In 1995, he began his studies at the Johannes Kepler University in Linz, receiving both a Magister in Economics and in International Business Administration in 2000.

From 2000 to 2004, he joined the PhD program in Economics at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy, under the supervision of Omar Licandro.

He also serves as a member of the Board of Academic Advisors at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.

[7][8] In March 2019, Felbermayr replaced current president Dennis J. Snower of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, who had reached the compulsory age of retirement.

[9] Prime Minister of Schleswig-Holstein Daniel Günther and State Minister of Science Karin Prien confirmed Felbermayr succession, believing the Institute's focus would shift to issues on custom duties, free trade agreements, and the intersection of politics and society.