Which master's specialisation suits a BA graduate in Economics applying to Germany with 68% marks?

German universities do not read your 68% as a universal cutoff the way Indian admissions offices might. They convert it into the German grading scale and check it against each program's own subject and ECTS credit requirements, so the honest answer depends on how much mathematics, statistics and econometrics your BA actually included, not the percentage alone.

Where 68% Realistically Gets You In

• Applied Economics: the most forgiving route if your BA covered microeconomics, macroeconomics and basic statistics, without demanding heavy advanced mathematics.
• Development Economics: a strong option if you want economics without an extremely quantitative master's, useful for careers in NGOs, government or international organisations.
• Public Economics or Public Policy: worth considering if taxation, welfare economics or government careers interest you.

Where to Be More Cautious

• Quantitative Economics or Econometrics: Mannheim's programs specifically list mathematics and statistics ECTS minimums, and a 68% average without strong quantitative subjects is a hard sell here.
• Finance or Financial Economics: Mannheim's own Finance, Accounting and Taxation master's requires at least 36 ECTS in Business Administration, so check the exact module list before applying.

This Information Is Also Available On

University of Mannheim's own admissions pages, and DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst).

My Advice

My honest advice with a 68% profile is to build a spread rather than aim exclusively at one program: 3 to 4 safer applications in Applied or Development Economics, a couple of moderate ones in International Economics, and only 1 or 2 ambitious shots at a quantitative MSc Economics if your transcript genuinely backs it up. Also confirm your APS certification early, since it is required before most German universities will even review the file.