Certificate in IEF
About the Certificate in International Economics and Finance (IEF)
Deepen your knowledge of economics and finance
Through courses taught by leading economists and practitioners with a focus on Central and Eastern Europe, IEF Certificate students gain new insights and deeper perspectives on the field. IEF professors have distinguished academic backgrounds and impressive teaching credentials, and are leaders in their fields and industry specialists. They come from academia and institutions such as the Czech National Bank, financial firms, consulting companies, and government ministries.
IEF courses follow two broad specializations: One set of courses covers economics topics with a particular focus on Central and Eastern Europe, such as the economic history of the region, economic growth and development, and the economic transition from planned to market economies. Another set of courses offers insights into cutting-edge topics in modern economics, such as behavioral finance or digital currencies and cryptocurrencies, taught by leading professors and practitioners.
Access the region’s top economists
The UPCES program is based at CERGE-EI, part of Charles University and the Czech Academy of Sciences. CERGE-EI is the top-ranked economics institution in Central and Eastern Europe, and serves as a hub for discussion, research, and practice of economics and economic policy. CERGE-EI economists serve as top advisors across the Czech government and on corporate boards throughout the region.
Build your resume while studying abroad
Certificate students deepen their academic understanding of economics and finance in a Central European context, while also building their network and broadening their understanding of the professional applications of these fields of study.
Certificate requirements
Students pursuing the Certificate in International Economics and Finance deepen their knowledge through the following:
- Three courses selected from within the IEF course offerings
- All UPCES students take five courses. Students on the IEF certificate track will enroll in three IEF courses, Czech language (required for all UPCES students), and one additional course in any discipline
- Attendance at a minimum of three lectures/presentations by visiting economists to CERGE-EI and completion of a post-lecture summary and analysis
- Participation in two site visits and networking events with Prague-based professionals in economics and finance
- Completion of an end of semester assignment on a topic of student’s interest and participation in final symposium
Eligibility Requirements
- Interest in economics and finance
- Students from all majors welcome
- Successful completion of university level introductory microeconomics and macroeconomics courses or equivalent prior to enrolment
- Students applying to IEF while completing these courses will be admitted contingent on successful completion before arrival in Prague
- Recommended minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0. Students with a GPA below this cutoff will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
How to Apply
- Apply to UPCES through the regular application
- Select the checkbox indicating your interest in the IEF Certificate
- Complete the short essay question outlining why you are interested in the Certificate
Questions? Contact us
