MSc/PhD in Economics (IDEA) - Barcelona
On-Campus
Master's programs
22 Months
Official University Master Degree
Full Time
CLOSED (open from 15 November 2026)
Join the IDEA Master's Program in Economics in Barcelona and become part of an elite community shaping the world's economic landscape.
IDEA is a joint project between the Department of Economics at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), the Institut d'Anàlisi Econòmica (IAE-CSIC), and the Barcelona School of Economics (BSE). All three institutions are renowned for their excellence in research and education.
Why Choose IDEA?
- World-Class Education: Acquire a solid foundation in economics and finance through rigorous analytical training and advanced quantitative methods.
- Global Opportunities: Participate in the IDEA-MIBF Double Degree Program with Lingnan University in Hong Kong, specializing in international finance and banking.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from diverse, internationally recognized researchers dedicated to your success. Beyond our core faculty, prestigious international scholars regularly visit to teach and advise in our program.
- Personalized Learning: Tailor your studies with a wide range of specializations to align with your career goals. In addition to foundational courses, you can explore specialized topics such as Energy and Environmental Economics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Networks.
- Value and Accessibility: Because UAB is a public university, the IDEA program offers top-tier education at a fraction of the cost of similar international master's program. This makes high-quality economic training highly accessible to talented students worldwide.
- Vibrant Location: Experience the rich culture and dynamic economic environment of Barcelona.
Your Future Starts Here:
- Top Placements: Our graduates secure competitve positions in the private sector (e.g. Morgan Stanley, Deloitte), at international institutions (e.g. the OECD, Inter-American Development Bank), and in prestigious Ph.D. programs at universities like MIT and Minnesota.
- Seamless Ph.D. Transition: Top-performing students have the natural option to continue their studies by completing a Ph.D. at IDEA. Our Ph.D. program is part of ENTER, an international network of universities that facilitates extended academic visits and exchanges
- Career Advancement: Whether you aim to pursue an academic career or enter the professional world, our program equips you with the skills and network to succeed.
Funding Opportunities:
- Partial Fellowships: We offer financial support to outstanding applicants to help you focus entirely on your studies.
- Teaching and Research Assistance: Students can further develop their professional and academic skills through hands-on teaching and research assistance roles.
Join Us Today!
Attend our upcoming info session with Program Co-Director Christopher Rauh (IAE-CSIC, Barcelona School of Economics)
Time: Dec 10, 2026 03:00 PM Madrid
Zoom link: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/89571045121?pwd=avjhJefPTObDcCb33ccwhq10PFIBUa.1
Meeting ID: 895 7104 5121
Passcode: 5C4pzW
Take this opportunity to ask questions and learn about the program directly. To receive a reminder email and other updates, please complete this form .
- Prepare Your Documents:
- Transcripts (with official translations if necessary)
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- Optional: GRE and English proficiency test scores
- Submit Your Application:
- Complete the online application form.
- Pay the non-refundable €60 application fee.
Apply early—admissions are rolling, and spaces fill up quickly!
Take the leap toward an exciting future in economics.
Plaça Acadèmica
08193 Barcelona , Spagna