International Economics studies the different types of economic activities across countries and the impact of global issues on global trade and the economy. With the faster integration of global trade and economic activities, it has become important to study and understand the patterns of trade and how they are impacted by globalization, along with concepts like FDI, gains from trade, the balance of payments, and relationships between different countries. It is one of the popular branches of economics that many students opt for, not only to gain insight into the issues of trade and finance at the global level, but also to become eligible for several lucrative job options. Read this blog to learn all about International Economics, its importance, career scope, as well as top courses and universities you must consider to study this specialization.
This Blog Includes:
- What is International Economics?
- What are the Courses in International Economics?
- What are the Eligibility Criteria to Enroll in an International Economics Course?
- What are the Top Universities Abroad to Study International Economics?
- Top Colleges in India to Study International Economics
- Career Prospects after Studying International Economics
- How to Become an International Economist? [BONUS]
- What are the Skills Required to Become an International Economist?
- FAQs
What is International Economics?
International Economics is a subfield within economics that concerns itself with the economic activities of different countries around the world and their global effects. It deals with the study of different economic and political issues related to international finance and trade practices. International economists study and analyse data to provide solutions or gain insight into different economic issues around the world. Further, the subject matter is central to international trade policies, laws, and theory as well as foreign exchange markets and open economies.
What are the Courses in International Economics?
Numerous Universities around the world offer courses in this specialised branch of economics at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Here are the top courses in international economics.
Undergraduate Courses in International Economics
The following is a list of several undergraduate courses in international economics, available both in India and abroad.
| Bachelor of Arts in International Economics | BA in Global Economics and Management | BA in International Business Economics |
| Bachelor in International Economics Relations | Bachelor in International Eco. | Bachelor in World Economy |
| Bachelor in International Economy and Trade | Bachelor of Economics in International Trade (BIT) | BSc/BSc Econ (Hons) International Economics & Finance |
| Bachelor in International Economic Relations | Bachelor’s in International Economics and Commercial Diplomacy | Bachelor in International Economic Development (IED) |
Postgraduate Courses in International Economics
The following is the list of several postgraduate courses in international economics, available both in India and abroad.
| MA in Global Development and International Political Economy | Master of Arts in Global Finance, Trade and Economic Integration | Master in International Business Economics and Management |
| MSc in Global Economy | MA in Global Political Economy and Finance | MSc in International Business Economics |
| Master of Arts in International Business and Eco. | Master of Arts in International Eco. Policy | MA in Development and International Economics. |
| M.A. Economics (Specialization in International Business) | MSc in International Economics, Banking and Finance | Master in International Economics and Political Studies |
| MSc in International Eco. | MSc in Economics and International Relations | MA in Development and International Eco. |
PhD Courses in International Economics
The following is a list of several PhD courses in international economics, available both in India and abroad.
| PhD in International Economics | PhD in World Economics |
| PhD in International Economics and Finance | PhD in Global Economics and Management |
Also Read: Economics Project for Class 12
What are the Eligibility Criteria to Enroll in an International Economics Course?
Before opting for a course, it is necessary to familiarise yourself with all the essential requirements that you need to fulfil to pursue a course in this subject.
Although the eligibility criteria may vary from one university to another, the basic eligibility requirements include the following
- For a bachelor’s course, you should have completed your 12th board exams in any stream, preferably with mathematics or economics as a subject of study
- For master’s level courses, you need to have a bachelor’s degree with the required percentage of marks in the same or a related field
- For PhD courses, you need to have a master’s degree in a relevant field with the required percentage of marks
If you want to pursue your degree in this specialisation from a university abroad, you would need to fulfil some additional criteria of eligibility, which include the following
- You should have a valid score in any of the accepted English language proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE
- For master’s and PhD courses, you would also need to submit your GRE score
- A Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR) are also required to be submitted along with your application
What are the Top Universities Abroad to Study International Economics?
Want to pursue a course in international economics from a university abroad? Here is a list of popular universities around the world that offer multiple courses in this subject
| Universities/Colleges | Location | Program Name |
| Franklin University | Switzerland | Bachelor of Arts in International Economics |
| University of Latvia | Latvia | Bachelor’s in International Economics and Commercial Diplomacy |
| Xi’an International University | China | Bachelor in International Economics and Trade |
| University of Pavia | Italy | Master degree in Economics, Finance and International Integration |
| University of Passau | Germany | M.Sc. International Economics and Business |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | Netherlands | MSc in Economics and Business – Specialisation in International Economics |
| University of Lincoln | UK | MSc International Business Economics |
| USI Università della Svizzera Italiana | Switzerland | MSc in Economics and International Policies |
| University of Sussex | UK | MSc International Business Economics |
| University of Groningen | Netherlands | MSc in Economic Development and Globalization |
Also Read: CBSE Economics Class 11 Syllabus for 2025-26
Top Colleges in India to Study International Economics
Here is a list of some of the best and most well-known colleges in India that are providing an international economics course.
- Shri Ram College Of Commerce, New Delhi
- Lady Shri Ram College For Women, New Delhi
- Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi
- Madras School Of Economics, Chennai
- University Of Calicut, School Of Distance Education, Calicut
- The University Of Mumbai, Institute Of Distance & Open Learning, Mumbai
- Christ University, Business Studies And Social Science, Bangalore
- Jain University, Kochi
- ST. Xavier’s University, Kolkata
- K J Somaiya College Of Arts & Commerce, Mumbai
Career Prospects after Studying International Economics
There are a range of different career opportunities that you could opt for after completing the degree in international economics. Popular sectors where you can find employment options include the financial sector, global organisations, the government sector, academia, etc.
Popular Job Posts with their Salary
Some of the popular job opportunities you can get include the following
| Role | Approx. Avg Annual Salary |
| International Economist | INR 8–15 L |
| Assistant Professor | INR 2.0 L – INR 12.9 L |
| Financial Analyst | INR 6.0 L – INR 6.6 L |
| Professor | INR 31 L – INR 40 L |
| Researcher | INR 1.8 L – INR 20 L |
| Policy Analyst | INR 7.5 L – INR 8.5 L |
| International Relations Officer | INR 6–15 L |
| Minister (Int’l Relations) | INR 33.6 L |
| National Security Policy Officer | INR 6–14 L |
Top Recruiting Companies
Below, we have listed some of the top recruiting companies in the field of international economics.
- IMF
- World Bank
- McKinsey and Company
- The Hackett Group
- Aditya Birla Financial Services
- Boston Consulting Group
- Bain
- Deloitte
Also Read: Nature and Scope of Economics
How to Become an International Economist? [BONUS]
Here is a quick roadmap for aspirants to pursue a career as an International Economist
Step 1: Choose a Stream in Class 12th
To be eligible for admission to an undergraduate program in Economics, you may pursue any stream in class 12th. However, certain institutions or schools need Mathematics as a compulsory subject, and applicants who have studied Economics at the +2 level are given preference during college admissions.
Step 2: Pursue an Undergraduate Course in Economics
The next step is to pursue a course or a degree in Economics at the UG level, such as BA/ BSc and BA/ BSc (Hons) courses in Economics. The course is generally of three years duration and is available in various institutions and Universities in India and abroad.
Step 3: Study Economics at the PG Level with Specialisation in International Economics
Post completion of their undergraduate or bachelor’s degree, students can now pursue their master’s in Economics with a specialisation in International Economics, Global Economics, International Business, etc. If not opting for a specialization course/programme/degree, the students can also opt for conventional courses like MSc/MA in Economics and can choose subjects like International Economics, Global Economics, or International Business as electives.
Step 4: Go for a PhD
Doctoral degrees, such as a PhD in International Economics, are recommended for higher career opportunities in this sector.
What are the Skills Required to Become an International Economist?
In order to pursue a career in International Economics, students must have the following skillset to excel in their chosen field
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills: International economists must successfully connect with a variety of individuals in order to acquire data and information for analyzing global economic trends. They may be required to engage in interactive sessions or to provide lectures to a variety of audiences.
- Technological Skills: International Economists need to critically evaluate the global economic scenario and interpret relevant data and facts.
- Math Skills: Skill in handling numeric data is necessary for understanding economic trends and providing clarity of argument and quantitative prediction
- Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills: These are essential skills required in this field as these economists have to analyse international conditions and prepare reports and assumptions to provide solutions to complex economic issues.
- Writing Skills: Economists must be able to clearly convey their results. Many economists produce reports for colleagues or clients, while others write for journals or the news media.
FAQs
Ans. International economics is a branch of economics that studies the economic interactions between countries, including trade, finance, investment, and migration. It analyzes how nations interact through the exchange of goods, services, and capital, and explores the factors influencing these interactions, such as government policies, exchange rates, and global economic institutions.
Ans. International economics plays a crucial role in understanding and shaping the global economy. It helps explain the benefits and challenges of international trade, the effects of globalization on different economies, and the impact of economic policies on domestic and foreign markets. It provides insights into how countries can achieve economic growth, allocate resources efficiently, and address issues like income inequality and poverty on a global scale.
Ans. Several key concepts are central to the study of international economics. These include comparative advantage, which examines how countries specialize in producing goods and services based on their relative efficiencies; balance of payments, which tracks a country’s transactions with the rest of the world, including imports, exports, and capital flows; exchange rates, which determine the value of one currency relative to another; and trade policies, such as tariffs and quotas, which governments implement to regulate international trade and protect domestic industries.
Additional Reads
Hope you found this blog on international economics courses and careers interesting and informative. Want to pursue a specialized degree in Economics? Reach out to our experts at Leverage Edu for the best guidance in choosing the perfect course and university for you. Sign up for a free session today!
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