Fiscal Economics

The Master's in Fiscal Economics at Maastricht University offers an in-depth and comprehensive exploration of tax policy, fiscal systems, and economic analysis related to taxation and government revenue. This programme is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary to analyze fiscal policies, evaluate their economic impact, and contribute to the development of effective and efficient tax systems. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with real-world applications, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for careers in public finance, government institutions, international organizations, and consultancy firms. Throughout the programme, students gain insights into how fiscal policy influences economic growth, income distribution, and sustainability. They learn to assess the implications of tax regulations, analyze fiscal policy reforms, and develop strategies that promote fair and efficient taxation. The programme emphasizes quantitative methods, economic modeling, and rigorous research techniques, enabling students to conduct sophisticated analyses and produce evidence-based policy recommendations. In addition to core courses in taxation principles, public finance, and economic theory, students can choose from various electives focusing on topics such as transfer pricing, VAT, taxes and development, and international taxation. The programme fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and an interdisciplinary perspective, preparing graduates to address complex fiscal challenges faced by governments globally. With a strong emphasis on international contexts, the Master's in Fiscal Economics prepares students for diverse career opportunities including policy advisory roles, research positions, and consultancy jobs. The programme is delivered by experienced faculty members who are actively engaged in research and policy advising, providing students with current and relevant knowledge. Furthermore, students benefit from Maastricht University's collaborative learning environment, numerous international exchange opportunities, and strong links with industry and public institutions. Upon graduation, students will possess a thorough understanding of fiscal policies and their economic implications, enabling them to contribute effectively to shaping sustainable and equitable fiscal systems worldwide.

The MSc in Fiscal Economics at Maastricht University offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge and analytical skills related to fiscal policy, taxation, and public finance. The program is structured to provide a strong foundation in economic theory, particularly as it applies to government budgets, taxation systems, and fiscal reforms. Students will explore topics such as tax policy analysis, tax compliance, tax avoidance and evasion, public expenditure management, and fiscal sustainability. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, preparing graduates to analyze fiscal issues critically and develop effective policy solutions.

Throughout the programme, students engage with a variety of modules that cover key fiscal economics concepts, including the design and implementation of tax systems, the economic impact of taxation, and the role of fiscal policy in promoting economic stability and growth. The curriculum integrates quantitative methods, enabling students to perform empirical analyses and model fiscal phenomena accurately. Additionally, courses address current challenges faced by governments worldwide, such as tax evasion, digital taxation, and the effects of globalization on public finance.

The programme also incorporates case studies and real-world examples to connect academic theories with practical policy-making. Students have opportunities to participate in research projects, internships, and seminars led by experts in fiscal economics, enhancing their professional development. Maastricht's international environment fosters collaborative learning and exposes students to diverse perspectives on fiscal policies across different countries.

Graduates of this MSc in Fiscal Economics are well-prepared for careers in government agencies, international organizations, consulting firms, and financial institutions. They are equipped to analyze fiscal policies critically, design effective tax systems, and contribute to debates on fiscal reform and sustainability. The programme’s multidisciplinary approach ensures that students develop a holistic understanding of fiscal issues within the broader economic and social context. With a strong emphasis on analytical skills, policy analysis, and practical application, the MSc in Fiscal Economics at Maastricht University offers a distinguished pathway into the complex world of public finance and fiscal policy.

Admission requirements

GMAT or GRE for non-UM students

Other requirements

1. erkende verworven competenties (EVC’s) GMAT or GRE for non-UM students
2. gemiddeld cijfer GPA - grade point average
3. taaltoets cijfer TOEFL/IELTS for NON-EU students & non-native english speakers
4. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) Bachelor in economics, econometrics
5. schriftelijk verzoek A letter describing your motivation for studying MSc Econometrics and Operations Research at Maastricht University's Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
6. cijferlijst As proof of Dutch language proficiency, a certificate for the ‘Dutch as a Second Language, level 2' exam (Staatsexamen Nederlands als Tweede Taal (NT2), niveau 2), or proof of being a native Dutch speaker, is mandatory if you apply for the track Fiscale Economie within the MSc Fiscal Economics.

The financing of the Fiscal Economics master's program at Maastricht University is primarily supported through a combination of university funding, government subsidies, and student tuition fees. Tuition fees for international students are set annually by the Dutch government and vary depending on the student's nationality and residency status. Dutch and EU/EEA students benefit from lower statutory fees, while non-EU/EEA students pay higher institutional fees.

Maastricht University offers various scholarship opportunities for talented international students, including partial and full scholarships that can significantly offset tuition costs. These scholarships are often awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, or specific criteria related to the student's country of origin. Additionally, students may explore external funding sources such as government grants, private foundations, and international organizations that support studies in economics and public policy.

The university itself allocates funds toward faculty salaries, research activities, and program development to ensure high-quality education. The program’s infrastructure, including digital resources, learning facilities, and administrative support, is financed through university budgets supplemented by tuition income. Maastricht University emphasizes an innovative funding approach that integrates research activities into the learning environment, thereby encouraging students to participate in research projects that are often funded by external research grants.

Students enrolled in the Fiscal Economics program are also encouraged to seek part-time employment or internships in relevant sectors such as government agencies, financial institutions, or consulting firms, which can help offset personal expenses. Certain students might also be eligible for student loans and financing options available through Dutch financial institutions or international student loan programs, depending on their residency status and career plans post-graduation.

Overall, the combination of internal university funding, public subsidies, scholarship schemes, and external grants ensures the financial sustainability of the Fiscal Economics master's program. The university continually seeks to improve financial accessibility for students by expanding scholarship options and facilitating partnerships that can provide additional funding opportunities.

The Master's in Fiscal Economics at Maastricht University is a specialized program designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and analytical skills related to fiscal policy, taxation, public finance, and economic regulation. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in government agencies, international organizations, consulting firms, and research institutions where expertise in fiscal matters is essential. Throughout the curriculum, students explore the economic principles underlying taxation systems, government spending, and fiscal sustainability, along with the socio-economic impacts of fiscal policies. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating economic theory with real-world fiscal challenges, and encourages critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making.

Students engage with a range of topics such as tax policy analysis, public expenditure management, revenue forecasting, and the effects of fiscal rules within different economic contexts. Methodologically, the program fosters strong quantitative skills, including econometrics, data analysis, and modeling techniques, enabling students to evaluate fiscal policies' effectiveness and sustainability rigorously. Additionally, the program often incorporates practical components like case studies, internships, and collaborations with policy-making bodies to provide experiential learning opportunities.

Maastricht University's emphasis on small class sizes and interactive learning ensures personalized attention and active student participation. The program benefits from the university's international orientation, drawing students from diverse backgrounds and fostering a global perspective on fiscal issues. Graduates of the Fiscal Economics Master's program are well-equipped to understand and analyze the complex fiscal dynamics of modern economies, contributing to effective policy development and implementation. The program duration is typically one year for full-time students, with options for part-time study. Overall, the master's in Fiscal Economics offers a rigorous academic environment, practical insights, and the skills necessary for impactful roles in fiscal policy and economic analysis at national and international levels.