Study economics abroad

Economics is the study of how we use our resources. It looks at why economic decisions are made, and how they impact society. The study of money and how it works is a valuable skill, and choosing to study economics abroad will arm you valuable skills that employers want.

Studying economics overseas also means you’ll experience a new culture and way of life, and also gain an insight into how economics works in a different country.

Economics impacts every aspect of our lives, from our own individual financial decisions, to the policies of governments and business. Studying economics abroad is a great way of broadening your experience by seeing first hand how another country and society deals with financial issues.

With the increase of international trade and globalization, studying abroad can give you valuable insight that will enhance your understanding of the subject. Not only that, but studying economics abroad is a great way to experience a new culture, improve your language skills and make lifelong friendships.

Exactly what you can expect to study on an economics program will depend on the university and country you’re studying in. It will also be different depending on the level you’re studying at, so it’s important to look closely at the curriculum and content of the course before you apply.

Most programs will include several elective or optional modules you can choose from. This means you can tailor your program to focus on the areas you’re most interested in. For example, you could choose to study modules that focus on the impact of economics on society, or you could choose to focus on areas of mathematics and statistics.

Most economics degrees are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials, and you’ll be assessed through essays, coursework and written exams. In the final year of most undergraduate degrees you will complete a dissertation that will make up a large part of your final assessment.

At undergraduate level, here some of the modules you can expect to study during an economics:

• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Applied economics and statistics
• Global economics
• Mathematics for economics
• Econometrics
• Economic policy

Once you’ve decided to study economics abroad, you’ll have a huge number of universities and programs from all over the world to choose from. To help you narrow down your search, think about:

• What program you want to study. Look at the content of the program, and think about the length of the course and if you want a program that includes work placements or internships.
• Where you want to work after graduation. Look at locations that offer opportunities that match your career aspirations, but remember you’ll need a work visa to work in the country once your studies have finished.
• What university experience you want. Your time outside the classroom is really important, so take things like the student life of the university into account. Also think about things like the climate, culture and politics of the country you want to live in.

Deciding where to study is a big life changing decision, so take your time to make sure you make the right choice. Find out more about choosing where to study abroad here.

To study economics in another country you’ll need to meet the university’s entry requirements. The requirements will be unique to each university and program, but here are the basics you’ll need:

• To have completed secondary education in your home country with satisfactory grades - some programs ask for good maths and economics grades, but many don’t specify the subjects
• A personal statement that outlines your interest in the economics
• Good English language proficiency test scores
• Academic references or a letter of recommendation
• A bachelor’s degree in economics or a similar subject to study a master’s

For more help and advice on the application process, read our guide on how to study abroad.

Getting a degree in economics opens up a huge number of potential career opportunities, especially when you’ve studied abroad. Popular careers for economics graduates include:

• Economist
• Market research analyst
• Financial analyst
• Risk analyst
• Accountant
• Data analyst
• Account manager
• Management consultant

Check each program to make sure the content and curriculum match your career aspirations. Choose a program that will help you get the job you want after graduation.