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Economics Schools and Programs in Germany

23 schools in Germany teach Economics.

Economics Studies in Germany

Economics at German universities is usually called Volkswirtschaftslehre (VWL). It deals with the economy as a whole and with the behaviour of households, firms and markets, and is distinct from business administration (Betriebswirtschaftslehre, BWL), which looks at the running of individual companies. Bachelor's programmes are mostly taught in German, sometimes with courses in English; many master's programmes are taught entirely in English.

Our directory lists 23 universities and business schools in Germany that teach Economics, spread over more than 20 cities, among them Munich, Berlin, Bonn, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Cologne, Frankfurt, Münster and Kiel.

How the degree is organised

Germany uses the two-cycle bachelor's and master's structure with ECTS credits. A bachelor's degree in economics is normally a Bachelor of Science with a standard length of 6 semesters. At the Universität Mannheim, for example, the Bachelor Volkswirtschaftslehre comprises 180 to 188 ECTS credits over 6 semesters (3 years) and starts in the autumn semester in September. The Universität Bonn describes its BSc in Economics as covering microeconomics and macroeconomics, aspects of business administration, and quantitative methods: mathematics for economists, statistics and econometrics.

A master's degree takes 4 more semesters and is more research-oriented. The MSc in Economics at the Universität Bonn is taught in English and builds advanced knowledge of macroeconomics, microeconomics, financial economics and econometrics. At the Universität Heidelberg all master's courses are held in English, students choose one of five tracks (analytical, development, behavioural, macroeconomics and financial econometrics, or environmental economics), and the third semester is intended for study abroad. A doctorate can follow the master's degree.

Admission and language

Applicants need a university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung). Whether a foreign school-leaving certificate is sufficient can be checked in the DAAD admission database or in Anabin; if it is not, a foundation course (Studienkolleg) comes first. The final decision always lies with the university. Many universities use uni-assist to evaluate foreign certificates, which costs €75 for the first application and €15 for each further one in the same semester.

Some programmes are open, others have restricted admission. In Bonn the BSc in Economics has open admission, while the bachelor's programme in Mannheim is currently restricted; the selection criteria include the average grade of the entrance qualification.

For German-taught programmes, international applicants prove their German with the TestDaF or the DSH; level TDN 4 in all parts of the TestDaF or DSH-2 gives unrestricted admission. Requirements differ by university: Bonn asks for DSH level 1 (CEFR level B2) plus English at B2 for its bachelor's degree, and Mannheim asks for German at C1 from applicants without a German entrance qualification. For the English-taught master's degree in Bonn, applicants need a relevant university degree, English at B2 and sufficient knowledge of mathematics, statistics and econometrics.

Costs

As a rule, state universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for bachelor's degrees and for many master's degrees. The exception is the state of Baden-Württemberg, where Mannheim and Heidelberg are located: non-EU citizens pay €1,500 per semester. Private institutions set their own, usually much higher, fees.

All students pay a semester contribution, which according to the DAAD ranges from about €70 to €430 depending on the university; Mannheim lists €194 and Heidelberg €189.80 per semester. The DAAD puts average living costs for students at €900 to €1,200 a month. Students who need a visa must show proof of financial resources of €11,904 a year (€992 a month), the amount in force since 1 January 2025. Citizens of the EU, the European Economic Area and Switzerland do not need a visa.

Careers

The Universität Bonn lists these lines of work for economics graduates: public administration and industry associations, financial planning and management, the labour and social sector, auditing, tax and corporate consulting, banks and insurance companies, non-governmental organisations, business journalism, and research and teaching at universities and research institutes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study Economics in Germany in English?

At master's level, yes: the MSc programmes in Economics in Bonn and Heidelberg, for example, are taught in English. Bachelor's programmes are mostly in German, in some cases with part of the courses in English.

How long does an economics degree take in Germany?

The standard length is 6 semesters for the bachelor's degree and 4 semesters for the master's degree.

Do international students pay tuition fees?

State universities generally charge no tuition fees for bachelor's and many master's degrees, but Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU citizens €1,500 per semester. Everyone pays the semester contribution.

What German level do I need for a bachelor's degree?

It depends on the university. TestDaF level TDN 4 in all parts or DSH-2 is accepted everywhere; Bonn accepts DSH level 1 (B2) for its BSc in Economics, and Mannheim requires C1.