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MA
Master
MA Development Economics and International Studies
Winter: May 31, 2026
Duration
4 semesters
Language
English
EURTuition
Free
Intake
Winter
About MA Development Economics and International Studies
The University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg) is a renowned research university located in Bavaria, Germany. The MA Development Economics and International Studies program offered at FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the economic, political, and social factors that shape development processes around the world. The program covers a wide range of topics, including economic growth, poverty reduction, international trade, and global governance. Students have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research and gain practical skills through internships and fieldwork. With its strong emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills, the program prepares students for careers in international development organizations, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
Fields of study
Economics(Business & Economics)
How to apply
Channeldirect
Modeonline
Admission eligibility
What you need to apply for MA Development Economics and International Studies at University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg)
English language
IELTS Overall
7/ 9.0
Public info
View English requirements detailsHide details
TOEFL–IBT: 95 or above / CBT: 240 or above / PBT: 587 or above / ITP: 627 or above;
IELTS: 7.0
German language
Maximum German grade(lower is better)
2.5
Public info
View German requirements detailsHide details
Note that students have to provide a proof of their competence in the German language (level A1 or higher) within their first year of studies.
Prerequisites
Entry requirements
- Qualified degree (Bachelors, Diploma or equivalent) in Economics or a related field. Applicants should have 70 ECTS in economics / business administration including at least basic knowledge of (a minimum of 5 ECTS each in) microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics/econometrics.
- _Note:_ It is possible to complete up to 20 ECTS of the qualification requirements during the MA DEIS program. Students admitted to the program will need to earn the missing ECTS during their first year of studies. Missing courses can be completed at FAU. If you have earned less than 70 ECTS in economics/business administration, please provide information in your letter of application about the courses you have taken and the total ECTS you have earned so far.
- It is noteworthy that the program takes an economics-centered approach and builds on the quantitative background (from Bachelors) relating to econometrics and as such, candidates who are keen on advancing their quantitative knowledge are encouraged to apply.
- Grade point average of 2.5 or better (in the German marking system) in the undergraduate program.
- Sound knowledge of English (CEFR: C1) with TOEFL or IELTS test scores (or equivalents), ideally not older than 2 years. If due to COVID-19, you are unable to submit one of these tests at the moment, we may also consider the online version of the test such as the TOEFL Special Home Edition. As we cannot guarantee to accept the alternative test at this point, we strongly advise you to take the original version whenever possible.
- Note that students have to provide proof of their competence in the German language (level A1 or higher) within their first year of studies.
- Candidates might be invited to an interview. If this is the case, you will be personally informed.
- A selection admission committee decides upon admissions.
- For additional information on the admission rules, check the [Examination Regulations](https://www.doc.zuv.fau.de//L1/PO/Phil/Master/Development...) of the program.
Documents checklist
What to prepare for your application to MA Development Economics and International Studies
Programme-specific documents
Required documents
Curriculum vitae: table form
University entrance qualification: school certificate (e.g., Abitur, Bachillerato)
University degree and average grade: include Bachelor diploma and transcript of records
In the case of qualifications obtained in countries other than Germany, officially certified copies/ the original certificate are required for the qualifications and the translation thereof. A translation in English is preferred, German and French are accepted as well.
Candidates who have not completed their Bachelor’s studies at the time of application must provide an official transcript of all exams passed to date and GPA. A minimum of 140 ECTS (i.e., 75% of the required credits for completion) is required.
A letter of application in English
A letter of application in English, no more than two pages in length, in which you explain why you are qualified for admission to the degree program.
Note: If you have earned less than 70 ECTS in economics/business administration, please provide information in your letter of application about the courses you have taken and the total ECTS you have earned so far.
Applicants who completed their first degree in China, Vietnam, or India also require an APS certificate.
Evidence of sufficient English skills of at least C1 level of the CEFR:
For all candidates, a certificate equivalent to at least the C1 level of the CEFR
(except for Bachelor’s degree holders from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand).
Here you can find an equivalence table on internationally recognized English language tests.
Additional documents (optional)
Certificates of internships and proof of qualified practical experience in the field of development economics/development cooperation/sustainability/business ethics as well as a description of the practical experience written in English by the applicant (description of tasks and responsibilities), 1-2 pages in length.
Certificates relating to exchange semesters
Foreign language certificates (except English certificate)
Standard documents (most universities also require)
- Completed online application form
- Bachelor's degree certificate (original + certified translation)
- Bachelor's degree transcript (original + certified translation)
- English language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- German language certificate (if required by the programme)
- Statement of Purpose / Letter of Motivation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Passport copy
- APS certificate (required for India, China, Vietnam, Pakistan applicants)
This programme applies directly or via uni-assist. Submit your documents through the correct channel before the deadline.
Open application portalApostille and notarization
Requirements vary by nationality and issuing country. Many German universities require certified translations and, in some cases, document apostilles. Verify current requirements directly with the admissions office, or use our document services for guided preparation.
Need help preparing your documents?
Our document preparation bundle covers SOP, CV, LOR, and translation coordination, reviewed by our team.
View document bundleHow to apply
Step-by-step guide to applying for MA Development Economics and International Studies at University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg)
Application procedure
https://www.madeis.study.fau.eu/how-to-apply/
First step:
Online application via the application portal:
Second step:
Please send all required documents to the following address:
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Referat L4 - Masterbüro
Schlossplatz 4
91054 Erlangen
Selection process
Application quick facts
Apply via
direct
Mode
online
Application fee
0 EUR
Estimated time
Varies by programme
Complexity
Varies
Address
Department of Economic Sciences
Kochstrasse 4 (17)
91054 Erlangen
Germany
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Tuition
FREE
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
0 EUR
per semester
Application fee
0 EUR
one-time
Estimated year-1 total cost
11,904 – 11,904 EUR
Includes tuition, semester contribution, and estimated living costs. Range accounts for lifestyle differences.
Additional fee information
No tuition fee
Plan your total budget for Germany
Use the MS in Germany cost calculator to estimate living expenses, insurance, and your full year-one spend.
Open cost calculatorAdmission outcomes
Community-reported data from MS in Germany students (2018-2025)
Acceptance rate
0%
0 accepted out of 1 total applications
Grade benchmarksGerman scale (1.0 = best, 4.0 = passing)
1.45
Avg. rejected grade
German scale
Based on 1 applications from MS in Germany students 2018-2025.
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