How to Apply

Eligibility for Study

General information

• Any individual from any country is welcome to submit an application.
• There is no application fee.
• CERGE-EI does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, gender, or religion.

Background requirements

• A strong background in mathematics is essential.
• Sufficient proficiency in English to read, write and fully understand study material necessary.
• Previous education in economics is welcomed, but not required. Many successful students have previous backgrounds in math, law, political science or other disciplines.

Educational requirements

• A Master's degree or its equivalent that can be nostrified in the Czech Republic (or expectation to complete a Master's degree by June of the year when you are applying) is the best credential for admission. Strong students with a Bachelor's Degree may also apply directly to the PhD program, however, their financial support is determined on an individual basis. Masters degree holders are usually given full financial support.

• Students whose highest credential is a Bachelor's degree are advised to apply for the Joint Masters in Economics program, which is run by CERGE-EI and the Institute of Economic Studies (IES) at the Faculty of Social Sciences of Charles University in Prague. The JME covers a substantial portion of the PhD curriculum.
   

Application Instructions

PLEASE READ THIS PAGE CAREFULLY BEFORE APPLYING.

Applicants are strongly advised to apply by February 28th. Only applicants who apply by this date can be invited to the Preparatory semester, which in turn significantly increases their chances of admission into the MA/PhD Program.  The MA/PhD Program otherwise conforms to the Charles University deadline.

There is no application fee.

The following materials are required for an application to be processed. All materials must be submitted in English or accompanied by an English translation and must be RECEIVED in hard copy at CERGE-EI by the deadline date.

• Application form: please fill in the online application form, sign it and send a hard copy along with your other application materials.
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of motivation: 1000-2000 word statement in English explaining your academic and research background, your interests and career goals, and how the program at CERGE-EI will help you meet your objectives. Please see the Statement of Motivation Guidelines.
• Two notary verified copies of one of your BA diploma, certified by Apostille or Superlegalization (if applicable - please see the Guidelines for Certification of Diplomas and Transcripts), including its translation into English.
• Two notary verified copies of one of your MA diploma, certified by Apostille or Superlegalization (if applicable), including its translation into English. Applicants finishing their Master studies by August 2013 submit confirmation of studies from their current University.
• Two notary verified copies of one of your BA transcript, certified by Apostille or Superlegalization (if applicable - please see the Guidelines for Certification of Diplomas and Transcripts), including its translation into English.
• Two notary verified copies of one of your MA transcript, certified by Apostille or Superlegalization (if applicable), including its translation into English. Applicants finishing their Master studies by August 2013 submit partial transcript from their current University.
• Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic background sent in separate sealed envelopes, with the recommender’s signature written across the seal (forms available here).
• All other relevant documents that may increase your chance in the program (such as additional study records, certificates, etc.).
• Students are encouraged to submit a TOEFL (Institutional Code 2403) or other certified English language exam score, as well as GRE (or other proficiency test) scores.

Mailing Address:
CERGE-EI
MA/PhD Study Affairs Office
P.O. Box 882, Politických vězňů 7
111 21 Prague 1, Czech Republic

Admissions Process

Admission Committee evaluates all materials received in hard copy by application deadline at CERGE-EI.

Based on applicants` background and qualifications, direct admission to the CERGE-EI PhD program may be offered to several candidates.

Approximately 60 other candidates are invited to attend a summer Preparatory semester. Candidates who are offered direct admission are welcome to attend the Preparatory Semester on a voluntary basis to improve their skills.

The Preparatory semester courses start in July and last 6 weeks              (July 15-August 30).  Performance in Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and Mathematics courses, and on an English academic writing exam, determines which students from the Preparatory semester are admitted to the CERGE-EI program. Between 30 and 40 students are offered admission each year.

The academic year begins in mid-September. (See Academic Calendar.) Please see Program Details for more information about the program itself.  

Government Scholarships – Developing Countries

Additional admissions to the MA/PhD program are available for those students who are awarded a Czech Government Scholarship.

Prospective applicants for Government Scholarship are advised to address their inquiries concerning their eligibility and closing date for applications to the Czech Embassies in their countries. Applicants interested in Government Scholarship must submit their applications to the appropriate Czech Embassy. The deadline varies from country to country, but may be as early as November (please check with the Czech Embassies).  

No separate application to CERGE-EI is required if applying for a Czech Government Scholarship. However, submitting an additional application directly to CERGE-EI may increase applicant chances of being admitted to the program.

Visiting Students

Non-matriculated Visiting Student Opportunities at CERGE-EI

Each year, CERGE-EI welcomes several visiting students for study or research stays, and makes every effort to assist and encourage their participation in academic activities. Foreign PhD students (typically full-time students working on their thesis at another university) interested in a study or research stay at CERGE-EI should send an official request to the PhD Study Affairs Office by either email or regular post.

There is no standard form, but this request should contain the following information:

1. Explanation of why the stay is important for the student’s academic development,
2. What the student plans to do at CERGE-EI, possibly who he/she wants to collaborate with (see our Faculty profiles),
3. When the student wants to arrive, how long he/she wishes to stay,
4. Basic requirements (network connection, shared office space, etc.),
5. A recent CV,
6. A letter of recommendation from the student’s supervisor (or from the director of the student’s program),
7. Details on the student’s possibilities for funding his/her stay (including health insurance for the entire stay) and co-financing of research stays (i.e. for purchasing research-related resources).

Requests are considered on an individual basis based on both academic qualifications and the current availability of facilities and resources of CERGE-EI.

Note: All visiting students are required to present their research at a brown bag or regular seminar at CERGE-EI. Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.