Economics, Masters Degree, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Academic requirements

Your previous education needs to be deemed equivalent to at least a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO) obtained at a research university (nominal duration 3 years). 

Programme specific requirements

We expect you to have successfully completed courses on the following subjects at the specified level, with content that is comparable to the listed example textbook: 

• Microeconomics An intermediate-level course that covers, among others, topics such as i) consumer theory ii) producer theory ii) equilibrium, exchange, and welfare iii) game theory iv) monopoly and oligopoly. Example textbook: Varian, H.R., Intermediate Microeconomics, Norton, 9th ed., 2014, Chapters 1-6, 14-16, 19-26, 28-30, 32-34. 
• Macroeconomics An intermediate-level course that covers, among others, topic such as i) macroeconomic data ii) growth facts iii) Solow model iv) OLG Model v) dynamic consumption-saving model vi) fiscal policy. 
• Econometrics and Statistics An intermediate-level course that covers, among others, topics such as: i) linear regression with one or multiple regressors ii) computing standard errors and hypothesis testing iii) heteroskedasticity iv) non-linear models such as interacted variables and log-transformations. 
• Mathematics for Economists An intermediate-level course that covers among others the concepts of i) functions of one and more variables ii) limits, sequences and series iii) differentiation and integration iv) unconstrained and constrained optimization v) basic linear algebra and matrices.

If your application does not provide proof of completed coursework at the minimally required level, then it may be rejected, or you may be requested to make up for deficiencies through self study. Students with a strong technical background (Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Statistics, and possibly Engineering) are encouraged to apply.

English-language proficiency requirements  

You will have to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. You can find an overview of relevant information to demonstrate your English language proficiency on the language requirement page.