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Education Bachelor's degree programmes Economics and Business Economics
Header image Economics and Business Economics
Bachelor - full-time

Economics and Business Economics

Study Economics and Business Economics in Groningen to learn about important economic tools to tackle the important societal challenges of today.

Why are some countries thriving while others struggle? How do globalization, sustainability, and climate change connect to this? Dive into these exciting questions with our three-year BSc in Economics and Business Economics!

In Groningen, you will:
  • tackle real-world issues like inequality, sustainable economic growth, and corporate responsibility from an economic point of view!
  • gain essential analytical , data, communication, and teamwork skills through engaging courses.
  • choose from one of three profiles to specialize in Business Economics , Economics or International Economics and Sustainable Development .
  • personalise your study even further in your 3rd year, you can choose to study abroad , do an internship or take a minor at the university.
Facts & Figures
Degree
BSc in Economics and Business Economics
Course type
Bachelor
Duration
36 months (180 EC)
Croho code
50950
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Economics and Business
Accreditation AACSBAccreditation logo EQUISStudie in Cijfers
Apply now
Please to see this video

Why study this programme in Groningen?

  • Learn to understand and use theories and models – and help solve some current societal challenges , such as inequality, poverty, ethics in business, and climate impact.
  • Tailor your programme with specializations, minors, study abroad or internship and extracurricular activities.
  • Develop your data and analytical skills to a high level, along with your communication and presentation skills, while building strong connections with the business world through our Career and Employability events.
  • Work in diverse and inclusive teams , gaining both scientific knowledge and practical experience with students from over 35 nationalities.
  • You have direct access to a wide range of master's programmes in Finance, Economics, International Economics and Sustainable Development, and many, many more.
  • Groningen is one of the few programmes in the Netherlands that allow students to specialize in International Economics and Sustainable Development .
  • The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.

Programme


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 >1a1b2a2b
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 the second year, you can choose from one of the three profiles we offer:
  • Business Economics is for students who are interested in the decision-making of companies, with a focus on finance and accounting.
  • Economics is for students who are interested in understanding economic policy and economic theory.
  • International Economics and Sustainable Development is for students who are interested in how countries develop their economies and how this is linked to international trade and current societal topics such as sustainability.
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Courses Business Economics profile
Courses Economics profile
Courses International Economics and Sustainable Development

In the third year, you choose a minor. Some students choose courses offered within our own degree programme (with more economics, finance, and data skill courses) or follow a faculty minor (such as Data Analytics, Taxation or Entrepreneurship), while others take a minor from a different faculty of the University of Groningen (such as Psychology, Law or Neuroscience) or one that involves studying abroad for a full semester – in Europe, Latin America, Australia, Canada, China, the USA or elsewhere in the world.


After your minor, you continue with your specialization, make a selection from many electives, and you will write your empirical Bachelor's thesis on a current topic.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Courses Business Economics profile

You can choose for a minor at the university, study abroad of an internship. To see all courses, please check the course catalogue. https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/50950

Courses Economics profile

You can choose for a minor at the university, study abroad of an internship. To see all courses, please check the course catalogue. https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/50950

Courses International Economics and Sustainable Development

You can choose for a minor at the university, study abroad of an internship. To see all courses, please check the course catalogue. https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/50950

Programme options
Business Economics (BE) (profile)

Study Business Economics in Groningen and discover how firms create financial value while balancing societal and sustainability concerns.

What strategies can businesses use to protect themselves from currency risks? Do eco-friendly companies offer better investment opportunities?

In the Business Economics profile, you will explore how companies make smart financial decisions and learn about investments, corporate finance, and how stocks are priced. You will also discover the importance of business ethics and sustainability. Work on projects using real data to tackle important questions in today’s society. Learn how companies can make a positive impact both locally and globally.Meet business leaders, attend career events, and hear from successful alumni. See firsthand how what you learn applies to the real world.Do you want to learn more about the other two profiles in Economics or International Economics and Sustainable Development?

More information about this option

Economics (ECO) (profile)

Study Economics in Groningen and explore how economics can address inequality and the role of the state, and learn how you can impact major societal issues for the better.

How do higher interest rates really impact our daily lives? Can government policies truly fight inflation and push companies to go green?

In the Economics profile, we teach you to use economic tools to analyze big societal problems. You will get insights into a wide range of topics like banking, fiscal and monetary policy, economic development, political economy, economic theory, decisions made by consumers on labour and other markets, and strategic behaviour between firms on markets.

In Groningen, you will: tackle real issues by analyzing complex issues, interpret data, and make smart decisions.gain practical skills: statistical analysis, data interpretation, and economic forecasting.become an economist who does not just understand the world but can also influence it.Do you want to learn more about the other profiles in Business Economics or International Economics and Sustainable Development?

More information about this option

International Economics and Sustainable Development (profile)

Study International Economics and Sustainable Development in Groningen and learn how global trade, financial systems, and sustainability shape societies and economies worldwide.

How does globalization affect international trade, inequality, and sustainability? Are you curious about how the world's economy works and how you can make a real impact?

The International Economics and Sustainable Development profile is one of the few economic programmes in the Netherlands that gives you a full view of global economic and societal trends. In Groningen, you will: learn how globalization and economic growth impact businesses and societies.dive into economic theory on international trade, technological innovation, and how global production impacts nature and emissions. Understand why some regions thrive while others stay behind.gain the necessary tools and skills to tackle real-world issues and develop an analytical mindset.set yourself up for a successful career in various fields, from business and government to research and NGOs.have opportunities to go abroad, do an internship and have direct entry to our Master’s programmes.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional
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/(...)n/exchange/partners/ .

Entry requirements

Admissible Dutch diploma profiles

  • VWO Natuur & Techniek
  • VWO Natuur & Gezondheid
  • VWO Economie & Maatschappij
  • VWO Cultuur & Maatschappij

    Wiskunde A of wiskunde B.

  • HBO propedeuse

    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).

  • academic propedeuse

    You can enroll, as long as you have a finished VWO-degree with mathematics A or B.

Choice of degree programme check

The degree programme will organize a choice of degree programme check. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.

Registration procedure

Students have to apply online via Studielink. After you have applied, you have the right to participate in a matching activity. Matching is a procedure for students who want to apply for a Bachelor programme without a decentral selection procedure. Read more about the matching procedure.

More information on the steps to apply .

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202601 September 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore 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

IELTS Academic overall score 6 (Speaking 6, Writing 5.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 80 (Speaking 20, Writing 20); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 169, Speaking 169, Writing 162).

Registration procedure

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.

More information on how to apply.

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202601 September 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026

Tuition fees

NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2025-2026€ 2601full-time
non-EU/EEA2025-2026€ 13500full-time
EU/EEA2026-2027€ 2695full-time
non-EU/EEA2026-2027€ 14000full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch studentsInternational students

After your studies

Job prospects

Most of our BSc graduates continue their studies with a Master's degree. There are many related Master's programmes you can immediately access after completing this degree.
  • MSc Finance offers career opportunities in corporate finance, financial markets, and portfolio management, with job opportunities at multinationals such as PwC, Google, Coca-Cola, or Toyota.
  • MSc Economics grants you access to the world of banking or the government sector, where you could help develop economic policy.
  • MSc International Economics and Sustainable Development opens the gateway to multinationals, intergovernmental institutions, or international organizations. All of these degrees could help you become an analyst for a research institute, consulting firm, or university.
  • With a Research Master's degree, you can move into academia. You might even decide to go further and earn a PhD at a university in the Netherlands or abroad.

Job examples

  • Financial or stock market analyst at a commercial bank (e.g. Rabobank)
  • Policy advisor at a ministry (e.g. Ministry of Finance)
  • Researcher at a central bank or university (e.g. DNB)
  • Risk analyst at an insurance company (e.g. Achmea)
  • Consultant at a consultancy firm (e.g. Deloitte)
  • Financial Manager at a corporation (e.g. ASML)
  • Economist at a policy institute (e.g. Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis)
  • Trade expert at an international organization (e.g. the United Nations)

Research

In Groningen, research is deeply connected to business practice, economics, and society . Some key areas of research you might explore as a student are:
  • The relation between job polarization and the rise of populism
  • The environmental Kuznets curve
  • The impact of migration on technological change
  • The inflation rate and central bank independence
  • The determinants of global value chain participation by developing countries
  • The effects of the US-China trade war on manufacturing workers in European countries
Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Bachelor's Open Daydiverse locatiesMore information
Bachelor's Open Daydiverse locatiesMore information
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The best thing about the profile is the open discussions we have in class (Melissa Stevelink)

The BSc in Economics and Business Economics was the perfect choice for me, as I have always had a keen interest in economics, particularly in its practical implications, such as why financial crises happen or how companies decide what to invest in. The program in Groningen provides a broad introduction to various economic topics, allowing for a deep dive into a specialized area in your second year, which I liked a lot. I chose to specialize in Business Economics due to my passion for finance, attracted by the profile’s strong emphasis on financial courses.

Study associations

EBF

The Economics and Business Faculty association (EBF) is the faculty association for all students studying at the faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen.
The EBF is your partner during your time in Groningen by organising events that support you with your studies and help you prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/
(Binding) study advice
  • A minimum of 45 EC in the first 12 months (binding)

You will be offered study advice after the first year of study. You can expect a positive result if you have earned more than 45 ECTS credit points (out of a total of 60 ECTS). If you have earned fewer than 45 ECTS and are issued a negative result, you will not be allowed to continue with your degree programme.

You will receive preliminary study advice in December to make sure that you know where you stand. Please contact your study advisor as soon as possible if you have any questions about the BSA system. N.B. Some degree programmes use a tutoring system; please check with your study advisor.

Study support

As a student, you are expected to work independently, but of course, the faculty will help you do so. Together with other first-years, you will participate in a mentor group. The mentor, a senior student, will help you learn the ins and outs of the faculty. In addition, you will discuss your study progress with your tutor (a lecturer-supervisor) at regular intervals. The study advisers are available to help you with specific study problems.

During the first year, your mentor group, called Study Performance and Academic Attitudes (SPAA) group, will meet on a regular basis, supervised by your student-mentor. Assignments and discussions will help you gain insight into your own way of studying and how to develop effective study skills. You will follow most tutorials with the same group. This small-scale approach enhances contact between students and between students and lecturers. You will also have a lecturer-tutor, whom you will meet individually at the start of your studies and after the first two exam periods. This way you receive personal and regular feedback on your study progress. Successful studying depends on many different factors, so it is understandable that you may need to consult an impartial expert with whom you can discuss your study progress and personal circumstances. The faculty's study advisors are available to help you. Obviously, everything discussed with the study advisor remains confidential.

Related master's programmes

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