University of Sydney
Master of Economics
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Students with an undergraduate background in economics may be eligible for a reduced course duration.
Course overview
The Master of Economics equips you with the critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving skills required for a rewarding career in a diverse range of roles in the public and private sectors.
The course is designed for both recent graduates and professionals seeking further training in economics for career progression or a career change.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
3rd August, 2026
What you will study
Candidates for the Master of Economics are required to complete 96 credit points, comprising:
- 24 credit points of foundation units of study
- 24 credit points of core units of study
- 42 credit points of selective units of study, including at least one specialisation. A maximum of six credit points may be taken from postgraduate units of study elsewhere in the University of Sydney with prior permission of the relevant delegate. Students must be able to demonstrate that the unit is relevant to their studies and/or career development.
- Six credit points of capstone units of study
Specialisations are available in Economics, Econometrics and Financial Economics.
Each unit is valued at six credit points.
- Principles of Econometrics
- Microeconomic Theory
- Macroeconomic Theory
- Quantitative Tools for Economics
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
To be eligible for admission, an applicant is required to have one of the following:
- A bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney, with a minimum credit (65 per cent) average, or an equivalent qualification.
- Completion of the requirements for the embedded Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Economics with a minimum credit (65 per cent) average, or an equivalent qualification.
English language requirements
You may need to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study this course.
If English is your first language you may be able to meet the requirements if you have:
- Citizenship or permanent long-term residency (minimum 10 years).
- Completed secondary or higher education (tertiary) studies recognised by the university in an approved English-speaking country.
If English is not your first language you may be able to prove English proficiency with an approved English skills test taken within two years of commencing the course.
- IELTS score: a minimum result of 7.0 overall and a minimum result of 6.0 in each band.
- TOEFL - IBT score: a minimum result of 96 overall including a minimum result of 17 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 19 in Writing.
- Pearson Test of English: a minimum result of 68 overall and a minimum result of 54 in each band.
The university may also consider factors such as previous studies in English. Contact them for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Reduced volume of learning
If you have completed previous studies in a related area or have relevant work experience, you may be able to reduce the duration of your studies based on the criteria below:
Admission to the Master of Economics (one and a half years full-time) requires one of the following:
- A bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney, with a major in economics and with a minimum credit (65 per cent) average, or an equivalent qualification.
- Relevant professional experience and a bachelor's degree with a minimum credit (65 per cent) average, or an equivalent qualification.
Admission to the Master of Economics (one year full-time) requires:
- An honours degree in economics.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
The Master of Economics prepares you for a career based on the key skills of economics, econometrics and finance, including:
- Investment analyst/banker
- Business analyst
- Economic analyst for a bank
- Economic policy analyst for treasury
- Economic policy analyst for a government department or private sector employer
- Management consultant
Fees and CSP
Indicative amount in 2026: Fee information is not yet available (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Indicative amount in 2026: $40,700 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The indicative amounts to complete the first 48 credit points in 2026 are calculated based on one year of full-time study (1 EFTSL).
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the unit you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students.