Master
International Economics and Sustainable Development
★ StudyPath verdict
7.2/10
Best for students interested in global economic policy, development and sustainability transitions. Weigh the broad interdisciplinary scope against more specialised quantitative economics programmes.
Tuition · Intl
↗€22,200
EU: €2,694/year · click ↗
Duration
1 year
60 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by May 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2023
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
↗136
DUO ↓33% ↗
Intl. %
?
no data yet
S:F ratio
↗25:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
↗Bachelor
7 direct routes ↗
Satisfaction
↗4.3/5
NSE 2026 ↗
Employment
↗85%
field est. ↗
Median salary
↗€3,153
/mo gross · field ↗
Alumni
?
no data yet
↗ Real values are sourced; tiles marked “?” aren’t collected yet · Enrolled/yr is live from DUO · Satisfaction/outcomes are live from StudiekeuzedatabaseLast sync: 26 Jun 2026
About this program
Study International Economics and Sustainable Development in Groningen and analyse the societal and economic implications of international trade, finance, and sustainable development.
We face major opportunities, challenges and disruptions, such as AI, migration, inequality, populism, and climate change. The MSc International Economics and Sustainable Development (IE&SD) equips you with tools and economic theories to make a real impact. After graduation, you move on to influential roles in international organizations, government, or the private sector.
In Groningen, you are taught societally relevant topics and how they are related to real-world economics. We help you develop valuable skills and knowledge in international trade, economic development, international finance and banking, policy analysis, and more. Also, you learn to analyze economic data, assess policy options, make economic development strategies, and provide recommendations to policymakers. Shape your programme with a selection of elective courses such as International Banking and Finance, Inclusive Finance, Geographical and Urban Economics, and Globalization Debates.Choose to specialise in topics focused on answering issues around future prosperity, healthy societies or the energy transition within this programme. Study abroad by applying for one of our Double degree programmes with our partners in Corvi
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English60 ECTSMaster of ScienceField area: EconomicsSector: Economie en BedrijfCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeMaster
Teaching formats
Case studyComputer assignmentsGroup assignmentGroup discussionIndividual assignmentLectureLiterature studyOral presentation
About University of Groningen
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen is the second oldest university in the Netherlands with over 33,000 students. Known for its vibrant student city atmosphere (1 in 4 residents is a student), excellent research output, and 4 Nobel Prize laureates including Ben Feringa (Chemistry 2016).
Living in Groningen
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€450/mo
Monthly total
€800–€1,400
Cost of living
Medium
Population
234k
Young, vibrant, and welcoming. Groningen has a laid-back northern Dutch charm combined with the energy of a true student city. The compact city center is easy to navigate by bike, and the local community is known for being friendly and open to international students.
View city guide →Specializations
Tracks from HOVI
Future Prosperity and SustainabilitySpecialisation
Healthy SocietySpecialisation
Energy Transition and Climate ChangeSpecialisation
Source: HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase
Curriculum
Course structure by year
?No curriculum data yet
Career outcomes
Graduate surveys · field-group level
Good job-market outlookfield: ontwikkelingskunde (regio)
Median starting salary (field)€3,153/mo gross
Employed ~1.5y after graduating85%
Months to a substantial job9
Working in their own field46%
Permanent contract32%
Satisfied with their job3.6/5
Top graduate occupations (field)
Specialisten op het gebied van beleidsadministratie12%
Professoren en andere onderwijsgevenden in het hoger onderwijs11%
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Complete this degree83%
Women among first-years35%
Say workload is “just right”55%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
4.3/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 20 respondents
Content & set-up4.1
Teachers4.2
Atmosphere4.3
Involvement & contact4.1
Study guidance3.4
Testing & assessment3.9
Facilities4.1
Career preparation3.2
Teachers' English4.5
Would choose again4.3
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: 90
Scholarships
Internships
?No data yet
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