European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder), Freie Universität Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, University of Potsdam, ESMT Berlin, Hertie School, ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin (RFBerlin), WZB Berlin Social Science Center
The general working language in the Berlin School of Economics is English. All courses are held in English.
The application deadline for the Berlin School of Economics PhD Programme is in mid-January each year.
The Berlin School of Economics offers career development programmes in economics, accounting, finance and management at the PhD and post-doc levels in a single and unique structure. Within the Berlin School of Economics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder), Freie Universität Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, University of Potsdam, ESMT Berlin, Hertie School, ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin (RFBerlin) and WZB Berlin Social Science Center are pooling their efforts in the education of young researchers in economics.
The PhD programme provides outstanding doctoral students with a vibrant, highly interconnected research community and a training structure that develops their talents in a unique combination of high-level academic and applied research. During the two-to-three-semester course phase of the programme, students deepen their knowledge of economic theory, applied economics, business studies, econometrics, and economic policy. To complete the course phase, 90 ECTS have to be obtained in courses, workshops, seminars, internships, etc. During the three-year research phase of the programme, students write their doctoral theses while having the opportunity to apply their knowledge in the professional research environment that is provided at the research institutions participating in the Berlin School of Economics.
The Berlin School of Economics PhD programme has four PhD tracks:
These tracks share a similar structure and allow for numerous specialisations.
The Berlin School of Economics post-doc programme (Berlin School of Economics Research Associates Programme) recruits its members from the international job market for new PhD graduates. The programme provides its members with academic mentoring and offers multiple support structures for research activities, travel, and skill development.
Both Berlin School of Economics programmes are closely linked to the major research activities of the participating institutions.
Programme’s graduates are excellently prepared for the positions and placements in academia as well as for policy-related institutions and organisations.
Information can be found on our website.
PDF DownloadSelf-organised internships during the course phase of the programme are possible, but they are not mandatory.
Currently about 350 EUR per semester
PhD students will receive funding for the expected length of the programme. For the course phase, a stipend of 1,650 EUR per month and a family allowance for your children (if applicable) is provided. Funding during the research phase is normally provided through employment at one of the member institutions of the Berlin School of Economics.
The Berlin School of Economics welcomes highly qualified post-graduate students from around the world to enrol in its structured PhD programme.
Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Economics or Business Studies and have performed exceptionally well in their studies. Applicants from related fields (such as Industrial Engineering, Statistics, or quantitative social sciences) may also fulfil the admission requirements if they have a sufficient background in Economics or Business Studies.
All applicants may provide GRE General Test scores with their application. The GRE General Test at Home scores are also accepted. Providing GRE General Test scores is highly recommended but not mandatory. In addition, please note that the minimum scores for the GRE General Test (for admittance to the programme) vary based on the score levels of all applicants in the given year. Therefore, we do not specify a minimum score that must be achieved.
Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply for the programme if they also apply for a Master’s programme in Berlin that offers a fast track option.
The application deadline for the Berlin School of Economics PhD Programme is in mid-January each year.
For all of its doctoral students (and post-docs), the Berlin School of Economics provides support, e.g. mock job interviews, to help students successfully navigate the job market to find jobs as economists or in a similar field.
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