Know all about International Economics

7 minute read
Know All About International Economics

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. 

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 EconomicsBA in Global Economics and ManagementBA in International Business Economics
Bachelor in International Economics RelationsBachelor in International Eco.Bachelor in World Economy
Bachelor in International Economy and TradeBachelor of Economics in International Trade (BIT)BSc/BSc Econ (Hons) International Economics & Finance
Bachelor in International Economic RelationsBachelor’s in International Economics and Commercial DiplomacyBachelor 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 EconomyMaster of Arts in Global Finance, Trade and Economic IntegrationMaster in International Business Economics and Management
MSc in Global EconomyMA 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. PolicyMA in Development and International Economics.
M.A. Economics (Specialization in International Business)MSc in International Economics, Banking and FinanceMaster in International Economics and Political Studies
MSc in International Eco.MSc in Economics and International RelationsMA 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 EconomicsPhD in World Economics
PhD in International Economics and FinancePhD 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 UniversitySwitzerland Bachelor of Arts in International Economics
University of LatviaLatvia Bachelor’s in International Economics and Commercial Diplomacy
Xi’an International UniversityChina Bachelor in International Economics and Trade
University of PaviaItaly Master degree in Economics, Finance and International Integration
University of PassauGermany M.Sc. International Economics and Business
Erasmus University RotterdamNetherlands MSc in Economics and Business – Specialisation in International Economics
University of LincolnUKMSc International Business Economics
USI Università della Svizzera ItalianaSwitzerland MSc in Economics and International Policies
University of SussexUKMSc International Business Economics
University of GroningenNetherlands 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.

  1. Shri Ram College Of Commerce, New Delhi
  2. Lady Shri Ram College For Women, New Delhi
  3. Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi
  4. Madras School Of Economics, Chennai
  5. University Of Calicut, School Of Distance Education, Calicut
  6. The University Of Mumbai, Institute Of Distance & Open Learning, Mumbai
  7. Christ University, Business Studies And Social Science, Bangalore
  8. Jain University, Kochi
  9. ST. Xavier’s University, Kolkata
  10. 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. 

Some of the popular job opportunities you can get include the following

RoleApprox. Avg Annual Salary
International EconomistINR 8–15 L
Assistant ProfessorINR 2.0 L – INR 12.9 L
Financial AnalystINR 6.0 L – INR 6.6 L
ProfessorINR 31 L – INR 40 L
ResearcherINR 1.8 L – INR 20 L
Policy AnalystINR 7.5 L – INR 8.5 L
International Relations OfficerINR 6–15 L
Minister (Int’l Relations)INR 33.6 L
National Security Policy OfficerINR 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

Q.1 What is international economics?

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.

Q.2 Why is international economics important?

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.

Q.3 What are some key concepts in international economics?

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

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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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