Studying Economics Across Asia

Economics as a discipline — not a business bundle

Economics is the study of how resources, incentives, markets and policy interact, and it is a distinct academic discipline. This guide is about the economics discipline itself — separate from country-specific business, finance or MBA bundles, which package economics alongside management and accounting.

If you want rigorous training in economic theory, data and modelling, an economics degree is the direct route; if you want a broad business education, a management or business programme may fit better. Read the curriculum to be sure which one you are looking at.

The BA/BSc versus quantitative split

Economics degrees sit on a spectrum. At one end, a broader BA in economics emphasises economic reasoning, history of thought and applied policy with moderate mathematics. At the other, a BSc or quantitative economics programme leans heavily on calculus, statistics and econometrics — the tools used to test economic questions with data.

Neither end is superior; they suit different goals. A quantitative programme is often the stronger base if you aim for research, a PhD, or data-intensive roles, while a broader BA can suit those wanting an applied, policy-facing education. Confirm the mathematical intensity of any programme from its official module list.

• Broader BA: reasoning, applied policy, moderate maths
• Quantitative BSc: calculus, statistics, econometrics
• Quantitative depth helps for research and PhD routes
• Check the maths and econometrics content on the official syllabus

Where strong English-taught economics sits

English-medium economics is common in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, and a number of universities across the region offer English-taught undergraduate or postgraduate economics for international students. Elsewhere, the flagship undergraduate degree may be in the national language, with selected English master's or research programmes available.

Department strengths differ — some emphasise theory, others applied or development economics, others data and finance. Rather than relying on rankings or general claims, read each department's official page for its specialisations, faculty research areas, and language of instruction.

Entry requirements

Undergraduate admission typically rests on school-leaving results (or an accepted equivalent), a strong mathematics record for quantitative programmes, and proof of English such as IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught degrees.

Master's and PhD admission usually expects a relevant first degree, quantitative preparation, references and a statement, and some programmes ask for the GRE or GMAT. Exact cut-offs, tuition, funding and deadlines vary by university and change over time — verify every figure on the official admissions page.

Research assistant and PhD-economics directions

Economics offers a clear academic ladder. Many graduates take research-assistant (RA) or pre-doctoral positions with faculty or research institutes to build data and modelling skills before applying to a PhD, which is a multi-year research degree leading to academic and specialist research careers.

Strong quantitative preparation and research experience matter for these routes. Funding, stipends and admission standards are set by each department and change, so confirm the current terms on the official programme page and treat any stipend figure as something to verify, not assume. No department, programme or agent can guarantee you a place or a scholarship — be wary of anyone who says otherwise, particularly if a fee is attached.