BSc Economics

Program 

Economics focuses on the environment in which individuals, companies and countries relate to each other. You will focus on the big picture and how different forces are at work in a global economy. Business related courses only play a small role in the program in order to allow for a specialized focus on economics.

• The first year will give you a solid foundation in the core micro- and macroeconomics topics. Mathematics and Statistics will serve as tools: they are a language used to understand economic models.
• The second year will build on the knowledge you have gained in the first year. You will delve into microeconomics and macroeconomics more in-depth, gaining specialized knowledge in a range of courses such as Development Economics or International Trade.
• In the third year you can study abroad for one semester at one of our many partner universities around the world, or you can stay in Tilburg and take elective courses. Your thesis is the crowning achievement of all your hard work.

Typical courses are:

• Macro-economics 1
  Learn different aspects of international economics, such as how exchange rates, capital flows between countries, and the trade balance are affected by policies and shocks.
• Development Economics
  Where do poverty and inequality come from and how to ensure economic growth?
• Experimental and Behavioral Economics
  Discover how experiments can be used to make analysis about behavior and economics.

More on the program and courses

Study Economics in Tilburg

• Follow a unique program in the Netherlands with a specialized focus on economics.
• Economics in Tilburg is a high-quality program: Tilburg holds excellent international rankings in the fields of economics and business.
• Follow in the footsteps of our graduates and receive the solid analytical foundation you need to be fully prepared for a Master’s program at a top university in the Netherlands or abroad. 
• A small scale program with interactive teaching methods, and therefore you are in close contact with your international lecturers and fellow students.

Our students about their program in Economics (video - 2:56 min)

What to expect when coming to Tilburg

• Why Tilburg University?
• Student life in Tilburg
• International student support
• Study in Holland

Beyond your Bachelor: Extracurricular Activities

• Join one of our student organizations. It's a great way to meet like-minded students and make friends.
• Challenge yourself by participating in one of the programs of excellence.
• Broaden your horizon by studying a semester abroad - an experience of a lifetime.

View all extracurricular activities

Pursue a Master's degree

Most of our students continue towards a Master's degree after completing their Bachelor's degree. This can be done at Tilburg University or elsewhere. Many of our graduates have continued their education at prestigious universities abroad! Some of the most popular Master’s programs after the BSc Economics are:

• Economics

• Research Master in Economics

With a few requirements:

• Accountancy
• Finance 
• Finance: CFA track
• International Management
• International Business Taxation / track International Business Tax Economics

Check out all applicable Master's programs

Career prospects

With a diploma of the bachelor Economics, you have access to a variety of Master’s programs, ranging from Economics and Finance to International Management, with excellent job perspectives due to the high reputation of Tilburg University, both in the Netherlands and abroad. Our graduates can be found in various different positions in both the private and public sector, for example: economic analyst or consultant at a multinational firm, bank or insurance company; a policy advisor at a central bank, a ministry or the European Commission; or as a researcher and lecturer at a university.

Graduates from the Master's program Economics in Tilburg can count on great interest from employers. Research from career platform Magnet.me shows that graduates of the Master's program in Economics at Tilburg University are most approached by employers on their platform in 2020. The program is at the top of their list! (in Dutch) 

 More on your career prospects

Admission requirements

• You are eligible for the Bachelor’s program in Economics, if you hold a secondary school diploma which is equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma. Most European Secondary school diplomas which give access to university in your own country are equivalent, such as the IB, EB, Abitur or Swiss Maturité, but there are many others.  You can find out whether your non-Dutch diploma meets our admission requirements on our page about foreign diplomas.
• You must have sufficient knowledge of mathematics, equal to the Dutch VWO mathematics A or B level, or IB Standard Level maths.  More detailed information about the required level of mathematics is mentioned on our mathematics requirements page.
• Finally, you need to prove your English language proficiency. Tilburg University accepts Academic IELTS (6.0 overall, minimum of 5.5 on individual parts), TOEFL (minimum score of 80 internet based), and Cambridge English test results: C1 advanced (formerly CAE) or C2 proficiency (formerly CPE). For both C1 and C2, we accept a score of A, B or C.

Are you applying with a Dutch educational background? Check your eligibility in the application procedure for Dutch students.

Go to application and admission

Tuition fees for international students

Information about tuition fees

Monthly cost of living

Living in Tilburg is relatively inexpensive compared to other student cities in the Netherlands, such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Utrecht. An indication for your monthly cost of living (including rent, food and drink, books, and insurance), of course depending on your lifestyle:

Related Bachelor's programs

• If you want to learn how to apply mathematics to real life challenges in the field of business and economics is an exciting puzzle for you, then Econometrics and Operations Research could be interesting for you.
• Take a look at International Business Administration as well, if you are more interested in how to run a business and if you want to develop a commercial perspective.
• LLB Global Law could be a match if you are interested in relationships between countries, but from a legal perspective.