Apply to PhD in Economics

"A graduate program and research that are competitive by international standards as well as adapted to the specific needs of the region."

Francois Bourguignon, Director of the Paris School of Economics, Former Chief Economist, The World Bank

Applications for PhD in Economics program for September 2015 are now open. The application deadline is April 30 of each year. There is no application fee.

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 is 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 (recognized) 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 the instructions carefully before applying! 

The deadline for all documents to be delivered to CERGE-EI is April 30. However, citizens of countries with visa requirements are strongly recommended to apply as soon as possible so their visa application could be processed in time by the Czech authorities.

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 and certified copies of your Bachelor and Master diploma and transcript, including its translation into English. Please see our Guidelines for Certification of Diplomas and Transcripts for details. Applicants who will be completing their Master studies only after our application deadline need to submit confirmation of studies 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. Please use our Letter of Recommendation Template (download to fill in electronically)

- 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 at CERGE-EI by the application deadline.

Based on applicants' background and qualifications, direct admission (without any further exams) to the CERGE-EI PhD program may be offered to several candidates. Directly admitted applicants are notified about their admission shortly after the Admissions Committee takes place (in May). 

Approximately 60 other candidates are invited to attend summer Preparatory semester that starts in July. The Preparatory Semester addresses the fact that many applicants' knowledge of modern Economics and Mathematics varies. It provides potential students with a common knowledge base on which to build their graduate work, and allows them to gain a sense of how Economics is taught at CERGE-EI.

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 PhD 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.