Economic Policy University of Siegen

All the courses are taught in English.

There are two additional elective modules taught in German, but German language skills are not necessary in order to graduate from this programme.

The Master's in Economic Policy at Siegen (MEPS) programme is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of an increasingly globalised economy. This programme focuses on imparting a comprehensive understanding of economic theories, econometric techniques, and the application of empirical analysis to address practical and policy-related issues. It aims to prepare its graduates for influential careers in public administration, government, international organisations, and multinational corporations.

The MEPS programme is distinguished by its international orientation, offering courses in English to cater to a global student body. Additionally, it provides opportunities to enrol in elective courses from related academic programmes taught in German. This two-year programme commences in the winter semester each October.

The academic staff members at the University of Siegen's Department of Economics are recognised both nationally and internationally for their active engagement in research and their dedication to delivering cutting-edge economic education. They are committed to fostering a learning environment that is both challenging and supportive, ensuring that students are well prepared to make significant contributions to their fields.

For additional details about the programme and application procedures, we invite you to visit our website.

Lectures usually start the second week of October. In the week before lectures begin, we offer a welcome event. Participation is highly recommended, as we explain the procedure of the programme. Furthermore, the department and the new students will get to know each other.

Winter semester 26/27

The application period for non-EU citizens will start on 1 January 2026 and end on 30 April 2026. To ensure a smooth visa process, we strongly advise applicants from non-EU countries to submit their applications as early as possible. Applying early helps avoid potential delays and complications with visa acquisition.

The application period for EU citizens will start on 1 April 2026 and end on 15 September 2026.

The MEPS programme has a duration of four semesters (two years). It is a full-time Master's programme for which 120 credit points have to be acquired. While the four compulsory modules account for 30 credit points, the elective modules are weighted with 75 credit points and the Master's thesis with 15 credit points.

Its curriculum consists of four compulsory modules, which are concerned with the acquisition of fundamental economic and econometric theories and techniques. In addition to this, there is a variety of 23 elective modules from which students have to choose basic, specialisation, and research modules. Some of these modules are more applied in nature and deal with various policy-relevant topics in economics. A wide range of modules provide specialisation in different fields of economics like development economics, international trade, labour market and social policy, public finance, growth, etc. Two of these modules cover various topics in business administration.

Internships are encouraged, but they are not required.

No tuition fees

Students have to pay a semester contribution of approximately 320 EUR, which is due before the start of each semester, as part of (re-)registration. This fee covers the cost of a public transport ticket (valid for six months in all of Germany), a social services contribution, and student activities.

The city of Siegen has very moderate costs for accommodation, offering attractive living conditions for students. Living expenses range from only 800 EUR to 950 EUR per month, including rent, health insurance, food, clothing, learning materials, phone/Internet, travel expenses, entertainment, and sports. This estimated cost of living can vary depending on lifestyle, type of accommodation, budget, and spending habits.

It is important that students plan and manage their finances throughout the duration of the degree programme to ensure they have enough funds to cover semester contributions and living costs.

To apply for the MEPS programme, you must hold an appropriate Bachelor's degree with a regular study period of at least six semesters.
An explicit academic background in economics is an advantage, but not necessarily required. Should you have no explicit or only a weak background in economics, we would ask you in particular to document that your formal (mathematical and statistical) background is sufficient to enable you to meet the formal requirements which our quantitatively oriented Master's programme in economics imposes on its participants. Should you have any questions concerning the sufficiency of your Bachelor's degree for our programme, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If English is not the applicant's first language or if the applicant's Bachelor-level degree has not been achieved in a programme taught entirely in English, sufficient knowledge of the English language must be documented. This can be done in the form of a TOEFL test with at least 212 points (computer-based test), 79 points (Internet-based test), 548 points (paper-based test), or the IELTS with a minimum of 6.5 points.

Winter semester 26/27

The application period for non-EU citizens will start on 1 January 2026 and end on 30 April 2026. To ensure a smooth visa process, we strongly advise applicants from non-EU countries to submit their applications as early as possible. Applying early helps avoid potential delays and complications with visa acquisition.

The application period for EU citizens will start on 1 April 2026 and end on 15 September 2026.

Students at the University of Siegen can apply for the “Deutschlandstipendium / Studienförderfonds”, which can cover part of the students' cost of living. Scholarships for doctoral students are available at the House of Young Talents of the University of Siegen.

Students can easily find part-time jobs with the help of the job placement service of the university. Siegen and the surrounding area are home to a large number of medium-sized industrial enterprises (SMEs), or so-called hidden champions in electrical and mechanical engineering. Some bigger examples include the companies SMS and Achenbach Buschhütten. A lot of smaller, yet very successful and quickly growing high-tech companies are located here as well, for instance, PMD Technologies and Asentics, which are spin-off companies of the university. As a result, employment opportunities are very good, especially for jobs during the semester breaks and after graduation.

There are student residences (dormitories) of the "Studierendenwerk" (student services) close to the university. The rent for a room is between 270 EUR and 450 EUR. Please be aware that German universities do not usually have campus systems like universities in some other countries where all students can find accommodation directly on the university property. Therefore, some students might have to find rooms on their own. The private accommodation costs per room are 400 EUR on average. Detailed information concerning general accommodation can be found here.

Early application/search is advisable.

The career services team helps with all questions regarding career entry and career planning. It offers information on occupational fields, helps with the career-related structuring of studies and provides direct support with individual coaching and consulting services when it comes to finding a good career start after graduation.

Furthermore, the programme "Forging International Talents - FIT in Siegen" specifically supports international students during their whole studies with a focus on preparation for the German job market. Additionally, the offers of the "Alumniverbund" provide a good opportunity to network and to benefit from the experiences of former students.

The university offers international students activities throughout the entire duration of their studies. Starting with Orientation Days and the placement of a buddy who provides support in the first semester, through various networking and personal development opportunities (e.g. the Student Living Room, such as sessions for well-being), to offers that prepare students specifically for the German job market and network them accordingly during their studies.