FAQ

The purpose of this FAQ is to answer questions that applicants ask most often. For detailed information about program requirements (for example, classes that students must take, examinations, dissertation writing, etc.) please see the Program Details section.

1. What is the program, and what is it not?
2. How much does it cost?
3. How does the admissions process work?
4. What background do "typical" students have?
5. How does my degree affect admission?
6. What level of English should I have?
7. How many students are admitted? What are my chances?
8. Can you tell me something more about recommendation letters?
9. Can applicants from developed countries (such as EU) receive financial support?
10. May students ask for a travel grant when coming to CERGE-EI? What is the financial support for Preparatory semester participants?
11. What if I will finish my Master's degree only after the application deadline?
12. When does the academic year start?
13. I mentioned two recommenders in the application form but had to change one of them in the process. What should I do?
14. Can I apply the next year if I am not admitted this year?
15. What if my documents arrive after the application deadline?

1. What is the program, and what is it not?

The program is designed to offer advanced education in theoretical and applied economics. Although some CERGE-EI graduates move into the private sector after graduation, CERGE-EI offers degrees in Economics as a science.  Study at CERGE-EI should not be confused with obtaining an MBA degree.

2. How much does it cost?

The tuition for an academic year is 12,000 EUR.  Most students from transition and emerging economies, however, receive a full tuition scholarship. In addition, most students (especially those with a previous MA degree or an exceptionally strong academic record) also receive stipends to cover living expenses.  See Tuition and Financial Support for more details.

3. How does the admissions process work?

The application process can result in two positive outcomes.  Some students are admitted directly into the PhD program.  Others are invited to attend Preparatory semester that runs from late July to late August and offers instruction in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Mathematics. Based on a candidate’s performance in these three subjects and on an English academic writing exam, final admissions decisions are made for this group.

Direct admission is typically offered to students with a Master's degree in Economics and an exceptionally strong profile such that they have received an invitation to attend competing high-quality doctoral programs.  Admissions decisions are sent in the beginning of May.

All necessary confirmations for students who need a visa are sent so that they can apply for their visa as soon as possible. See Practical Information for more details.

4. What background do "typical" students have?

A previous education in economics is welcomed, although not required. Our students come from a variety of academic backgrounds, most typically from the fields of economics, mathematics, or engineering as well as law and the social sciences.

5. How does my degree affect admission?

Ideally, applicants will hold at least a Master's degree or its equivalent, or be expected to complete the Master's degree by June of the year when they are applying.

Students who have only a Bachelor's degree may also consider applying to the Joint Masters in Economics program.  Students may apply to both the PhD and JME programs simultaneously to maximize their chances of acceptance.

Please note that your Master's degree needs to be nostrified in the Czech Republic.  Acceptance for nostrification depends on the educational system of the country where the degree was earned and on the specific university. Please check this with us for more information if you are unable to determine whether your degree is eligible. 

6. What level of English should I have?

We strongly encourage you to submit results from any certified English exam (such as TOEFL, Cambridge Exams, IELTS, etc). This may increase your chances of acceptance into the program.  Submission of test scores, however, is not obligatory.

CERGE-EI operates in English.  You must be able to read, write, understand, and speak English from the beginning.  CERGE-EI's Academic Skills Center devotes its considerable expertise to helping all students, including native speakers, develop the unique skills required to be an effective scholarly communicator and presenter. 

7. How many students are admitted? What are my chances?

About 250 application are received each year. Although it varies from year to year, typically about between 10 and 15 students are offered direct admission to the PhD program and an additional 60 students are invited to the Preparatory semester.  From this latter group, approximately 30 are eventually admitted to the program.

8. Can you tell me something more about the recommendation letters?

You need at least two letters of recommendation from people familiar with your academic background.  Letters from others, such as community leaders who cannot speak directly to your academic abilities will not increase your chances for admission.

9. Can applicants from developed countries (such as EU) receive financial support?

Yes, applicants from developed countries may receive financial support.  CERGE-EI has some scholarships provided to students from particular countries or regions, but other scholarships are based solely on academic promise and performance.

10. May students ask for a travel grant when coming to CERGE-EI?

This depends on available funds. Financial support for travel costs may not be guaranteed each year. Preparatory semester participants usually receive financial support that would allow them to pay substantial part of their expenses during the Preparatory semester. Details are sent to all invited students after the Admissions Committee results are announced (in May).

11. What if I will finish my degree only after the application deadline?

You may apply as well, specifying your expected graduation date. We would need you to submit an official confirmation from your university saying that there are no obstacles to your graduation and that you are expected to graduate e. g. by the end of June of this year (specifying when the diploma will be issued).

Final admission, however, would be conditional until submission of translated and certified copies of your diploma and transcript.

12. When does the academic year start?

The academic year begins in mid-September. Please note that late arrivals are strongly discouraged, as lectures begin on the first day.  Late arrival may seriously impact your performance and exam results, and in the worst case may lead to expulsion from the program. Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.

13. I mentioned two recommenders in the application form but had to change one of them in the process. What should I do?

This is alright as far as you will let us know and we will receive the recommendation letters by the application deadline.

14. Can I apply the next year if I am not admitted this year?

Yes, sure. There is no reason why you should not. However, you have to submit all the documents again (we cannot use them from previous years).

15. What if my documents arrive after the application deadline?

The admission process starts right after the application deadline, so we cannot guarantee that documents arriving late will be taken into consideration.