Study International Economics and Sustainable Development in Groningen and learn how global trade, financial systems, and sustainability shape economies and societies worldwide.
Throughout your first year, you
will be introduced to the most fundamental concepts in economics
and business economics while also developing the necessary
mathematical and statistical skills required to
navigate.
You will develop important skills in
research and data analysis, working in teams, and communication
– think, for example, of the writing and presentation skills
that today's labour market demands.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Introduction to E&BE (5 EC) | ||||
| Mathematics for E&BE (5 EC) | ||||
| Microeconomics for E&BE: Consumers&Firms (5 EC) | ||||
| Financial Accounting for E&BE (5 EC) | ||||
| Macroeconomics for E&BE (5 EC) | ||||
| Statistics for E&BE (5 EC) | ||||
| Data Analysis for E&BE (5 EC) | ||||
| International Economics for E&BE (5 EC) | ||||
| Writing and Presenting for E&BE (5 EC) | ||||
| Dutch Economy for E&BE (5 EC) | ||||
| Finance & Investments for E&BE (5 EC) | ||||
| Research Project for E&BE (5 EC) | ||||
In year two, you will learn the basics of how economists analyse international trade, (sustainable) economic development, and technological change. You will examine trade policies and economic integration, and examine how innovation transforms economies – for example how automation effects jobs and wages and how technological change influences global inequality. You will also study socio-economic development across different parts of the world, examining how factors such as trade, technology, health, education, and foreign aid can foster or constrain development.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Introduction to Economic Growth and Development (5 EC) | ||||
| Matrix Analysis and Optimization (5 EC) | ||||
| Monetary Macroeconomics (5 EC) | ||||
| Economics of Innovation (5 EC) | ||||
| Economics of Sustainable Development (5 EC) | ||||
| Microeconomics - Industrial Organization (5 EC) | ||||
| Corporate Finance for E&BE (5 EC) | ||||
| Econometrics for E&BE (5 EC) | ||||
| International Trade Policy and Economic Integration (5 EC) | ||||
| Business Ethics, Sustainability and Law (5 EC) | ||||
| Empirical Research Paper for E&BE (5 EC) | ||||
| Financial Intermediation for E&BE (5 EC) | ||||
In the third year, you have more freedom to shape the programme around your interests. You can choose a minor at our faculty or elsewhere at the University of Groningen, do an internship, or spend a semester studying abroad at one of our partner universities around the world.
After your minor, you deepen your
knowledge of international economics and economic development
through advanced courses of your choice. You can focus on topics
such as economic growth and development, international trade and
firms, financial markets, inequality, and the role of institutions
and government in shaping economic outcomes. You also conduct your
own empirical research on a current topic within the profile for
your Bachelor's thesis.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Minor (30 EC) minor at the faculty, the university, study abroad or internship | ||||
| Bachelor's Thesis E&BE-IE&SD (10 EC) | ||||
| Profile-specific courses (10 EC) (20 EC) International Trade and Firms, Political Economics, Growth and Development Economics, International Financial Markets | ||||
| Elective BSc EB&E-IE&SD (5 EC) Growth and Development Economics, International Financial Markets | ||||
In this programme, you have the option of studying abroad for one semester in Year 3 (30 EC). You can do this at one of our many international exchange partners in Europe, North America, Latin America, Australia, or Asia.
Check this overview of our partner universities around the world: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/exchange/partners/.
Wiskunde A of wiskunde B.
It is also possible to enter the programme with an HBO propaedeutic certificate, on condition that you meet the required level of mathematics and the English language skills. For mathematics, you must at least have completed A or B (previously mathematics A12 or B1) at Dutch VWO level. For English, you must also have completed this at VWO level or obtained one of the English certificates: IELTS Academic overall score 6 (Speaking 6, Writing 5.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 20); C1 Advanced (with minimum score 169).
You can enroll, as long as you have finished VWO-degree with mathematics A or B.
The degree programme will organize a choice of degree programme check. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
To meet the general entry-level requirements, you will need an educational background equivalent to the Dutch pre-university education (VWO). For an overview of VWO-equivalent qualifications, please check https://www.rug.nl/vwo-equivalent-qualifications. If you have any questions concerning admission to the programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions. |
| additional subject |
Mathematics should have been passed as a standard/methods level subject in your secondary school education. Please note that the level of mathematics will need to be assessed by the Admissions Board. |
| language test |
For the English tests and scores we accept, please check: https://www.rug.nl/feb/bsc-english-requirements. |
Students have to apply via Studielink and the Progress Portal (replacing the previous system, Online Application System OAS) of the University of Groningen. After you apply for the programme of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis.
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
Our research-driven education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. Our lecturers are active researchers and experts in their field. They study societally relevant topics in areas such as a healthy society, inequality, governance, sustainable finance, business ethics, sustainable development, energy policies, and much more. They conduct their research in collaboration with external partners and students and use their state-of-the-art knowledge in the classroom. Every year you will conduct a research project yourself.
Read more about the research conducted at the Faculty of Economics and Business.
I wanted to study economics because this field is more and more important nowadays and I was interested particularly in the policies that are being considered to prevent and handle the financial crisis. Out of all the study programmes I looked at, the one in Groningen seemed to have the most holistic approach to economics, with not just the core macroeconomics and microeconomics subjects but also a heavy emphasis on developmental economics.
In my second year, I chose to follow the International Economics and Sustainable Development Economic Development (previously ED&G) profile. One of my primary interests was researching uplifting marginalized communities as a driver in reaching a sustainable economy. One of the best things about choosing ED&G is the discussions that you have in classes regarding topics of development. Also, I think courses like Technology and Innovation enhanced my understanding of the global economy and the role technology plays in it. I enjoyed the research-based projects that taught me how to conduct research and prepared me for my thesis. In the future, I would like to do research on global sustainability and equity.
All in all, it is a challenging and very interesting programme and there is a lot to gain from it. Especially when you read financial and economic news and get to see some of the theories come to life.
