MA International Economics and Public Policy (MA IEPP) Trier University

• Courses are held in English (100%).
• Master's thesis in English

The International Economics and Public Policy Master's programme is an interdisciplinary programme jointly run by the Political Science and Economics departments of Trier University.

The programme combines application and research focused courses. Students are trained to get an in-depth understanding of current topics and research in comparative and international political economy by using qualitative and quantitative advanced social science research methods.

Students can choose among a wide range of topics related to, e.g. problems of international economics, governance of the European Union, or current developments in Asia.

We highly recommend to start the programme in the winter semester. Although a beginning in the summer semester is possible, the programme is optimised for a start in the winter semester. Delays may occur if you do start in the summer (esp. in the third and fourth semester).

Non-EU citizens:

• 15 January 2026 for the summer semester 2026 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2026/27)
• 31 May 2026 for the winter semester 2026/27 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2027)

German citizens, EU citizens, and applicants with a BA or MA degree from a German university:

• 15 March 2026 for the summer semester 2026 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2026/27)
• 15 September 2026 for the winter semester 2026/27 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2027)

Admission is generally valid for two subsequent semesters. Applicants from countries requiring a visa for entering Germany should consider applying until 15 January for beginning their studies in the winter semester of the same year, giving them more time to complete the visa process and to prepare their stay.

The programme is a two-year full-time programme consisting of five compulsory modules (10 ECTS each), four compulsory elective modules (10 ECTS each), and a concluding module (30 ECTS). Both the Political Science and Economics Departments contribute with seminars and lectures to these modules. For the compulsory elective modules, students can choose out of the three topic areas of economic foundations, international economics, and economic governance and policies.

No tuition fees

Trier University does not charge tuition fees. Students only have to pay a semester contribution of approx. 380 EUR for the first semester and 360 EUR from the second semester onwards. This includes the "Deutschlandticket", which covers public transport and local trains all over Germany. The contribution also benefits Trier Student Services and the student union. It also enables students to buy meals at reduced prices at the university's canteens.

Students should expect expenses of approx. 1,000 EUR per month. For instance, monthly housing costs are approx. 290 to 400 EUR (in a students' dormitory or a room in a shared flat) and 450 to 650 EUR (for a single apartment on the private market). A meal in the student cafeteria costs approx. 3.50 to 5 EUR.

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Political Science, Social Sciences or Economics
• Applicants with a degree in Political Science or Social Science must have solid knowledge in Economics (at least 30 ECTS, including statistics and mathematics)
• Applicants with a degree in Economics must have sufficient background knowledge in Political Science (at least 30 ECTS)
• Bachelor's degree grade of at least 2.7 (German grading system)

Applicants must prove their English language proficiency at level C1, based on the Common European Framework through one of the following tests. The test must have been taken within the last three years:

• TOEFL (Code 9208): at least 215 points (computer-based) or 550 points (paper-based) or 80 points (Internet-based)
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) / C1 Advanced
• IELTS (at least 6.5 points)
• UNIcert III

Applicants are exempt from providing above proof of English language proficiency if at least one of the following conditions is met:

• Native speaker coming from Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Malta
• Two years of full-time study in an English taught programme, undertaken within the past two years in one of these countries: Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Malta.
• At least five school years of English in secondary education and at least five points in English at "Abitur" level (only Germany and Luxembourg)

Non-EU citizens:

• 15 January 2026 for the summer semester 2026 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2026/27)
• 31 May 2026 for the winter semester 2026/27 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2027)

German citizens, EU citizens, and applicants with a BA or MA degree from a German university:

• 15 March 2026 for the summer semester 2026 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2026/27)
• 15 September 2026 for the winter semester 2026/27 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2027)

Admission is generally valid for two subsequent semesters. Applicants from countries requiring a visa for entering Germany should consider applying until 15 January for beginning their studies in the winter semester of the same year, giving them more time to complete the visa process and to prepare their stay.

Trier University offers some funding opportunities for international students in the final stage of their degree programmes (maximum duration: six months). However, there are no funding opportunities within the university for the whole course of study or the first three semesters of the programme.

Students from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland enjoy unrestricted access to the German labour market. International students from other countries are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.

The Career Service of Trier University and the "Agentur für Arbeit" provide an online database for student jobs. Jobs offers can also be found on the website of the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit": https://jobboerse.arbeitsagentur.de.

Additionally, some temporary student jobs can be found on the university's bulletin boards. However, many job offers will require at least some knowledge of German.

Accommodation is available in student halls of residence through the Student Services Office (Studierendenwerk Trier: http://www.studiwerk.de) or on the private market (e.g. http://www.hunderttausend.de). Monthly housing costs are approx. 290 to 400 EUR (for a basic dorm room with a shared bathroom) and 450 to 650 EUR (for a single apartment on the private market).

Trier University provides career services in cooperation with the German Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit: http://www.career-service.uni-trier.de). Located on campus, the career service ("Jobpassage") is designed to support students and graduates in all career-related matters such as internships, full-time and part-time jobs, and future career opportunities.

Additionally, Trier University’s International Office offers a programme specifically targeted at international students: www.career-international.de.

German language courses at all levels A1 to C1

“Quick Start” orientation seminar:

• Support with all formalities at the start of your studies
• Information concerning work and residence permit in Germany, financing your studies/scholarships, health insurance and healthcare system in Germany
• Networking opportunities: overview of organisations and useful contacts for international students at Trier University, meeting with other students during social/cultural events
• Orientation on campus and in the city: guided tour on campus and in the city centre
• Workshops: Intercultural Living and Studying in Germany, Understanding Cultural Similarities and Differences, Academic Writing, Studying Successfully, Presenting Successfully, Digital Learning and Communication

With an open eye for individual and society...

... we create innovation.

... we share knowledge.

... we bridge borders.

Trier University was founded in 1473, and it reopened in 1970 as a modern campus university. Built on a high plateau overlooking the Moselle River and surrounded by luscious green nature, it is said to be one of Germany's most beautiful campuses. Faculty and departmental buildings are connected by bridges and grouped around the forum and the central library.
Trier University has a strong focus on the humanities, social sciences, and economics, but it is also steadily strengthening its information science and environmental science programmes. There are six faculties that together cover more than 30 subject areas. Many research projects are interdisciplinary in nature and embedded in global networks.
With its roughly 1,200 employees and 10,500 students (including about 14% international students), Trier University embraces contrast: young yet true to tradition, internationally oriented yet regionally rooted, and at the geographic edge of Germany but in the heart of Europe.

http://www.uni-trier.de

Mission statement: https://www.uni-trier.de/en/university/about-trier-university/translate-to-englisch-leitbild

Trier is situated in the western part of the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate in the Moselle Valley. The city is proud of its rich history, which is reflected in its museums and its many historical sites. Thanks to its landmarks, the Porta Nigra, the Trier Cathedral, and other significant architectural monuments, Germany's oldest city was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Today's cityscape is a fusion of history and modern lifestyle, not least characterised by a vibrant student life. With bars, cafés, and a colourful range of cultural offerings and festivals, Trier is a tourist attraction with international appeal and a beautiful place for the city's 110,000 residents to live.
The economy of the city is characterised by a few major enterprises and many medium-sized businesses. Trier is in the heart of Europe, as evidenced by its proximity to Luxembourg, which is an important financial centre and the site of several EU institutions, as well as its proximity to France and Belgium. Nine twin towns and cities across Europe, Asia, and the USA attest to Trier's international orientation.

http://www.trier.de