Master's Degree in Economics and Finance

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Master’s degrees admissions

Admission Process for Master’s Degrees

Master’s programs start: September 2025

Final application deadline: July 2, 2025

Our admissions team is here to help!

The BSE admissions team are available to assist you at every stage of the application process, from choosing a program that fits your background and career goals, to completing your application.

Get in touch

Admissions Office Phone

+34 93 542 1234

Admissions Office Email

admissions@bse.eu

Table of contents

Learn more

Contact BSE Admissions

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Message

I give my consent to be contacted by BSE with information about related academic offers in the future.

Learn about each program of study

Which program is right for me?

Our admissions team will also be happy to talk with you about your interests, experience, and objectives in order to determine which program(s) would be the best fit for you.
Available programs

Do I meet the entry criteria?

At the BSE, we look for excellence and talent. Key elements of a strong application are a high GPA, a sound statement of purpose and standout reference letters. Strong knowledge in Economics and good quantitative skills are also recommended.

How to apply to BSE Master’s programs

Application steps

1. Create an account in the BSE application system

To start an application, you will need to create an account in the BSE Application System. Choose a password and provide your email address. We will use this email address for all communication with you during the application process.

3. Upload the required documents

The following documents will need to be uploaded before you can submit your application:

Undergraduate academic transcripts or mark sheets
Copy of your undergraduate diploma
Copy of your passport
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Statement of Purpose
- Single Offer Option: upload a statement of purpose for your first option only
- Multiple Offer Option: upload a separate statement of purpose for each of your options
Proof of you level in English
If you are applying to the PhD Track Program, you are required to submit a GRE score

2. Complete the application questions

You can complete the entire application at once, or you can save it and work on it over several sessions.

Information required:

Program(s) you want to apply (you have the option to chose up to 3 programs)
Personal data
Education
Exam grades
English language level
Work experience
Finance and scholarship details
Names and contact information for 2 referees

4. Pay the application fee and submit your application

Single Offer Option: €60
Multiple Offers Option: €100

The application fee is payable by credit card or Flywire. Please note, the application fees are non-refundable.

More details about how to submit a strong application can be found in the following video

Application requirements

Please note that the fulfillment of the application requirements for each Master’s program does not guarantee admission. Candidates will also be evaluated on the following admission criteria:

Outstanding academic record
Quantitative skills
Reference letter

Gather your application materials

Undergraduate diploma and transcripts

If you have already completed your undergraduate degree when you submit your application, you will need to provide the following documents:

A copy of your undergraduate diploma or certification/proof of degree completion.
A copy of your official final undergraduate transcript.

If you have not yet completed your undergraduate degree when you submit your application, you will need to provide the following documents:

A signed declaration stating that you will obtain your degree before the start of the Master’s program.
A copy of your provisional undergraduate transcript.

If your diploma or transcript is not written in English, Spanish, Catalan, French, Italian, or Portuguese, you will also have to include a sworn translation.

Curriculum vitae (2 pages maximum)

Proof of English language proficiency

Unless you are a native English speaker or have done your undergraduate degree at an English-speaking university, you must provide TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge scores or certificates. If you are not yet in possession of one of these language certificates, we suggest you wait to apply until you can fulfill this requirement with the documents required.

Accepted certificates include IELTS Academic Test (6,5), TOEFL (90), Duolingo English Test (minimum score 120), and Cambridge Exams (Proficiency or Advance, 180 minimum score B2-C2)

Contact two referees

During the online application process, we will ask you for the names and contact information of two referees who are willing to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters from academia signed by a professor are strongly preferred. However, if you can’t provide those, and if you think your professional experience is an asset, you can ask your employer to support your application.

The two signed letters must be uploaded directly to the online application system by your referees. Your application is not considered complete until both letters have been uploaded.

Before starting your application process, we advise you to contact both referees to let them know about your intention to apply to our programs. Just after you submit your application, we will contact them via email with instructions on how to proceed.

You must notify your referees and remind them to check their email for the instructions.

Letter format suggestions

Referees must include their full name, work address, and email, and they should include your name in the body of the letter. Letters should be submitted on official letterhead and signed by your referees.

Your referees should evaluate you based on the following criteria:
Intellectual ability

Research abilities/experience.
Motivation to face challenges.
Capacity to work in groups.
Propensity to thrive in new environment.
Quantitative Skills.

Copy of your passport

Statement of purpose (1000 words maximum)

Optional but highly recommended: GRE General Test scores

The only program that requires a GRE General Test score as part of the application package is the PhD Track Program. However, applicants to all other programs are encouraged to provide a GRE score, which is often an important element for admission decisions.

A good GRE result is particularly helpful for candidates who have a Bachelor’s in the social sciences or other undergraduate degree without a strong quantitative component. In previous years, the GRE score has helped directors identify candidates with excellent potential but little previous exposure to serious mathematical training. Therefore, we strongly encourage candidates to submit a GRE.

BSE institution code for GRE General Test: 2531

Choose single or multiple offer option

Choose one of the following options when submitting the application

After Applying

Track your application status

You can track your admission status by logging into the application system and clicking Status. You will receive an email from the application system each time your application status is updated.

We will email you once a decision has been made

A member of the BSE admissions team will email you once your application has been accepted or not. We will also inform you of any financial support you have been awarded. Offers will be sent to the email address you entered in the application form.

Please note that if you have applied to more than one program, you may receive separate emails about each of the programs you have applied to. Do not expect to receive all of the offers on the same day.

How to accept your offer

Follow the steps in the email you received with your offer. You will need to accept your offer and pay the reservation fee within the application system. Please note that if you wish to accept your offer, you must pay the reservation fee, even if you have been offered financial support.

If you wish to decline your offer, please inform the admission team as soon as possible. If you have submitted multiple offers, please decline the offers you do not wish to accept within the application system

Tuition Funding and Scholarships

Funding for the best candidates

The Barcelona School of Economics offers funding to attract the most talented students

100%

MERIT-BASED FUNDING

€800,000

IN FUNDING AWARDED TO TOP CANDIDATES ON AVERAGE EACH YEAR

36%

OF THE CLASS IS FULLY OR PARTIALLY FUNDED ON AVERAGE EACH YEAR

Financial support is based on academic merit

Applicants who receive an offer of admission to BSE have demonstrated their potential to succeed in our rigorous, intensive Master’s programs. The most talented candidates also receive a financial offer that covers all or part of their tuition fees.

This merit-based funding comes from generous public and private sponsors as well as BSE’s own resources.

Each year, we award an average of €800,000 in merit-based funding to Master’s students. Around 36% of matriculated students have received full or partial funding for their studies.

Types of funding that may be offered to candidates include:

Waivers covering 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of tuition fees
A limited number of fully-funded scholarships (100% of fees and some additional stipend, depending on the scholarship)

Only applicants with outstanding academic records will receive a financial offer. Candidates who submit a completed application before January 15 will be considered for all funding opportunities. Those who apply after that date will be considered for any remaining available funding.

Sponsors providing funding for Master's study at BSE

Scholarships

The following scholarships have been made available by our sponsors for the BSE Master’s programs and provide payment of 100% of the tuition fees:

Ramón Areces Foundation Scholarships

Fundación Ramón Areces sponsors scholarships for students in the BSE Economics Program or Finance Program. All applicants to the eligible programs will be considered for these scholarships.

Unicredit Foundation Masterscholarships

Unicredit Foundation sponsors one full scholarship for study in the BSE Economics Program or Finance Program. All applicants to the eligible programs will be considered for the scholarship.

Tuition waivers

In addition to the named scholarships listed above, students applying to all Master’s programs are considered for full or partial tuition waivers that have been provided by the following sponsors:

Get two Master’s degrees in two years

An advantage of the BSE Master’s programs is that you will obtain an official Master’s degree and get all the skills and knowledge you need for competitive jobs and PhD programs in just one year. Some students decide during their first year at BSE that they want to continue studying here for a second year, in order to obtain a second Master’s degree.

Direct admission to a second Master’s

Students who successfully graduate from one BSE Master’s degree program can stay for a second consecutive year and enroll directly in a second BSE Master’s degree program without submitting a new application (except for the PhD Track and Data Science Methodology programs, which follow the standard application process). This plan offers more flexibility than a traditional two-year program, because you can begin your first Master’s and then decide whether to stay for another year and obtain a second degree.

Programs with direct admission in consecutive academic years

Please find here some further information on possible program combinations.

Tuition discount for a second Master’s

A 20% discount will be applied on the second program’s tuition fees. While direct admission is only available if the programs are taken consecutively, all BSE Alumni are eligible for the tuition discount at any time.

Please contact our admissions team if you are interested in having two Master’s degrees from the BSE in two years.

Studying at the BSE as a non-economist

Choosing a Master’s degree can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you want to study a subject that you have little academic experience in.

Below, some of our alumni who did not have a strong background in Economics explain what it was like to study at the BSE. They also provide some tips and share what additional support is available to you:

"The program challenged me immensely, but I received a lot of support from BSE and from my peers."

Ilaria Tucci ’19 studied Law before she joined the Competition and Market Regulation Master’s program. From extra math sessions with the teaching assistants, to supportive chats with the program coordinator and productive career advice sessions with the Career Services team, Ilaria felt like she had support from BSE. She also mentioned that the community of people and the organized social events helped her to enjoy the year and take a break from studying, even though her primary instinct was to run regressions in the library!

“BSE pushed me out of my comfort zone as nothing I have ever experienced before, and I will forever remember the challenges it posed and how it made me grow into a better person and a more skilled lawyer.”

"Start going over the basics before coming, and build up intuition."

Corentin Lemaire ’19 studied the Economics Program Master’s program

Having a background in math can certainly be an advantage. Economics Program alum Corentin Lemaire ’19 commented that “what saved me overall was my background in maths, and the friends I made who took some time to explain to me some concepts or gave me some material and books to go over.”

“If I had one piece of advice to give to new BSE students who who don’t have a background in Economics, it would be that they start going over the basics before coming, and build up intuition on what they are going to do (Econometrics in particular).”

"The most important preparation is psychological."

Gabriel Chaves ’19 studied the Econmics Master’s program, having graduated in Business Administration the year before attending BSE.

“My previous exposure to Economics was not great. Yet, I think that it is possible to survive without an economics background. To prepare for the Master’s I took some courses on Math (Linear Algebra and Real Analysis) as well as the Econometrics sequence offered at my school. This was very helpful. The most important preparation is psychological. The degree is highly demanding and it is very easy to get caught up in the moment…I recommend students to find study techniques, search for tranquility of mind and have an efficient work ethic. And rest wisely.”

Especially for the program in Economics, Chaves recommends that “the best background for thriving might be anything related to math (Physics, Engineering, Mathematics itself) as the courses are highly mathematical, at least in the PhD Track program, I would recommend those students who have not been exposed to math to prepare for mathematical logic by reading textbooks such as How to Prove It by Velleman or Simon and Blume from BSE summer reading list. Also, papers from Journal of Economic Perspectives are good preparation.”

Built-in support from BSE

Faculty and teaching assistants

The faculty members at BSE are very approachable and encourage students to ask for help. Due to the small class sizes in the Master’s, students can have personal contact with professors during class and in one-to-one sessions during office hours. They will also be glad to have a quick chat in the cafeteria over coffee!

Career advisors

BSE has a dedicated Career Services department who provide training and guidance throughout the year. They have experience working with students from a variety of academic backgrounds to help them achieve their professional career goals.

Program coordinators

Each Master’s program has a Program Coordinator. This person is a member of the BSE administrative staff who takes care of administrative and logistical details of the program, and also a friendly face for students. Students can speak with their coordinator to find out about resources for any challenge that they might be facing, academic or personal.

Community events

Social events are organized by BSE throughout the year to help students switch off for a few hours and connect with their peers on a social level outside of the library. Events range from barbecues with traditional Catalan food to hiking trips, indoor football tournaments, and networking events with BSE alumni.

International Students

What is required before I travel to Barcelona?

Students visas.
Obtain medical insurance.
Legalization of transcripts and diplomas.

What is required when I arrive in Barcelona?

Certificate of Residency (“Padró”).
Foreigner Identification Number (“NIE”).

Accommodation

How and where can I find student accommodations

The Barcelona School of Economics has two campuses, one in the Ciutadella neighborhood in the city center and one in Bellaterra, a town just outside the city. Please check where the majority of the lectures in your program will take place before beginning your search for accommodation.

Discounts for BSE students may be available with some housing providers. To qualify for discounts, you may be requested to identify yourself as a BSE student and may be asked to provide proof of enrollment.

Visit each of our housing partners’ websites to read more about available options and requirements.

Housing partners near Ciutadella Campus

Student halls

Housing partners near Bellaterra Campus

On-campus housing

Students can book on-campus accommodation at the Vila Universitaria. Bellaterra campus is equipped with all basic services such as laundry, supermarket, bakery, cafeterias, etc.

Nearby towns

Students can also considering living in other locations well-connected with Bellaterra campus, such as:

How to find flatmates

Students often choose to live together or to live with BSE alumni who stay in the city after graduation. Many alumni announce available rooms in their apartments in the BSE Facebook group. In addition to connecting you with potential roommates, the group serves as a great resource for discovering more about student life and learning about on- and off-campus events.

Off-campus housing

You can book a room at any of the following student halls:

Green District, Bellaterra (a short distance from the University)
Unihabit Sant Cugat (25 minutes to Bellaterra campus)

Student accommodation agencies

Here is a list of rental agencies that can help you find accommodations:

Chat with Alumni & Staff

FAQs

What are the payment conditions?

Tuition fees are usually split into four installments, the first one is due 30 days after having received an offer. There are three subsequent payments in May, July and September.

Alternatively, students can apply for a payment plan, splitting the fees into monthly payments. For more information, please contact your Admissions Specialist or the Admissions office at admissions@bse.eu.

Tuition Fees are only refundable if you cancel your place within 14 days of accepting the offer. The offer is considered accepted once you complete two steps: (1) paying the reservation fee and (2) signing the Reply Form. If you complete the two steps on separate dates, the 14 days will be counted from the earlier of the two dates.
Please note the application fee is non-refundable.

What programs does BSE offer?

The BSE offers programs leading to three master degrees: the Master Degree in Economics and Finance, the Master Degree in Specialized Economic Analysis and the Master Degree in Data Science. For more information on the different Masters, you can visit our Master website.

What are the requirements for applying?

An Undergraduate/bachelor/grado/laurea or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university (for Bologna degrees, a minimum of 180 ECTS) is required.
A typical applicant would hold a University Diploma in Economics, Finance, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics or Business Administration.
An advanced level of English language skills: TOEFL 90-100, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo English Test 120 points
The GRE General Test is required for the PhD Track Program only. GRE is optional but highly recommended for applicants to all other programs.

Note that the fulfillment of the entry requirements does not guarantee admission. Candidates will also be evaluated on the following admission criteria:

Outstanding academic record
Quantitative skills
Reference letters

Can I apply to more than one program?

You may list up to three programs on your application for the same academic year. When you submit your application you will select:

Single Offer Option (receive one offer based on your order of preference)
Multiple Offers Option (receive up to three offers)

I am not an economist. Can I still apply?

About 20% of students admitted to BSE are non-economists. Of those, many hold a degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Math’s, Physics or Political Science among other backgrounds. Strong quantitative skills are essential to getting the most out of our program offerings.

Is there an application fee?

There is a €60 fee for a single offer application type or €100 fee for a multiple offer application type. Application fees are non-refundable.

Do I need to take an English language test in order to apply?

If your degree was not in English, you should make arrangements to take an English language test and submit the results along with the rest of the supporting documents when applying.

How do I know if I have been awarded financial aid?

Financial aid (tuition fee waivers) is granted at the time of admissions. You will receive your financial aid offer together with your offer of admission to the program.

Do I need to apply for financial aid?

There is no separate application for financial aid. All candidates are considered for tuition fee waivers, which are awarded on the basis of academic merit.

What is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) institution code?

The BSE code for the GRE General Test is 2531.

Is there a minimum GRE score to apply?

There is no minimum GRE score required to apply to the BSE Master’s programs. The exam is an optional piece of your application, except in the case of the PhD Track Program, where a GRE score is required.

Is work experience mandatory in order to apply?

Work experience is an asset but not mandatory.

Can I study part-time or online?

The Master’s programs are only available on campus and they are all full-time.

Can I provide reference letters from my employer?

We strongly prefer letters from academia signed by a professor, but if you can’t provide those, and if you think your professional experience is an asset, you can ask your employer to support your application.

The letter should provide details on:

Quantitative skills
Your position and responsibilities
Qualifications and accomplishments
Motivation to face challenges
Capacity to work in groups
Propensity to thrive in new environment

Are there Open Days?

Open Days are online and held in November. All of the updated information about up coming open days will be posted on this page.

What happens if I can no longer accept my place in the program?

Please notify us in writing as soon as possible if you are no longer able to accept your place in the program.

I have not been accepted. Can I appeal the decision?

Offers are final and appeals are not considered.

Is there an academic guidance plan?

Here you will find a link to the BSE Student Academic Guidance Action Plan

Is the Barcelona School of Economics listed in any rankings?

Here you will find the Rankings Page that displays the rankings that BSE is listed in.

Are the programs fully accredited and recognized?

Yes. All BSE Master degrees have been recognized by the Catalan and Spanish Education authorities and within the framework of the Bologna Process (in Spanish, “Master Universitario o Master Oficial”).

When should I apply?

Applications open in October for the following academic year’s intake.

Candidates are advised to complete and submit their applications as early as possible in order to be considered for financial aid. All aid is merit-based and will be awarded to the strongest applicants.

International applicants (non-EU) should allow sufficient time to process student visas.

I want to apply but I have not graduated yet.

You will need to submit a hand-signed document committing yourself to graduate before the beginning of the master in Barcelona.

Download this document

When do the programs start?

Programs start every year in early September and finish in July.

Are the programs taught in English?

Yes. All programs are taught in English. Spanish is not required in order to apply. If you have graduated from an English Speaking University, you are exempt from submitting an English language exam.

If your degree was not in English, you should make arrangements to take an English language test and submit the results along with the rest of the supporting documents when applying.

Which English language exams do you accept?

Accepted certificates include IELTS Academic Test (6.5), TOEFL (90), Cambridge Exams (Proficiency or Advance, 180 minimum score, B2-C2), and Duolingo English test (120).

Am I eligible for financial aid?

Financial aid at the BSE is awarded based on academic merit. Candidates who wish to be considered for financial aid are advised to apply during the first round of admissions (deadline: January 15). Eligible applications should include all supporting documents and two reference letters.

Do I need to translate my documents into English to apply?

Supporting documents need to be in English, except for the transcripts and Official University diplomas, which can also be in Spanish, Catalan, French or Portuguese.

Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) mandatory for my application?

The GRE General Test is only required for applicants to the PhD Track Program. For all other programs, the GRE is optional but highly recommended.

GRE General Test results are often a key element for admission decisions, and candidates for all programs are welcome and encouraged to include GRE scores with the application.

A good GRE result is particularly helpful to candidates that have a bachelor in social sciences or other undergraduate degree without a strong quantitative component. In previous years, the GRE score has helped directors to identify candidates with excellent potential but little previous exposure to serious mathematical training. Hence we strongly encourage candidates to submit a GRE. (Again, GRE is only required for the PhD Track Program).

What are the tuition fees for the programs?

Data Science Program (2025-26): €19,000
All other programs (2025-26): €17,500

Please remember that tuition fees are subject to change, and that they do not cover housing or living expenses.

Once I have submitted my application, when do I know if I have been accepted?

Offers and conditions are sent via email, so please make sure your address is valid during the whole application and admissions process.

You can also track your admission status through the application system. Log into your account and go to the “Status” section.

First-round applicants (candidates who apply before January 15) can expect an admissions decision by the middle of February.

Those who apply after January 15 will receive a decision within approximately 5 weeks.

Admissions decisions and any financial aid offer are delivered together by email.

Are internships included in the programs?

Internships are not included as part of the programs.

Can I visit the BSE?

Please contact the Admissions Office to schedule a visit, phone call or video call.

I was accepted last year, but I had to decline my place. Do I need to apply again?

Yes, you will need to open a new account on the online application system and submit a new application.

I want to decline my place in the program, but I have already paid the tuition fees. Can I be reimbursed?

If you wish to refuse your place in the program, please contact the Admissions Office by email.

Tuition fees are only refundable if you cancel your place within 14 days of accepting the offer. The offer is considered accepted when you complete two steps: (1) paying the reservation fee and (2) signing the Reply Form. If you complete the two steps on separate dates, the 14 days will be counted from the earlier of the two dates.