We offer tailored content, making it easier to find what you're looking for. If you're unsure, contact the UQ Student Centre for more information.
According to Research Papers in Economics (RePEc), the UQ School of Economics is in the top 25 per cent of research institutions in the world – ranked 49th in the world and 2nd in Australia (April 2018).
UQ is the only university in Queensland to offer a Bachelor of Economics. We're also one of the few universities to offer the program in Australia.
UQ is home to some of Australia's leading economics researchers who have earned a large number of prestigious awards, competitive research grants and fellowships. We also have specialist research centres including the Centre for Efficiency and Productivity Analysis.
The Faculty of Business, Economics and Law's award-winning Student Employability Team (SET) helps students develop their careers through internships, mentoring programs, inspirational guest speakers and career planning advice.
There are 5 majors available in the Bachelor of Economics.
View all majors for this programGraduates of the Bachelor of Economics are employed across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.
Past graduates have worked for employers including:
Other graduates choose to further their research ambitions and enrol in an honours year, where they develop their research skills and make significant contributions to knowledge.
"I can't recommend economics highly enough. At UQ you'll learn invaluable skills that will stick with you for a lifetime, be it analytical, mathematical or political." Nichola Kitson, BEcon graduate (2013), MSc graduate (Economics) (University of Oxford, 2015)
Economist, Overseas Development Institute, United Kingdom
Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) are supportive study sessions for first-year students run by other students. PASS leaders have recently studied (and done well) in economics courses – and provide advice about studying and student life.
During semester breaks, UQ's Summer and Winter Research Programs provide you with research experience working alongside some of the university’s leading academics and researchers. You just need to find a project relevant to your interests and apply.
We strongly encourage our students to spend time abroad with one of our international partner universities to diversify their knowledge and experience. Partner universities include the University of Wisconsin, University College London, and the National University of Singapore.
“Economics has given me a diverse and marketable skill set and global perspective that set me up to take on an interesting, exciting and worthwhile international career.” Verity Doyle, LLB (Hons I) / BEcon graduate (2009)
Associate, Linklaters, London, United Kingdom
The Community Engagement Program (CEP) gives you opportunities to work on real-life projects with not-for-profit and community organisations. In small groups, you'll apply your classroom knowledge and experience, and develop your leadership and networking skills.
Queensland Year 12 (or equivalent) English, Mathematics B.
This table shows the minimum adjusted score that was considered for admission to the Bachelor of Economics in 2018:
| OP | Rank | IB |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 89 | 32 |
This table shows the entry scores of all recent secondary students who were offered a place in the Bachelor of Economics:
| Unadjusted OP / Rank | Adjusted OP / Rank | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest | 2 / 97 | 1 / 99 |
| Median | 5 / 91 | 5 / 91 |
| Lowest | 7 / 86 | 6 / 89 |
The courses offered in the Bachelor of Economics are set out in the course list. Each course is allocated a certain number of units (#). A standard full-time study load is 8 units per semester.
Courses Program RulesThe Program Rules explain what is required to complete the Bachelor of Economics. These requirements include the total number of units you need to complete in order to graduate.
Program RulesTo have your degree conferred, you also need to comply with UQ’s policies and rules.
The table below shows the most recent student intake in the Bachelor of Economics in Semester 1, 2018:
| Applicant background | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| (A) Higher education study | 13 | 22.03% |
| (B) Vocational Education and Training (VET) study | 0 | 0% |
| (C) Work and life experience | 0 | 0% |
| (D) Recent secondary education: | ||
| 19 | 32.2% |
| 0 | 0% |
| 0 | 0% |
| International students | 27 | 45.76% |
| Total | 59 | 100% |
Student profiles show your likely peer group in a program. They are not the basis for admission to a program.
Graduates may be eligible for membership with the following professional bodies:
Dual programs let you study two degrees at the same time. Each dual program has a single set of Program Rules.
The following dual programs are available with the Bachelor of Economics:
A concurrent diploma is a diploma-level qualification (AQF 5) that you can study alongside your bachelor's program.
All diplomas are made up of 16 units. You can spread these units across the duration of your bachelor's program, or you can complete these units in an accelerated period.
Concurrent diplomas are available in:
Graduates of the Bachelor of Economics have the opportunity to progress into the following programs:
Eligibility for honours is based on your GPA. For details refer to the Program Rules for the honours program.
If you're a current student who has already commenced study at UQ, please see Programs and Courses for full information about your program structure, rules and requirements.
The following is a list of majors available in the Bachelor of Economics.
When you graduate, any majors, dual majors and extended majors you have completed will be listed on your degree certificate.
If you're ready for the challenges of a fast-paced career, this major is for you. The Business and Industry major concentrates on economic decision-making in the business sector. It covers areas like managerial economics, industrial and labour economics, the regulatory environment, and benefit/cost analysis techniques. As a student in this major, you'll develop critical skills and knowledge relevant to businesses in all sectors and industries.
Graduates of the Business and Industry major typically work for industry bodies, government departments, consultancies and private enterprise.
The Economics and Public Policy major is an economics-centred, multidisciplinary major for anyone curious about how government intervention can affect economies in a globalised world. The major focuses on the analytical tools you'll need to design and evaluate public policies. Core courses examine public finance and regulatory economics, while electives include advanced microeconomics, macroeconomics, applied econometrics and a range of policy-oriented courses.
Graduates of the Economics and Public Policy major typically work in public policy, government bodies, not-for profit organisations, private enterprise and politics.
The International Trade and Finance major focuses on the economic aspects of financial systems and emerging issues in the globalised world economy. As a student in this major, you'll study banking and international trade theories, and understand financial systems and the roles they play in economies. You'll also get to choose from advanced-level electives in areas including macroeconomics, econometric tools, financial management and the political aspects of economic globalisation.
Graduates of the International Trade and Finance major typically work in financial institutions, government agencies, consulting firms, and Australian and international private enterprises.
The effective and efficient use of natural resources is a pressing social and political issue. The Natural Resources and Environment major will teach you how to apply economic tools to analyse problems associated with the allocation of renewable and non-renewable natural resources, including fish and marine resources; forests; agricultural and recreational land; river systems; and energy and minerals. As a student in this major, you'll develop the analytical abilities to understand the enormous challenges facing business, governments and the community at large.
Graduates of the Natural Resources and Environment major typically work in public policy, environmental agencies, private enterprise, and mining and energy companies.
The Quantitative Methods major will allow you to contribute to better decision-making within the public and private sectors. As a student in this major, you'll learn about scientific methods of inquiry to measure, analyse, predict and model a broad range of economic scenarios. The major has a strong mathematical and modelling focus and will allow you to provide clear and evidence-based economic analysis. Advanced-level elective courses cover areas including econometric theory, productivity and efficiency analysis, statistics, and benefit-cost analysis.
Graduates of the Quantitative Methods major typically work in research consultancies, management organisations, private business, and government-orientated enterprise.
You should refer to the Program Rules for more information. Full definitions of majors are available in the Policies and Procedures Library.
Domestic places in the Bachelor of Economics are Commonwealth Supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.
Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth Supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.
Find out more about HECS-HELP.
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students. For more information, visit the Centrelink website.
The "indicative annual fee" is the approximate cost of enrolling in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) in the Bachelor of Economics for the 2019 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load.
A standard full-time study load is 16 units over two semesters. Actual fees (student contribution amounts) will vary according to your choice of courses and their unit value.
The Australian Government indexes student contributions each year.
Visit Student contributions and tuition fees for more information.
The University offers more than 200 scholarships for prospective students and more than 350 scholarships and prizes for current students.
Scholarships cover the full range of academic disciplines and are open to domestic students and international students.
Many scholarships have specific eligibility criteria. More information, including information about how to apply, is available on the Scholarships website.
All domestic student applications for the Bachelor of Economics need to be lodged through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).
You can list up to six programs in order of preference on your QTAC application. Listing the maximum of six will strengthen your chances of being offered a place at university.
The QTAC code for the Bachelor of Economics is 714001. You'll need this when applying.
Find out more about applying for undergraduate study.
Apply now to QTACInternational students commencing this program with prior tertiary education may be eligible for advanced standing/credit transfer. To view some of these opportunities, click here.
Domestic students may be eligible to study courses overseas as part of an approved exchange program. For further course study options and application details, visit the BEL Overseas Study website.
There are a number of dates and deadlines you need to meet when applying for university. Many of these dates are managed by organisations that are independent of UQ.
A good resource is the QTAC website, which has information about the application process and closing dates. Note: what QTAC calls a "course” we call a "program".
A full list of dates relevant to UQ students is available on the Student Matters Calendar.
Applying to university can be both exciting and daunting, which is why we’ve tried to make the process as simple and certain as we can.
We have several schemes in place to improve your chances of getting a place at UQ.
A rank or score doesn’t determine your potential.
If you're not offered a place in your first-choice program – or if you don't meet the typical entry requirements – you still have a number of options.
What would you like to know? Browse some of our popular topics or search our frequently asked questions to find answers to some common questions.
How can I improve my entry rank?
How do I apply for a UQ scholarship?
Do I need a Tax File Number to obtain a HELP loan?
In what month do semesters at UQ start?
Is accommodation available at UQ?
I am studying at another university. How do I transfer studies to UQ?
I am a mature-aged student wanting to study at UQ: any advice?
View UQ AnswersDownload our UQ guides for more information on programs, events, scholarships, upcoming important dates and much more.
View our guidesLearn to see the potential of the world. Gain the knowledge to make it better.