GTAP University (GTAP-U): Short Courses in Global Trade Analysis

Course Overview

The GTAP Short Course is an intensive training course in the economics of global policy analysis. Phase 1 is delivered entirely online and has two aims. The first is to give students practical experience using the software environment for solving GTAP models. The second is to review economic components of the model in a partial setting (e.g. production behavior or market equilibrium but no international trade). Phase 1 is completed immediately prior to the intensive, onsite Phase 2 of the course, which is taught over a five-day period. The first half of the onsite phase builds directly from prior training and is comprised of lectures, labs, and discussion on the construction of and analysis with a global economy model with bilateral trade and relevant policy instruments. The final capstone project portion of the onsite phase gives students the opportunity to prepare their own global economy investigation by working in small groups with a GTAP researcher to replicate prior work done with the GTAP Model and data base, and then develop their own question as an extension of that published study. The small group project is where students gain the experience with scenario design, model tools, and analysis techniques that will prepare them to become contributors to global analysis in the GTAP network of researchers.

Course Objectives and Expectations

The successful participant will demonstrate fluency with the GTAP Model code and data base by designing an economic policy experiment and communicating analysis to the course cohort and teaching team. The learning objectives fostered by the distribution of course activities reflect the ultimate goal and include:

  • introducing participants to the standardized framework (GTAP Model, v7) for conducting global policy analysis in an applied general equilibrium setting
  • providing participants with hands-on training with software that has been tailored to instruction and collaboration in economic analysis with minimal software manipulation overhead
  • delivering participants an opportunity to interact with economists working on global trade and resource use issues, and provide an efficient entry point to the international network of AGE modelers and policy analysts using GTAP data and models
What GTAP Short Course "Graduates" Are Saying...

"Coming from a CGE modelling background, I particularly valued the opportunity to deepen my understanding of this well-known global CGE framework, work systematically through the model and database, and explore extensions such as GTAP-E-Power. It was also great to learn alongside a diverse cohort from around the world and exchange ideas on a wide range of policy applications. A very useful and enjoyable week of learning, with plenty of ideas to take back into my own modelling and policy research. Many thanks to the GTAP team and the brilliant cohort of fellow participants for an engaging and rewarding week!"

"The onsite residency is so enriching, impacting and, in my experience, deepening our understanding of GTAP modeling after the asynchronous online lessons. It's such a well-thought and -planned course, with incredible and brilliant professors tutoring it. I feel honored and grateful of all the learning from GTAP-U faculties!"

"The course was an incredible opportunity to better learn the GTAP Model for practical, real-world applications. I had the privilege of learning from great instructors and connecting with a brilliant group of fellow participants."

"Congratulations to the GTAP team on putting together such an excellent course. The programme was exceptionally well structured, rigorous, and highly relevant, combining strong theoretical foundations with practical applications. Thank you to the instructors and organisers for delivering such a valuable and engaging learning experience."

"Excellent learning environment, teaching and material."

"Good balance between theory and practical lessons!"

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course and learned an incredible amount of material in such a short period of time. I look forward to being involved in the GTAP community in the future and using these modelling techniques in my work! Thank you!"

"I really loved the hands-on part of the course; it was a valuable experience and certainly provided a deeper understanding of the difficult and sophisticated linkages of the model."

"The course is very comprehensive and offered an opportunity to be introduced to all aspects of CGE modelling (theory, data, GEMPACK and other)."

Upcoming Course(s)

  • To be announced

Past Courses

Last Modified: Monday, August 17, 2026