Master of Applied Economics

#1 business school in Australia

International

You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.

Elevate your career with the Master of Applied Economics, tailored for professionals aiming to upskill in the economics field. Unlock global employment opportunities through internships and business practicums, propelling you to new heights in your professional journey.

Commencing Terms: Term 1 & 3
Duration: 1 - 2 Year(s)
Delivery Mode: Distance (online with some face-to-face), Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus: Kensington
Codes: Program code 8429; CRICOS code 102633G

2026 Indicative first year full fee: $42,000*
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $86,000*
2026 Indicative first year full fee: $62,000*
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $129,000*

Hybrid learning
Flexible degree
Career Accelerator

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Application closures for 2026

Undergraduate programs for 2026 intakes are closed for New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) applications. Applications for postgraduate programs remain open. Find out if this closure applies to you.

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Overview

The Master of Applied Economics prepares you to become a professional economist - someone who can interpret data, evaluate evidence, and apply economic principles to real-world challenges in business, government and policy.

Designed for graduates from diverse backgrounds, this flexible two-year program builds a solid foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, while developing the analytical and quantitative skills used by economists in practice.

You’ll learn directly from leading researchers and practitioners, gaining the tools to analyse decisions, model economic outcomes and translate insights into effective policy and business strategies.

A practicum is also available for students seeking work experience in the field of economics. By graduation, you’ll have the knowledge, skills and confidence to work as a professional economist in a wide range of organisations.

Key Features

A foundation for career transition or advancement

Whether you’re entering economics from another field or deepening your existing skills, this program provides a strong theoretical and applied grounding. You’ll build quantitative expertise in areas such as econometrics, data analysis, and policy evaluation — all essential tools for evidence-based decision-making.

Applied learning for real-world relevance

Your learning is grounded in practical application. You’ll explore how economic principles inform business strategy, government policy, and social outcomes. Through hands-on projects and data-driven analysis, you’ll develop the ability to turn complex information into actionable insights.

Flexible study to fit your life

Study full-time or part-time, in person on campus or distance. The program’s flexible delivery options make it possible to advance your career and upskill without stepping away from professional or personal commitments.

Taught by experts with industry insight

Learn from world-class economists who research and influence real policy and business decisions. Their experience ensures you gain not only academic depth but also the applied perspective employers look for.

Why study at UNSW?

Join a global top 20 university

Recognised for academic excellence, world-class research, and global impact, UNSW is ranked as a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings 2024–2026). Learn from leading academics with world-class expertise, study alongside ambitious peers, gain insights from industry and graduate with a globally respected qualification that enhances your career prospects and empowers you to make an impact anywhere in the world.

Learn through doing

Our teaching focuses on real-world problem solving — analysing data, evaluating policy options, and communicating evidence-based recommendations. You’ll build applied knowledge through the economic practicum, which involves solving real world challenges faced by industry.

Expand your professional network

Connect with a diverse community of students, alumni and industry professionals from around the world. As a UNSW student, you’ll have access to events, mentoring, and employer networks that can help you take your next career step.

FAQs

This degree is ideal for students and professionals who want to build or strengthen their foundation in economics — including those from other disciplines such as engineering or arts. It's also suited to those already working in government, finance or industry who want to enhance their analytical and decision-making skills.
The Master of Applied Economics provides a strong practical foundation, making it ideal for those looking to transition into the field or broaden their expertise. Entry typically requires a general bachelor’s degree, with the option for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) based on relevant experience or related study.

By contrast, the Master of Economics is designed for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise, specialise further or progress into senior and leadership roles. This accelerated, one-year program is suited to those with a bachelor’s degree in economics or a related discipline and a solid grounding in economic principles.
The Master of Applied Economics at UNSW equips you with the analytical and quantitative skills used by professional economists. Graduates can pursue careers across a wide range of sectors, including:

Financial institutions

Consulting firms

Government agencies

Industry and corporate organisations

This degree prepares you to tackle real-world economic challenges, deliver strategic insights and make data-driven decisions in diverse professional settings.
Economists experience steady demand across both public and private sectors, with job opportunities expected to grow over the coming decade. Industries such as Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, as well as Education and Training, are key employers of economics professionals.

The combination of analytical and quantitative expertise makes economists highly sought after for roles in government policy, finance, consulting, research, corporate strategy, and international organisations. This provides graduates with strong long-term career prospects and pathways for advancement.

Hear from our alumni

"Nothing beats stepping out of the day-to-day to see the bigger picture and develop new skills. The UNSW Business School was a great place to do just that. I would recommend it to anyone considering a similar investment."

Alice O'Hara | Former CEO of Bannisters Hotels | MAppEc (2025)

Program Code

8429

CRICOS Code

102633G

Campus

Kensington

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

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Entry requirements

Applicants must have graduated from a recognised bachelor's degree from an Australian university or equivalent overseas institution with a minimum overall grade of 65%, as determined by UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Calculator.

Your prior learning can be recognised to reduce the program duration. For students with Bachelor of Economics or Bachelor of Business degree with economics specialisation or equivalent, Honours or Graduate Diploma, the five core courses may be waived.

For students with prior work experience of at least one year in the private or public sector (for example, clerical or administrative work in a commercial, not-for-profit or public service organisation, supervisory or management, banking, finance or marketing experience or other business-related positions) the prescribed economics practicum may be waived.

Additionally, students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Economics (7412) with a minimum WAM of 65% can apply to articulate into this master's coursework program and will receive 24 UOC of Advanced Standing.

Assumed knowledge

A level of knowledge equivalent to a first-year undergraduate mathematics subject is assumed. Students without such knowledge are advised to contact the Postgraduate Program Coordinator in Economics, complete an appropriate self-assessment of university mathematics knowledge before the commencement of their first term and complete a mathematics bridging course where appropriate.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you are applying for a master’s degree, you may be awarded up to five courses, or 30 Units of Credit (UOC), based on your previous business studies (bachelor’s degree or higher).

Students seeking a waiver or Recognition of Prior Learning for the Economics Practicum must upload their CV when submitting their application via Apply Online. Applicants with at least one year of prior work experience in the private or public sector may be awarded an additional 12 Units of Credit. You’ll be notified of any credits awarded in your official letter of offer.

UNSW Business School English Language Requirement
International students are required to satisfy the UNSW Business School English Language requirement of IELTS 7.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in each subtest) or equivalent test.

Note: Applicants from non-211 universities in China wishing to study Postgraduate Coursework in the UNSW Business School must achieve a minimum overall average of 88 in their current university’s grading system. This is equivalent to an 85% Australian scaled average using the entry calculator above.

Assumed knowledge

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you are applying for a master’s degree, you may be awarded up to five courses, or 30 Units of Credit (UOC), based on your previous business studies (bachelor’s degree or higher).

What will I study?

UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.

We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?

Learn more

Program structure

The Master of Applied Economics is a two-year program comprising of 14 courses (48 units of credit), including both core courses, electives and an economics practicum. Throughout this program, you will gain valuable practical expertise in applying economic principles to achieve meaningful real-world impact.

You'll complete five core courses:

Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
Econometrics
Business Economics
Quantitative methods for business

You'll then complete an economics practicum and can choose the remaining nine courses from a range of prescribed electives that cover the full breadth of economics including financial economics, public policy, behavioural and organisation economics, international economics and trade, macroeconomics and quantitative methods.

This degree is delivered face-to-face and via distance format to allow for the most flexibility and to accommodate various learning styles. For current and detailed course information, visit the Applied Economics Handbook.

Go to the handbook

Future careers

Careers in economics are about using data, maths and reason to understand behaviour, improve societal wellbeing and make a positive impact on people’s lives. With highly transferable skills in analysis, statistics, data, problem-solving and communication, you can move across the private sector, financial institutions and government departments.

Health / behavioural / financial / labour/ macro-economist

Credit and financial analyst

Data analyst

Policy analyst

Business reporter

Economic researcher

Economic consulting

Financial consultant

Investment analyst

Management consultant

Market research analyst
Potential Employers
Typical employers include:

Financial companies and banks such as the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.

Consulting firms such as KPMG

Government departments such as The Treasury, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Ministry of Finance and Infrastructure Australia

Industry and corporate sectors such as TK Maxx and NBN co.

Explore careers

UNSW supports career experience while you study

UNSW Business School's Career Accelerator provides work experiences and professional development opportunities to help get you started.

Our degrees include up to two for-credit industry experiences, such as internships or global business practicums. These professional development opportunities complement your studies, build connections to industry, and give you a clear advantage after graduation.

Your opportunities are supported by our industry and alumni networks. As one of Australia’s leading business schools we have strong connections to industry and more than 90,000 alumni worldwide who could be connections to your future career. Not only that, UNSW supports start-ups, with more founders than any other Australian university and over 300+ clubs to find people with complementary skillsets.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.

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For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For details, visit the international admissions information page.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

Key features

2026 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$42,000*

2026 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$86,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

2026 Indicative First Year Fee

$62,000*

2026 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$129,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

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Progress starts here – at a world-leading university

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Ranked in the global top 20 for three consecutive years

^{QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026}

Most Employable Graduates

Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award six years in a row

^{AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025}

Australia's #1 for Innovation

Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech

^{SCOPR report, 2024}

I can flexibly choose my subjects each term depending on the workload that I’m able to take on.

Vanessa Gershkovich

Master's student