
Master of Economics and Public Policy
Overview
Learn from internationally respected academic staff about the analytical techniques to evaluate, influence and develop effective public policy, and how to apply economics to make a positive difference in our increasingly globalised world.
This highly regarded program is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the School of Economics and the School of Political Science and International Studies, both of which rank in the world top 100 for their respective study areas.
During study with both schools you'll examine the relationship between public policy, governance and economics, and look at how governments develop policy, and how their intervention affects the global economy. You'll also benefit from the program’s emphasis on practical applications to solve complex problems.
The 1.5 year 24 unit program is designed for graduates with a background in economics, business or commerce, with training provided in areas including macroeconomics, microeconomics, political science, public policy and the impact of economic analysis on policy.
Program highlights
- Explore international issues like the far-reaching impacts of economic policy, and how can we better understand the cost-benefit of migration.
- Choose to specialise in areas including health economics, dynamics of effective governance, and how public policy affects international macroeconomics and finance, or complete an optional research thesis.
- Gain the knowledge to be a leading authority in public sector economics and analysis, with the skills to effect social change and improve economic and community welfare.
- UQ School of Economics is consistently ranked in the top 5 percent of research-intensive economic departments in the world. Source: Research Papers in Economics
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Online study
- Research experience
- Peer-assisted study sessions
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- The Macroeconomy
- Consumer and Firm Behaviour
- Elements of Econometrics
- Competition Policy and Regulation
Dual programs
Double your skills and your opportunities with a dual degree. You can study the Master of Economics and Public Policy as a part of these dual programs:
Career possibilities
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Policy program and evaluation consultant
- Government and public affairs manager
- Policy and economic adviser
- Infrastructure and investment adviser
Professional memberships
When you graduate, you may be eligible for memberships with the following professional organisations. Contact the organisation to find out how to become a member.
- Economic Society of Australia
Events
See all eventsStories
See all stories
UQ people
Ice appeal: the entrepreneur conditioned to stay ahead of the game

UQ people
Postgraduate study in economics and finance is fuelling Diana's drive for success
Stories
See all stories
UQ people
Meet Cezia from Indonesia, studying Business in Australia

UQ people
Meet Rahul from India, studying Business in Australia
Entry requirements
Prerequisites
- A bachelor degree (or equivalent) in the same discipline with a GPA of 4.5, approved by the Executive Dean; or
- A Graduate Certificate in Economics from UQ with a GPA of 4.5.
Prerequisites
- A bachelor degree (or equivalent) in the same discipline with a GPA of 4.5, approved by the Executive Dean; or
- A Graduate Certificate in Economics from UQ with a GPA of 4.5.
Related programs
Depending on your previous qualifications and current goals, you might want to consider
one of these related programs:
- 1 Year Master of Advanced Economics
- 1.5 Years Master of International Economics and Finance
- 1.5 Years Master of Health Economics
- 1.5 Years Master of Development Economics
- 1.5 Years Master of Economics
- 1.5 Years Master of Applied Econometrics
- 1.5 Years Master of Advanced Economics
- Graduate Certificate in Economics
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL IBT - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
TOEFL PB - Overall 570, listening 54, reading 54, writing 59/5.
Pearsons - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of Economics and Public Policy are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
AUD $40,640
Indicative annual fee 2021
This indicative annual fee is the cost of enrolling in the Master of Economics and Public Policy for the 2021 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
If you enrol in a larger or smaller study load, your fees will be calculated on a proportionate basis. All fees are reviewed annually.
Indicative annual fee
AUD $34,560
Indicative annual fee 2021
This indicative annual fee is the average cost of enrolling in the Master of Economics and Public Policy at 2021 fee rates. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
The average fee would be less for part-time study. Actual fees will vary according to your choice of courses, their unit value and the time you take to complete this program. Fees may be higher in later years as all fees are reviewed annually.
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
FEE-HELP
Domestic students who are accepted into the Master of Economics and Public Policy pay tuition fees.
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their tuition fees.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Master of Economics and Public Policy is 5545.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Master of Economics and Public Policy is 5545.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying - or if you have any questions about Uni - get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
Explore other programs
Keep up to date
Sign up to get information about applying and studying at UQ.