids Masters 2025, consistently receiving high ratings in the National Student Survey, and awarded a bronze medal in Elsevier’s Best Studies 2023.
Summer School
Apply to VU Amsterdam Summer School and develop your academic skills in a focused and inspiring study abroad experience.
Admission Requirements
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.
Spatial and Applied 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
Why do some cities grow while others struggle? How can we build economies that are green and responsible? What factors push up inflation, housing costs, or traffic jams? How can we prepare the welfare state for an ageing population, improve healthcare systems, and share economic wealth more fairly between countries? These are some examples of the challenges you will tackle in the master's programme in Spatial and Applied Economics.
In this master’s programme, you will choose one of seven specialisations:
Development Economics and Globalisation
Environmental Economics
Health Economics and Management
Public Economics and Policy
Real Estate and Housing Economics
Regional and Urban Economics
Transport and Network Economics
By combining economic theory with cutting-edge empirical tools, you will learn to:
design sustainable growth strategies;
future-proof cities;
craft sound public policies;
streamline healthcare systems;
develop real estate policies that improve housing affordability;
manage congested transport networks;
promote inclusive development at local, national, and global scales.
This is the the only university in the Netherlands offering a master’s programme that fully integrates urban, transport, environmental, real estate, health, development, and public policy economics. Spatial and Applied Economics has been recognized for its excellence, ranked as the Best Economics Master’s in the Netherlands by Keuzegids Masters 2025, consistently receiving high ratings in the National Student Survey, and awarded a bronze medal in Elsevier’s Best Studies 2023.
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
Why do some cities grow while others struggle? How can we build economies that are green and responsible? What factors push up inflation, housing costs, or traffic jams? How can we prepare the welfare state for an ageing population, improve healthcare systems, and share economic wealth more fairly between countries? These are some examples of the challenges you will tackle in the master's programme in Spatial and Applied Economics.
In this master’s programme, you will choose one of seven specialisations:
Development Economics and Globalisation
Environmental Economics
Health Economics and Management
Public Economics and Policy
Real Estate and Housing Economics
Regional and Urban Economics
Transport and Network Economics
By combining economic theory with cutting-edge empirical tools, you will learn to:
design sustainable growth strategies;
future-proof cities;
craft sound public policies;
streamline healthcare systems;
develop real estate policies that improve housing affordability;
manage congested transport networks;
promote inclusive development at local, national, and global scales.
This is the the only university in the Netherlands offering a master’s programme that fully integrates urban, transport, environmental, real estate, health, development, and public policy economics. Spatial and Applied Economics has been recognized for its excellence, ranked as the Best Economics Master’s in the Netherlands by Keuzegids Masters 2025, consistently receiving high ratings in the National Student Survey, and awarded a bronze medal in Elsevier’s Best Studies 2023.
Summer School
Apply to VU Amsterdam Summer School and develop your academic skills in a focused and inspiring study abroad experience.
Admission Requirements
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.
More programmes from the university
Genes in Behaviour and Health (Research Master)
Genes in Behaviour and Health (Research Master)
Social Sciences for a Digital Society (Research Master)
Social Sciences for a Digital Society (Research Master)
Arts and Humanities (7)
Ancient Studies
Ancient Studies
Archaeology
Archaeology
History and International Studies
History and International Studies
Language and Media
Language and Media
Language and Mind
Language and Mind
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Literature and Society English
Literature and Society English
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
Business and Management (7)
Bachelor Econometrics and Operations Research
Bachelor Econometrics and Operations Research
Business Analytics
Business Analytics
Econometrics and Data Science
Econometrics and Data Science
Economics and Business Economics
Economics and Business Economics
International Business Administration
International Business Administration
Engineering and Technology (7)
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence
Computer Science
Computer Science
Creative Technology
Creative Technology
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Life Sciences and Medicine (7)
Psychology
Psychology
Natural Sciences (7)
Mathematics
Mathematics
Others (7)
Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical Sciences
History and International Studies
History and International Studies
Social Sciences and Management (7)
Communication Science
Communication Science
Communication and Information Studies
Communication and Information Studies
Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology
Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology
Law in Society
Law in Society
Media, Art, Design and Architecture
Media, Art, Design and Architecture
Political Science: Global Politics
Political Science: Global Politics
Arts and Humanities (6)
Arts & Culture
Arts & Culture
Arts & Culture: Comparative Arts and Media Studies
Arts & Culture: Comparative Arts and Media Studies
Arts & Culture: Contemporary Art History
Arts & Culture: Contemporary Art History
Arts & Culture: Design Cultures
Arts & Culture: Design Cultures
Classics and Ancient Civilizations
Classics and Ancient Civilizations
Classics and Ancient Civilizations Ancient Studies: Classics
Classics and Ancient Civilizations Ancient Studies: Classics
Classics and Ancient Civilizations: Ancient Studies
Classics and Ancient Civilizations: Ancient Studies
Classics and Ancient Civilizations: Research
Classics and Ancient Civilizations: Research
Humanities
Humanities
Master's Programme in Archaeology
Master's Programme in Archaeology
Master's Programme in Architecture, Cities, Landscapes: History and Heritage
Master's Programme in Architecture, Cities, Landscapes: History and Heritage
Social and Cultural Anthropology
Social and Cultural Anthropology
Business and Management (6)
Accounting and Control
Accounting and Control
Econometrics and Operations Research: Business Engineering and Data-Driven Decision Making
Econometrics and Operations Research: Business Engineering and Data-Driven Decision Making
Economics
Economics
International Business Law
International Business Law
Marketing: Brand and Customer Management
Marketing: Brand and Customer Management
Master of Science in Business Administration
Master of Science in Business Administration
Master's Programme in Business Analytics
Master's Programme in Business Analytics
Spatial and Applied Economics
Spatial and Applied Economics
Engineering and Technology (6)
Biomedical Technology and Physics
Biomedical Technology and Physics
Business Data Science (Research Master)
Business Data Science (Research Master)
Computer Science: Big Data Engineering
Computer Science: Big Data Engineering
Computer Security
Computer Security
Master's Programme in Artificial Intelligence
Master's Programme in Artificial Intelligence
Master's in Public Administration: Artificial Intelligence and Governance
Master's in Public Administration: Artificial Intelligence and Governance
Life Sciences and Medicine (6)
AI for Health
AI for Health
Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
Biomolecular Sciences
Biomolecular Sciences
CIS: Dialogue, Health and Society
CIS: Dialogue, Health and Society
CIS: Multimodal Communication
CIS: Multimodal Communication
Clinical and Developmental Psychopathology (Research)
Clinical and Developmental Psychopathology (Research)
Genes in Behaviour and Health (Research Master)
Genes in Behaviour and Health (Research Master)
Global Health (Research Master)
Global Health (Research Master)
Master's Programme in Biomedical Sciences
Master's Programme in Biomedical Sciences
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Sciences
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Sciences
Neurosciences
Neurosciences
Natural Sciences (6)
Earth Sciences
Earth Sciences
Ecology and Evolution
Ecology and Evolution
Environment and Resource Management
Environment and Resource Management
Hydrology
Hydrology
Social Sciences and Management (6)
Human Movement Sciences (Research)
Human Movement Sciences (Research)
Human Movement Sciences: Biophysics in Sport
Human Movement Sciences: Biophysics in Sport
Information Sciences
Information Sciences
Political Sciences
Political Sciences
Public Administration
Public Administration
Religion and Theology
Religion and Theology
Social Psychology
Social Psychology
Social Sciences for a Digital Society (Research Master)
Social Sciences for a Digital Society (Research Master)
Frequently Asked Questions