Master of Science in International Economics and Business University of Passau

This programme is taught in English.

The MSc International Economics and Business programme imparts in-depth expertise, skills and research methodology in micro- and macroeconomic theory as well as empirical economics with a focus on Global Economy, International Trade and Finance, and Governance, Institutions and Development. The methodological competences, while geared primarily to economic analysis, are enriched with business administration-specific elements. This degree programme is taught entirely in English.

Features

• Focus on economics modules
• Strong involvement of empirical research (laboratory and field experiments as well as secondary data analysis)
• Includes selected modules on business administration and econometrics
• Interdisciplinary modules count towards the degree
• Excellent staff-student ratio due to small learning groups (about 20 to 30 students each year)
• Combines theory and practice
• Excellent results in the CHE Ranking (the university ranking scheme for the German-speaking world)
• Numerous global university partnerships

Test yourself

Use our self-assessment tool to find out whether this programme is right for you. Completing the test, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes, will give you a first impression of the programme content and tell you whether you have the prerequisites needed for this degree programme.

The application round starts in early April. As the application deadlines can change on short notice, we ask that you check our application pages closer to the time for the specific dates (and what documents you need to submit).

The programme is divided into seven module groups and the Master's thesis module:

A: Core Courses (25–30 ECTS credits)

The core econometrics, macroeconomics and microeconomics courses impart the central techniques required for the subsequent stages of your degree programme.

B: Advanced Methods (a minimum of 10 ECTS credits)

In this module group, you will be acquainted with advanced quantitative methods in in-depth econometrics and behaviour-oriented courses.

C: Global Economy, International Trade and Finance (a minimum of 10 ECTS credits)

This module group comprises courses on globalisation, trade and finance. You will learn about theories and apply empirical methods to understand human decision-making processes concerning investments, location, trade, and finance as well as their respective systemic interactions and ways of influencing economic policy.

D: Governance, Institutions and Development (a minimum of 10 ECTS credits)

In this module group, you will learn about theories and apply empirical methods to understand development theory and policy, institutional design, the fight against corruption, ethics, fiscal policy, and health economics.

E: Business Administration (a maximum of 20 ECTS credits)

Suitable business administration modules complement the knowledge acquired in module groups A to D.

F: Foreign language with a business and economics focus (a maximum of 10 ECTS credits)

You will gain 10 ECTS credits in one of the following foreign languages offered by the language centre: Chinese, Czech, English, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish.

G: Interdisciplinary modules (a maximum of 10 ECTS credits)

In this module group, you have the opportunity to study Master's-level modules that are taught at other faculties of the University of Passau, and you can have them credited towards your degree. This allows you to give your degree profile a unique interdisciplinary orientation whilst exploring the methodology and subject matters of other disciplines at an advanced level.

Master's thesis

You will write your Master's thesis on a topic from module group A, B, C, or D. When you pass the thesis module, 20 ECTS credits will be awarded.

There is no formal internship requirement for this degree programme. Nevertheless, we recommend that you go to the effort of completing one or more voluntary internships as you study towards your degree.

No tuition fees

The semester contribution fee is around 120 EUR per semester. This covers the student services association and bus pass fees. At the time of writing (January 2026), the University of Passau does not charge tuition fees.

You should budget a minimum of 992 EUR per month for your living expenses. If you need a visa to come to Germany, this is the amount you must have available to you (e.g. paid into a blocked account) for each month. Nevertheless, your actual cost of living will vary depending on your lifestyle, and so you should treat this figure as an absolute minimum.

To apply, you need a good undergraduate degree with at least 35 ECTS credits in economics (gained in subjects such as microeconomics, macroeconomics and/or economic policy) and at least 15 ECTS credits in mathematics and statistics. Beyond this, there are no specific requirements on the content of your first degree programme.

You must submit an English language certificate at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), unless English is your native language or the language of instruction for your prior university or secondary education.

You should also have basic knowledge of German (level A1 CEFR) to help you in your everyday life. If you do not have basic knowledge of German, you will be able to take a free language course either before the start or within the first two semesters of the programme.

The application round starts in early April. As the application deadlines can change on short notice, we ask that you check our application pages closer to the time for the specific dates (and what documents you need to submit).

The International Office awards a small number of scholarships to international degree-seeking students who have been enrolled in a Bachelor's programme for at least two semesters or in a Master's programme for at least one semester. You may also apply for a Deutschlandstipendium scholarship, which is open to students of all nationalities. This scholarship has a stipend of 300 EUR per month and runs for one year. You may reapply in subsequent years. Finally, there is a one-off emergency hardship grant available to international students in exceptional cases of unexpected financial difficulties.

For international students, a dedicated career adviser is on hand: the "iStudi Coach" will help you with all your questions about finding work or placements in Germany.

Please note that students from non-EU countries must apply for a work permit at the national job centre if they work more than 240 half-days per year. Students from EU member countries do not require a work permit.

The International Office has set up an accommodation service, which assists international students in finding accommodation.

Rooms in the halls of residence cost between 270 EUR and 550 EUR per month and are fully furnished. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are usually shared, although some rooms have en-suite bathroom facilities. However, please note that the demand for the rooms in the student halls is very high, and there is no guarantee that you will be able to rent one.

Luckily, there is a large number of flats and flatshares available on the open housing market. On average, you should expect to pay somewhere in the vicinity of 350 EUR to 550 EUR a month for these. Landlords usually require a two-month or three-month deposit when you move in, which will be returned to you at the end of the rental period, provided you leave your accommodation in good condition.

• Further details on housing in Passau
• Accommodation service for international students

The university provides advice on job hunting, jobs and career-entry positions at German and international companies, here and abroad. These include personal interviews and advice, training courses on how to apply as well as intercultural and soft skills training.

International students have access to a dedicated career adviser – the "iStudi Coach" – who help them find internships and apply for student jobs and career-entry positions at German companies. The iStudi Coach also coaches international students on German labour market practices, how to write applications and so on.

Related links:

• Future: Careers and Competencies section
• iStudi Coach

The University of Passau

More than 10,000 students from approximately 100 countries are currently studying towards their degrees on our bright, modern campus next to the Inn River and a stone's throw from the town centre and the historical old town.

The five faculties of the university offer degrees at the undergraduate, Master’s and doctoral levels. Currently, 11 degree programmes can be studied entirely in English: BSc Artificial Intelligence, MSc Artificial Intelligence Engineering, MSc Business Administration, MSc Computational Mathematics, MSc Computer Science, MA Development Studies, MA Governance and Public Policy, MSc Information Systems, MSc International Economics and Business, MA International Education and Global Learning, and BSc Mathematics.

A cosmopolitan university

No other Bavarian university has more of its students spending part of their programme abroad – to study, conduct research or gain work experience – than the University of Passau.

The range and depth of language tuition offered by our language centre probably has a role to play in this. Another reason is that our programmes are very international in their outlook – and with some 300 international partner universities to choose from, it is difficult not to be tempted to go abroad for a semester or two or even to complete one of our double-degree programmes offered in cooperation with our global partner universities.

An unparalleled student experience

Passau’s students benefit from a good staff-to-student ratio and from studying on an urban campus of manageable size that is located very close to the town centre.

The facilities on campus are of a high standard. There are bright, sunny seminar rooms, lecture theatres equipped with the latest technology, numerous computer rooms, Wi-Fi access exists throughout the campus, and our well-stocked university library stays open until late into the night on most days.

Student satisfaction at the University of Passau is particularly high and our sought-after graduates typically occupy executive posts in business, social, and academic organisations in Germany, Europe, and indeed all over the world.

Student life

Throughout the semester, there are plenty of events of all sorts on campus and around town, often organised by our very active student societies. Our sports centre has some 40 sports clubs, offering everything from acrobatics to Zumba.

An ideal student town

Passau is situated near the Bavarian Forest at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, and it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. After two fires that destroyed much of the town in the 17th century, the old town was rebuilt in the baroque style by Italian master builders, which is why you will notice a distinct Italian flair as you stroll through "Bavarian Venice", another name by which Passau is known.

With students accounting for one-quarter of its population, Passau is very much a student town with many galleries, art studios, bars, cafés, clubs and, of course, beer gardens; naturally, there is a modern multiplex cinema. A shopping centre and the nearby pedestrian zone offer a lot of excellent eateries and shops, just a short five-minute walk from campus.

Passau is home to a number of cultural institutions, such as the theatre and the "Scharfrichterhaus" – a restaurant, cinema and political cabaret/stand-up stage where many of Germany’s most popular contemporary comedians started out. Both have productions and acts running throughout the year.

In addition to this, Passau plays host to numerous annual cultural events, including "Europäische Wochen Passau" – a cultural festival which brings international symphonic orchestras, classical ensembles, theatre companies and artists to Passau for about six weeks every year; the Eulenspiegel Festival with predominantly German comedy acts and rock bands; two Oktoberfest-style festivals in spring and autumn; and no list of festivals would be complete without the traditional Christmas Market in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral every December. Incidentally, did you know that St. Stephen's is home to the world's largest cathedral organ?

Outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted at the many opportunities for hiking, climbing, cycling, and alpine and cross-country skiing in the nearby Bavarian Forest. Additionally, Passau is not far from the Austrian and Bavarian Alps, with their famous skiing areas as well as their mountain biking and hiking trails.