Initiated in 2013, the BIE program was the brainchild of professors in the Vancouver School of Economics (then, still the Department of Economics) who wanted to bring together students from all over the world to study in one of the most prestigious universities for economics in Canada. The BIE is a rigorous cohort-based program that admits less that 4% of applicants and is built around core courses in economics, trade, and finance, from the VSE and UBC Sauder School of Business.
Some of the courses that BIE students are enrolled in consist of Advanced Empirical Research (thesis), Investment Theory, Market Research, International Finance, International Trade, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Strategic Management, etc. By the end of their second year in the program, BIE students complete the same level courses as a third year economics student including intermediate macro and micro economics, econometrics, and statistics. With its unique breakdown of 50% international and 50% domestic students, along with the strong technical training in economics, commerce, and statistics offered through the program, BIE students are set to carve out careers in business, government, and academia.