For students and professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge in economics, summer schools provide a unique opportunity to engage with world-class faculty, develop analytical skills, and expand academic and professional networks. Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate student, or early-career researcher, enrolling in a summer program can be a game-changing experience. Here’s a look at some of the top summer schools in economics in 2025 that continue to set the standard globally.
1. London School of Economics (LSE) Summer School – United Kingdom
The LSE Summer School is one of the most prestigious and internationally recognized programs in economics. Located in the heart of London, the school offers intensive three-week courses led by faculty members who are leaders in their fields.
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Courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, econometrics, and behavioral economics.
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Open to students from around the world, with no strict academic prerequisites for many courses.
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Credits may be transferred to home institutions.
Ideal for: Undergraduate and graduate students, professionals looking to refresh or enhance their economic knowledge.
2. Barcelona School of Economics (BSE) Summer Schools – Spain
The Barcelona School of Economics offers a suite of summer programs that combine rigorous coursework with cultural immersion. Known for its quantitative emphasis and links with leading European institutions, BSE offers specialized tracks such as Data Science for Economists, Macroeconomic Forecasting, and Competition Policy.
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Faculty include professors from top global institutions and central banks.
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Networking events with economists and industry professionals.
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Held in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.
Ideal for: Graduate students, researchers, and professionals interested in advanced and applied economic training.
3. Paris School of Economics (PSE) Summer School – France
The PSE Summer School provides specialized and research-oriented programs in areas such as development economics, empirical industrial organization, and economics of inequality.
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Courses taught by internationally renowned academics and researchers.
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Strong focus on empirical methods and data analysis.
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Collaborative projects and workshops included in many tracks.
Ideal for: PhD students and advanced Master’s students looking to gain insights into current research frontiers.
4. University of California, Berkeley – Summer Sessions in Economics – USA
UC Berkeley offers one of the most popular summer programs in the United States. The Economics Department Summer Sessions feature a broad range of courses that cater to undergraduates and aspiring graduate students.
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Access to the university’s resources and facilities.
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Opportunities to connect with Berkeley faculty and students.
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Courses in economic history, game theory, public economics, and more.
Ideal for: Undergraduate students aiming to strengthen their academic credentials or prepare for graduate studies.
5. Cologne Graduate School in Management, Economics and Social Sciences – Germany
This research-intensive summer school focuses on cutting-edge topics in economics, including behavioral and experimental economics, labor economics, and public finance.
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Workshops and lectures by international guest speakers.
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Highly interactive format with presentations and discussions.
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Located in a hub for economic research and business.
Ideal for: Doctoral candidates and early-career researchers.
6. Economics Summer School at University of Cambridge – United Kingdom
Cambridge’s International Summer Programme in Economics is a long-established course that combines lectures, seminars, and group work. It’s hosted by the Institute of Continuing Education and covers key economic issues from both theoretical and policy perspectives.
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Topics include the global economy, inequality, and economic policy.
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Courses taught by Cambridge-affiliated scholars.
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Residential and online options available.
Ideal for: Undergraduate and graduate students, professionals seeking a deeper understanding of global economic issues.
Also Read: – Development Economics Programs in the U.S.: A Pathway to Global Impact
7. University of Chicago – Summer Economics Courses – USA
The University of Chicago’s summer program offers a chance to experience the rigorous, theory-driven environment of one of the world’s top economics departments. Courses span foundational subjects to niche topics like law and economics and financial markets.
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Courses emphasize analytical rigor and problem-solving.
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Access to renowned faculty and researchers.
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Potential pathways into graduate programs at UChicago.
Ideal for: High-performing undergraduates and pre-doctoral researchers.
8. Toulouse School of Economics (TSE) Summer School – France
The TSE Summer School is highly regarded for its focus on quantitative and policy-relevant economics. Specialized tracks often include Industrial Organization, Environmental Economics, and Finance.
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Taught by globally ranked economists and policy advisors.
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Opportunities for networking with researchers and alumni.
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Located in the scenic city of Toulouse, a French academic hub.
Ideal for: Graduate students and young professionals, especially those interested in policy and regulatory work.
9. Mannheim Summer School in Economics – Germany
The University of Mannheim is known for its strength in empirical and applied economics. The summer school emphasizes advanced statistical methods and empirical strategies.
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Modules on econometrics, causal inference, and machine learning.
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Focused on hands-on learning and replication studies.
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Collaborative environment with guest lectures and peer learning.
Ideal for: PhD students and researchers working on data-intensive projects.
10. CEPR Advanced Courses and Summer Schools – Various Locations (Europe)
The Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) organizes advanced summer schools and short courses throughout Europe, often in collaboration with top institutions like the London Business School or the University of Zurich.
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Targeted at academic researchers and PhD students.
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Taught by world-class economists (including Nobel Laureates).
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Focused themes like macro-finance, development, and trade.
Ideal for: Academic researchers, postdocs, and advanced PhD candidates.
Final Thoughts
Summer schools in economics serve as gateways to deeper academic engagement and stronger professional skills. Whether you’re exploring career options, preparing for graduate study, or already deep into your research, there’s a program tailored to your interests and ambitions.
In 2025, the best summer schools combine elite faculty, relevant curricula, and immersive experiences to offer transformative learning. Before applying, consider factors such as cost, location, academic fit, and career relevance. Most programs offer scholarships or early-bird discounts, so early application is recommended.