- The top place: London School of Economics and Political Science leads with one of the largest departments and about 70% international students.
- EDUopinions lists the top 10 universities in Europe for Economics, covering leading institutions across the UK, Spain, Italy and France.
- Rankings combine QS, The Times Higher Education and RePEc, weighting faculty quality, research output and international student diversity.
Economics has long been a popular university degree, offering strong career options. That’s why we wanted to bring you the top 10 universities for Economics in Europe, based on respected rankings published by QS Rankings, The Times Higher Education Rankings and RePEc.
While most of the traditional rankings feature universities in the US, EDUopinions decided to talk about the top 10 universities in Europe to study Economics based on faculty, research, international student diversity and other crucial factors.
What are the top 10 Universities for Economics in Europe?
Today we are going to introduce you to the following institutions:
- London School of Economics and Political Science
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- University College London
- Paris School of Economics
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra
- Bocconi University
- Toulouse School of Economics
- University of Warwick
- Tilburg University
Top 10 universities for Economics: Reviews
London School of Economics and Political Science

With no doubt, LSE had to top the charts of the top 10 universities in Europe to study Economics. In fact, the London School of Economics and Political Science has one of the largest economics departments in the world. London School of Economics and Political Science is ranked 5th in the world and first in the UK for Economics. Located in the heart of the metropolitan city, LSE’s student body is mostly international. 70% of the students here are international students. They make a truly diverse experience possible. Needless to say, this is the best economic school you can go to.
Student Review
The title says most of it, I like my university even though I think that the student culture could be better- I was used to having a more stable group back home, it seems like the course programs make it harder for us to get to know each other. But I feel like I learned a huge amount, which is what matters.
University of Oxford

The University of Oxford, of course, excels in every subject it teaches and Economics is not an exception. Today, Oxford has an international student population of 38%. Their faculty is celebrated and prestigious. It serves as an official to numerous international and national organizations. The University of Oxford has always stood first in terms of rigour, significance and faculty which is why it ranks so high in the top 10 universities in Europe to study Economics.
University of Cambridge

Cambridge ranks third in the top 10 universities in Europe to study Economics. The University of Cambridge is one of the most prestigious schools to study at and their Faculty of Economics is one of the most reputed departments. This university also has been host to many distinguished members of the Economic industry, many of whom have gone on to win Nobel prizes as well.
Student Review
The architecture is out of this world; the Victorian buildings are rich in history, and it’s like stepping back into the 60s. The university is clean and safe; I would recommend it. The professors helped me catch up when I was falling behind; the classes are breathtaking. I didn’t regret my choice of studying abroad instead of sticking to South African universities.
University College London

UCL has always been one of the most reputed colleges in Europe. University College London has an outstanding international reputation in key areas of current research. The Undergraduate, Masters, Postgraduate and research departments have all been pretty renowned. 19th-century political economist, John Stuart Mill is one of the university’s most prominent alumni of UCL.
Student Review
If you’re looking for a university filled with loads of different people who have a very wide range of different passions and hobbies, this is the place for you! In my time at UCL I have met people of all nationalities and have had the chance to interact with people from a very wide range of courses. From medicine, to statistics to arts history. It has allowed me to get to know many different people I would have maybe never come across and had helped me develop as a person. Furthermore the quality of the education is incredible and the university is very reputable, opening up many doors for you in the future.
Paris School of Economics

Paris School of Economics has been one of the best institutes at the forefront of many different economic domains. They offer programmes from Masters to PhD. Currently, the Paris School of Economics has more than 130 faculty, 300 master’s students and 200 PhD students in residence.
Student Review
Paris School of Economics (PSE) offers a truly unique educational experience that transcends the traditional classroom setting. Nestled in the heart of Paris, the school provides students with the opportunity to learn from world-renowned economists and engage with a diverse community of brilliant minds. The diverse student body, comprised of individuals from all over the world, creates a rich and dynamic community. By studying at PSE, i am gaining not only top-notch education but also a lifelong network of talented peers and mentors.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra

The university, located in Barcelona, is the number one economics university in Spain and second in southern Europe. It is home to some of the world’s most popular economists, for example, Andreu Mas-Colell who wrote the world’s most widely read microeconomics textbook, “Microeconomic Theory.”
Student Review
I studied my Bachelor in Business Management at Universitat Pompeu Fabra and I liked it a lot!
I think UPF is one of the best universities in Barcelona, mainly for Economic studies for many reasons:
First of all, the first years you get a good basis of the field you are studying (for example, I was studying Management but I had also the basis of Economics) and after you specialize in what you prefer. I think this is really good because having a good basis enables you to understand more and have bigger knowledge.
Also, it is an international university, since there are lots of Erasmus students and therefore, many classes in English.
Moreover, the teachers are really good, they have the best Curriculum you can imagine!
And also, the university gives lots of opportunities to students to find a good company where to do your internship, a good university where to do your Erasmus and even they try to help you looking for a job after your studies!
In general, I think you learn a lot in UPF and it gives you lots of opportunities to learn and improve!
Bocconi University

Definitely, one of the top 10 universities in Europe to study Economics, Bocconi University recruits top international faculty from all over the world. Some members of the faculty have also been chosen as consultants for international organizations such as the IMF, UN, and World Bank. The percentage of international students at Bocconi University is 11%.
Student Review
Bocconi University represents without any doubt the best university for what regards economic and financial studies. Starting from the facility itself, Bocconi’s lectures mostly take place in very modern buildings, with large classrooms that have all the technologies needed. The university also has many study and leisure areas, including a sports center (from the end of 2020). Professors are in general very good, but of course, there are some exceptions, anyway, they are very open to questions also outside from the face-to-face class. However, what really places Bocconi a step ahead competitors is its excellent career service and all the opportunities it gives you. Bocconi hosts during the year many conferences and career fairs, where employer came and talk about the firms they represent and eventual job/internship opportunities. In Bocconi, there are also many students associations, dealing with every field of economic and social. These are particularly valid to put in practice what you learn during classes and measure yourself with a real working environment.
Summing up, the opportunities Bocconi University gives cannot be compared with any other Italian university. Moreover, in the last years, Bocconi went up in the EU ranking, reaching leading positions for the finance BSc.
Toulouse School of Economics

TSE is the economics department of Toulouse Capitole University and is a world-leading centre for research and education. It offers some of the best research-oriented courses to train our students to use and adapt recent theories. This is why it is one of the top 10 universities in Europe to study Economics. At the master’s level, students can choose o major in statistics, econometrics, public development, industrial organization, environment, biodiversity, or finance. After graduation, students can opt for a wide range of career options from banking, insurance, and consultancy to many others.
University of Warwick

University of Warwick’s Economics Department is one of the leading departments in the UK and Europe. The courses here at the University of Warwick mean you can choose from many optional modules within our Department and from outside departments such as Law, Mathematics, Business and Languages. Students will also be learning about real-world issues.
Student Review
I think the course is very intellectually stimulating! I love the diverse range of modules both in terms of required and optional modules. The majority of the professors are fantastic and really helpful with any queries or questions related to the course modules during office hours and generally through the cohort forums. I have particularly enjoyed Business Law and feel that it matched my skillset quite closely. Overall, thoroughly enjoyed the course and would highly recommend it to any prospective applicants!
Tilburg University

Though not as widely known as other universities in this list, Tilburg University still makes it to the top 10 universities in Europe to study Economics. Their Economics department is one of the most internationally recognised economics programmes in Europe. Their Bachelor’s programs and Master’s programs are rated #1 in the Netherlands. They also host a weekly seminar programme where they invite speakers from top international schools.
Student Review
Tilburg University offers a great balance between academics and practical growth. The green, compact campus provides a pleasant atmosphere to study and relax. While exam weeks can get crowded, the teaching quality is solid and there are plenty of opportunities to gain relevant work experience, join student organizations, or pick up a job alongside your degree. Highly recommended!
Conclusion
These were the top 10 universities in Europe to study economics but that does not mean that there are not others. If you wish to dig further and continue your search, here at EDUopinions you can find more universities, student reviews and ratings for the Economics programme.
Editor’s note: This article was first published on the 11th of September 2019. We’ve updated it for current readers.
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