Top 10 Best Universities to Study Economics in Europe in 2026
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“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” The famous quote by Benjamin Franklin still rings true today, especially in a world shaped by inflation, global markets, and technological innovation.
Economics helps us understand how societies allocate resources, why financial crises happen, and how governments, businesses, and individuals make decisions that impact our daily lives.
In Europe, students have the opportunity to learn in some of the world’s leading financial hubs; whether exploring international trade in Rotterdam, studying economic policy in London, or analysing European markets in Frankfurt or Paris. In this ranking, we explore some of the best European universities for Economics and what makes them stand out.
Study Economics: Find Bachelors & Masters in English
When exploring global rankings, you’ll usually come across the same big names at the top (universities like the University of Oxford or Bocconi University). These institutions are highly ranked thanks to their research strength, academic reputation, and long history of excellence.
However, if you’re more focused on practical learning, industry connections, and career outcomes, research reputation alone won’t tell the whole story. That’s why this list also institutions known for hands-on teaching, strong links to international organisations, and excellent support systems for international students.
| University | Country | Degree Type |
|---|---|---|
| Central European University | Austria | 1 Bachelor, 3 Masters, 1 PhD |
| Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München | Germany | 1 Bachelor, 1 Master’s degree |
| Paris School of Economics | France | Master’s degrees, 1 PhD programme |
| Radboud University | Netherlands | 1 Bachelor, 1 Master of Science |
| Stockholm University | Sweden | 2 Master’s degrees |
| The London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) | United Kingdom | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| University of Antwerp | Belgium | 1 Bachelor, 3 Master’s degrees |
| University of Helsinki | Finland | 1 Bachelor, 1 Master of Science |
| University College London | United Kingdom | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Vilnius University | Lithuania | 3 Bachelors, 3 Masters |
There are plenty of English-taught Economics programmes in Europe, ranging from highly quantitative and research-driven degrees focused on econometrics, finance, and data analysis, to more interdisciplinary programmes exploring politics, sustainability, international development, and behavioural economics.
Bachelor’s degrees:
Master’s degrees:
For students who are curious about how the world works, Economics is not just about numbers and graphs; it is about understanding human behaviour, global markets, public policy, and the systems that shape societies.
Europe offers a strong balance between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Students can pursue Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees across a wide range of specialisations, with access to many English-taught programmes at internationally recognised universities, even in countries where English is not the primary language.
Many universities also collaborate closely with banks, consulting firms, NGOs, government institutions, and multinational companies, offering opportunities for internships, case studies, and applied research projects. This practical exposure can significantly strengthen your academic profile and improve your career prospects after graduation. Many programmes also provide exchange opportunities, dual degrees, and flexible study formats.
In addition, students can study in cities that are home to major international organisations, financial institutions, and innovative startups, creating excellent networking opportunities both during and after their studies.
Study Economics: Find Bachelors & Masters in English
On average, Economics degrees at public universities in Europe cost between €0 and €3,000 per year for EU students, while non-EU students typically pay between €5,000 and €20,000 per year. The variation largely depends on your nationality (EU vs non-EU), the country you choose, scholarship opportunities, and whether you study at a public or private institution.
Overall, Europe remains one of the most affordable destinations to study Economics, especially compared to countries like the US or Australia. Even at private universities, MBA programmes or institutions in the United Kingdom, tuition fees often range from €10,000 to €35,000 per year, which is still competitive considering the academic quality and international reputation many programmes offer.
When planning to study abroad, it’s important to consider living costs in addition to tuition fees. These can vary widely depending on the country and city you choose. Smaller university towns are often more affordable, while major financial and political capitals tend to be more expensive for accommodation, food, and transport. On average, students should budget between €700 and €1,800 per month, depending on their lifestyle and location.
Admission requirements for Economics degrees vary depending on the university, country, and level of study, but most programmes follow a similar structure. Whether you are applying for Bachelors in Economics or Masters in Economics, you’ll typically need to meet the following requirements before receiving an offer.
Application deadlines vary across Europe. If you think you’ve missed a deadline, it’s always worth contacting the admissions office, as some universities may still consider late applications or offer alternative start dates.
Study.eu Tip: If you’re unsure about studying Economics, try exploring the subject in everyday life first. Following economic news, listening to podcasts like Planet Money or Freakonomics Radio, and reading introductory books such as The Undercover Economist can help you discover which areas of Economics interest you most.
A degree in Economics opens the door to a wide range of careers that value analytical thinking, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills. While many graduates work in finance or banking, Economics graduates are also highly sought after in consulting, government, international organisations, technology companies, and research institutions.
Depending on your interests and specialisation, you could pursue roles such as:
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887 Economics Programmes in Europe
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