Seeking Advice for Masters in Financial Engineering / Quant Finance in Europe

[sabervowing]

Hi all,


I'm currently a final-year undergraduate student at a university in Singapore, majoring in Mathematics with a specialization in Statistics.


Beyond core subjects like Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Analysis, I've taken electives in Stochastic Processes and Financial Mathematics, and I plan to enroll in Econometrics and Time Series Analysis in my final semester. My GPA is very close to First Class Honours.


I’m highly interested in pursuing a career in Quantitative Research or as a Quant Analyst, and I’m currently exploring Master’s programs that align with this goal.


While I am applying to local graduate programs, I’m also keen on applying to programs in Europe, both to broaden my academic exposure and to explore potential job opportunities in the region post-graduation.


From QuantNet and similar forums, I've found some useful information on top UK programs. However, I haven't been able to find a clear or comprehensive list of well-regarded MFE/MQF or equivalent programs across continental Europe (outside the UK).


Could anyone share recommendations or personal experiences regarding strong programs in Quant Finance / Financial Engineering / Mathematical Finance / Financial Mathematics in Europe? Bonus points if you know of programs that offer scholarships or are friendly to international students.


Thank you in advance for any advice or insights!

 

[fabiantum]

I would recommend:
ETH Zurich
TUM
EPFL

 

[sabervowing]

I would recommend:
ETH Zurich
TUM
EPFL

Hey thanks for the swift reply, is there a brief reason you may give on why they are good in your opinion. Also how is their funding like?

 

[fabiantum]

Hey thanks for the swift reply, is there a brief reason you may give on why they are good in your opinion. Also how is their funding like?

They all have quite low tuition fees for international students, and are mathematically rigorous.
All have a few hackathons for quant trading each year, where you can network with tier 1 firms.
But most students are placed in banking or asset management.
(I'm at TUM and took their graduate financial mathematics courses)

 

[sabervowing]

They all have quite low tuition fees for international students, and are mathematically rigorous.
All have a few hackathons for quant trading each year, where you can network with tier 1 firms.
But most students are placed in banking or asset management.
(I'm at TUM and took their graduate financial mathematics courses)

Thanks. Would you say these are good enough for the quant firms out there? I don't mind doing banking and AM, although thats of course not my priority.

I would like to know a little more about your experience currently at TUM and if you think it gives you the preparation and edge to enter the quant world.

I have heard good things about ERASMUS Rotherdam as well. Not sure if you think it ranks with the 3 you mentioned

 

[fabiantum]

Well, TUM is really maths heavy, so it is suited for quant research, but they don't teach too much applied stuff; you would have to do it on your own. But if you put in the work, a few students each year go to Optiver/Jane Street. Basically it can give you everything you want for the theoretic side, but you have to put in a lot of work.

As for me, I'm still an undergraduate and I took all the courses, so it wouldn't make any sense to do my masters here. I will try to get into a top MFE program in the US.
I do know some guys from Rotterdam, but I think it is a bit more applied.

 

[sabervowing]

Well, TUM is really maths heavy, so it is suited for quant research, but they don't teach too much applied stuff; you would have to do it on your own. But if you put in the work, a few students each year go to Optiver/Jane Street. Basically it can give you everything you want for the theoretic side, but you have to put in a lot of work.

As for me, I'm still an undergraduate and I took all the courses, so it wouldn't make any sense to do my masters here. I will try to get into a top MFE program in the US.
I do know some guys from Rotterdam, but I think it is a bit more applied.

Thanks. Ye I am actively putting in my hard work on top of the math I am learning now, which is quite advanced and heavy. I can consider TUM, so long as they offer some kind of cheap fees for non EU students.

I was considering US universities as well, as it makes sense that there are great financial hubs in the states. I feel Europe still holds its own and my aspiration is to work in Quant in europe, but of course if a company in US offers I wouldn't say no

Nevertheless, if as you said Rotherdam offers more applied, I would be more interested to dip my hands in it as I really want to partake in more hands on approach.

Looking to hear if other people would chime in to this thread and offer more insights and perspectives. I think most masters deadline are in end September and I got to act fast

 

[fabiantum]

Thanks. Ye I am actively putting in my hard work on top of the math I am learning now, which is quite advanced and heavy. I can consider TUM, so long as they offer some kind of cheap fees for non EU students.

I was considering US universities as well, as it makes sense that there are great financial hubs in the states. I feel Europe still holds its own and my aspiration is to work in Quant in europe, but of course if a company in US offers I wouldn't say no

Nevertheless, if as you said Rotherdam offers more applied, I would be more interested to dip my hands in it as I really want to partake in more hands on approach.

Looking to hear if other people would chime in to this thread and offer more insights and perspectives. I think most masters deadline are in end September and I got to act fast

fees are 6k per semester, so in total it would be 24k (takes 2 years).