UniversityUniversity
Search
Accessibility
DE / EN
Logo University of Mannheim - Department of Economics
Two students sit on a stone in front of the west wing of the University of Mannheim and talk.
Credit: Anna Logue

Why Study Economics in Mannheim?

Personalized. International. Top-ranked.

At Mannheim, you’ll study economics at one of Europe’s top departments. Our programs are flexible, research-driven, and internationally connected—giving you the freedom to shape your academic path and the support to reach your full potential. From bachelor’s to PhD level, we offer a continuous study experience built on three core values: academic excellence, global outlook, and individual development. Independent rankings regularly confirm our standing. The Department of Economics has been ranked #1 in Germany for the third year in a row in the QS World University Ranking by Subject (2021), and once again took the top spot among all public universities in the 2023 CHE University Ranking.

Your Program: Broad, Flexible, Future-Oriented

Printout of the study plan for the Economics programme at the University of Mannheim. On the printout is a blue biro with a silver tip.

The Bachelor’s program in Economics at Mannheim offers more than just a solid foundation in economic theory. With its wide range of modules, it allows you to tailor your studies to your interests and goals. In the first two years, you’ll focus on core economic concepts and gain additional insights into areas such as German public and private law or Business Administration. In the third year, you can choose from a broad selection of electives—including courses from other Schools—and build a profile that suits your ambitions. If you want to continue exploring the field in greater depth, our Master’s and PhD programs offer a seamless path toward advanced academic qualifications.

Theory Meets Practice—Right from the Start

View of the Department of Economics building. On the left side of the picture there are trees in front of another university building. On the right side is the economics building in front of which some bicycles are parked. In the upper right corner, the dark blue flags of the ZEW are flying.

As Immanuel Kant once said: “There is nothing more practical than a good theory.”  We couldn’t agree more. That’s why our program combines strong theoretical foundations with practical relevance from the very beginning. You’ll be introduced to empirical economics early on, and many professors bring real-world experience to the classroom through their work as consultants and policy advisors. From the third year onward, electives often include case-based learning and applied questions. Students with excellent academic records can gain hands-on experience as research assistants at one of the department’s chairs, at collaborative research centers, or at the nearby ZEW – Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research. Some also lead tutorials and gain valuable teaching experience—an ideal preparation for both academic and professional careers.

My decision for a University was almost completely based on the reputation. When I started studying Economics, Mannheim had the highest ranking in Germany for this program. Typically, you have a lot of freedom designing your studies when it comes to choosing subjects. There is a broad spectrum of optional subjects and the opportunity to put an individual program together. On top of that, it is relatively easy to go abroad and study in prestigious international universities. There is also a wide range of possibilities for designing your free time.
Sven, student of B.Sc. Economics / Photo credit: Anna Logue
The good support network, the large number of elective modules available, and the direct communication between teachers and students are all factors that make you want to study Economics in Mannheim. The university gives students lots of great opportunities to get involved with student organizations and clubs, and this really makes the student experience in Mannheim special. I would also like to highlight the excellent learning environment, the high level of interest shown by my fellow students, and the ideal learning conditions.
Konstantin, student of B.Sc. Economics / Photo credit: Anna Logue
I really like the university’s campus – it is very open, and you can easily find your way around. The Economics program has met all of my expectations. I think it’s great that students work on major economic topics, like unemployment and economic growth, from their first semester onwards.
Naemi, student of B.Sc. Economics / Photo credit: Anna Logue

An Academic Calendar Aligned with International Schedules

A small globe is held with two fingers. Black, yellow and red bracelets are worn on the wrist, with ‘Mannheim’ written in white on the black bracelets. The University of Mannheim can be recognized in the background.

The academic year at the University of Mannheim starts in the fall semester. Since 2007, our calendar has been aligned with that of many international partner institutions—making it easier for students to go abroad or transition into graduate programs worldwide. The fall semester begins in August, with lectures starting in September and exams typically completed before Christmas. The semester officially ends on January 31. The spring semester runs from February to July, with lectures ending in early June.
 

This calendar offers several advantages:

  • It makes studying abroad easier to integrate.
  • It allows for a smooth transition into master’s programs in Germany or abroad.
  • It gives students a timing advantage when applying for internships compared to other German universities

Strong Foundations—Excellent Career Prospects

‘VWL’ is written in black on a flipchart with chequered paper. This writing is also underlined with a black Sharpie.

Economics graduates from Mannheim are well equipped for a wide range of careers. The program ensures that you:

  • understand key concepts and contexts in economics,
  • gain a general overview of the discipline,
  • engage with current developments in research and practice, and
  • are prepared to enter the job market or pursue graduate studies.
     

Our graduates are trained to think analytically, develop solutions independently, and make informed decisions using academic methods—skills that are highly sought after across sectors. Career opportunities extend far beyond traditional roles in economic analysis or policy consulting. You’ll be prepared for jobs in business, finance, government, research, and international organizations.

A Program Our Graduates Recommend

Evaluation form that is filled in with a blue pen. A hand holding the pen is at the bottom left of the picture.
Credit: Anna Logue

Our graduates regularly give us valuable feedback—through a questionnaire included with their degree certificates. The result speaks for itself: On average, 95% of graduates from the 2015–2018 cohorts (graduating 2018 and later) who completed the survey said they would recommend studying Economics at Mannheim to a friend or relative. A clear sign of lasting satisfaction and academic quality.
  

Download: Why Study Economics in Mannheim? (in German) (graduating 2018 and later)

Studying at One of Germany’s Most Beautiful Campuses

View over the city of Mannheim. The castle and the Mensa meadow can be seen in the foreground. The city stretches out in the background with some hills behind it. The television tower of the city of Mannheim is prominent at the back left of the picture.
Credit: Stadtmarketing Mannheim GmbH

Ever dreamed of studying in a palace? At Mannheim, you can. The university is located in one of Europe’s largest baroque palaces—built in the 18th century for Elector Carl Philipp and home today to lecture halls, offices, and seminar rooms. The University of Mannheim traces its roots back to 1907 and has long been recognized as one of Germany’s top institutions for economic and social sciences. It is known for its academic excellence, strong research, and a vibrant student community. Beyond academics, the university offers a variety of extracurricular activities to enrich student life on campus.

Life in Mannheim—Affordable, Lively, Well Connected

An event at night in the “Ehrenhof”. Many people look up into the sky, the palace is illuminated in blue, purple and pink. Fireworks explode in the night sky.
Credit: Radio Regenbogen Hörfunk in Baden GmbH & Co. KG

Mannheim, together with nearby Ludwigshafen and Heidelberg, forms the heart of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region—an economic and cultural hub with over 2.5 million people. The city itself has more than 300,000 inhabitants and lies at the intersection of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. High-speed trains connect you to Frankfurt and Stuttgart in just 30 minutes.

Mannheim is known for its youthful, creative energy. The city offers theaters, museums, live music venues, cafés, bars, and green spaces—all within easy reach. Whether you're into art, nature, or nightlife, you’ll feel right at home.

Finding a Place to Live

View of the Mannheim water tower. Many cars are parked on the left and right edges of the picture and a row of houses can be seen on the left. On the right are some trees and streetlamps.
Credit: Stadtmarketing Mannheim GmbH / Hyp Yerlikaya

Compared to many other university cities, Mannheim offers relatively affordable housing—especially in popular neighborhoods like Lindenhof, Schwetzinger Vorstadt, Neckarstadt, and Jungbusch. The Studierendenwerk provides guidance and manages a number of modern student residences across the city. Whether you prefer a private apartment or shared flat, you'll find suitable housing options for every budget.

A Glimpse into Student Life

View of the Department of Economics building taken from the opposite side of the street.
Credit: Anna Logue
16 images
View from the foyer of the Department of Economics building. A street can be seen in the background through the glass façade. The yellow entrance door is in the centre of the picture.
Credit: Anna Logue
16 images
Insight into a practice room. A student is standing at the whiteboard and explaining something, pointing at the whiteboard. Three students are sitting at tables opposite him. There is a laptop on the tables in front of one student and two folders are open in front of the other two.
Credit: Anna Logue
16 images
A student is standing at a flipchart. She is holding an open Sharpie in her hand and looking towards the audience. Two heads can be recognized on either side of the picture.
Credit: Anna Logue
16 images
The picture shows an exercise room. In the foreground of the picture is an open laptop on which a graph showing the development of the GDP deflator and the consumer price index in the United States between 1970 and 2016 can be seen. Four students are sitting in the background.
Credit: Anna Logue
16 images
View of the rear of the Department of Economics building. In the foreground is a road and a few trees.
Credit: Anna Logue
16 images
A smiling student sits in the centre of the picture. He is blond and wears a blue chequered shirt. Behind him you can see a glass facade, in front of him sit other students.
Credit: Anna Logue
16 images
A student with blonde hair and sunglasses pushed into her hair locks her bike in front of the economics department building. She is wearing a yellow jacket over a white shirt and light blue jeans. She also has a purple rucksack on her back.
Credit: Anna Logue
16 images
Two students sit on a stone in front of the west wing of the University of Mannheim and talk.
Credit: Anna Logue
16 images
View of the VWL PC pool. Some students are sitting in front of the screens.
Credit: Anna Logue
16 images
A student and a female student are standing in a corridor that borders the “Ehrenhof” on the left and talking. There are many bicycles in the arches of the corridor.
Credit: Anna Logue
16 images
Many students sit in a room with lots of tables. They sit in groups and talk to each other. Some of them have learning materials in front of them. In the background is a counter which is lit up in orange.
Credit: Anna Logue
16 images
A student with blond hair describes a whiteboard. He is wearing a yellow T-shirt and smiling. The whiteboard is on the left-hand side of the picture, the student on the right.
Credit: Anna Logue
16 images
On the right-hand side of the picture, three students are standing and talking. On the left-hand side of the picture, a person is standing in the background.
Credit: Anna Logue
16 images
Two students sit in a practice room and work. The dark blue flags of ZEW are flying in the background.
Credit: Anna Logue
16 images
Photo taken in lecture theatre SO 108 in the east wing of the University of Mannheim. Many students are sitting in the lecture theatre. The walls of the lecture hall are white with grey elements, the tables are dark brown.
Credit: Anna Logue
16 images
In order to improve performance and enhance the user experience for the visitors to our website, we use cookies and store anonymous usage data. For more information please read our privacy policy.
Allow
Reject

Tracking cookies are currently allowed.

Do not allow tracking cookies

Tracking cookies are currently not allowed.

Allow tracking cookies