Corvinus University of Budapest

What you'll study

This two-year master’s programme blends theoretical foundations with applied tools for analysing international economic relations and business operations. Core areas include international trade and finance, multinational enterprise strategy, global value chains, economic policy and quantitative methods.

• Core modules: International Trade Theory and Policy; International Finance and Currency Markets; Multinational Enterprise Strategy; Global Value Chains and Comparative Advantage.
• Quantitative and analytical modules: Econometrics for Policy Analysis; Macroeconomic Modelling; Applied Microeconomics; Data Analysis for Business Decision-Making.
• Business and management modules: International Marketing and Export Management; Cross-border Mergers and Acquisitions; International Human Resource Management; Corporate Governance in an International Context.
• Policy and regional studies: EU Economics and Integration; Transition Economies; Emerging Markets and Development Strategies.
• Skills and professional practice: Research Methods and Thesis Seminar; Negotiation and Intercultural Communication; Internship or consulting project with industry partners.

Students usually choose elective courses to specialise — for example in international finance, trade policy, regional studies or business analytics — and complete a master’s thesis or a substantial applied project supervised by faculty. Teaching methods include lectures, case studies, empirical assignments, group projects and guest sessions with practitioners.

Entry requirements

• Recognition of a relevant bachelor’s degree (typically in economics, business, finance, international relations, or another social science). Equivalent degrees with sufficient quantitative content are also considered.
• Academic transcript demonstrating strong performance in core subjects such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics or introductory econometrics. Some applicants with differing backgrounds may be asked to take preparatory courses.
• Proof of English language proficiency ( recognised certificates or equivalent academic instruction in English), unless the applicant’s prior degree was taught in English.
• Motivation letter outlining study objectives and relevant experience; curriculum vitae highlighting academic and/or professional experience.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees are often required or strongly recommended.
• Some applicants may be invited to an interview. A quantitative test (e.g. GRE/GMAT) is not always mandatory but can strengthen applications, particularly for candidates without a strong quantitative background.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers across the public, private and non‑profit sectors where international economic understanding and analytical skills are valued. Typical roles include:

• Economic analyst or policy advisor in ministries, central banks, international organisations and think tanks.
• International trade specialist, export manager or market analyst in multinational corporations and export promotion agencies.
• Consultant in strategy, trade, or economic policy for management consultancies and advisory firms.
• Corporate finance and risk management roles with banks, investment firms and multinational companies focused on cross‑border transactions.
• Positions in international development organisations, NGOs and multilateral agencies working on trade, development and regional cooperation.

The programme’s combination of applied econometrics, policy analysis and business strategy also provides a pathway to doctoral study in economics, international business or related fields.

Why study at Corvinus University of Budapest

Corvinus is widely recognised in the region for its strengths in economics, business and public policy, offering a curriculum that links rigorous academic training with practical relevance. The university’s location in Budapest places students at a crossroads between Western Europe and emerging markets in Central and Eastern Europe, giving easy access to regional case studies, multinational firms and EU institutions.

• Research‑led teaching: Faculty combine academic research with applied work on trade, transition economies and EU policy, ensuring course content is current and policy‑relevant.
• International environment: The programme attracts students from a range of countries, and courses are taught in English, supporting a multicultural learning experience and networking opportunities.
• Industry links and career support: Corvinus maintains partnerships with businesses, international organisations and public institutions in the region; career services, internships and guest lectures help bridge studies and employment.
• Practical orientation: Strong emphasis on data analysis, case work and applied projects prepares students to tackle real‑world problems in international business and economic policy.

Overall, the Master’s in International Economy and Business at Corvinus is appropriate for students aiming to develop a rigorous, applied skill set for careers at the intersection of economics and international business in Europe and beyond.