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

The application deadline is 30 April (23:59 of Central European Summer Time) 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

• Strong background in mathematics is an advantage.
• 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 backgrounds in math, political science or other disciplines.

Educational requirements

A Master's degree or equivalent that can be nostrified (recognized) in the Czech Republic (or expectation to complete a Master's degree by June of the year for which 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. Alternatively, students whose highest credential is a Bachelor's degree may apply for our Visiting Master's in Economics scheme."

Application Instructions

Please read instructions carefully before applying! 

The deadline for all the documents (including letters of recommendation) to be either uploaded through the Online Application Form or delivered in hard copy to CERGE-EI is April 30 (23:59 of Central European Summer Time). However, we strongly recommend submission of application materials as early as possible to smooth the application process.

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 by CERGE-EI on or before the deadline date.

• Application form: please fill in the Online Application Form
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of motivation: please submit a 1000-2000 word statement in English describing 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
• Verified copies of your Bachelor and Master diplomas and transcripts (diploma supplement) with certified translations into English if needed. Please see our Guidelines for Verification of Diplomas and Transcripts for details. You will have to present these documents in paper form in case you are invited to the Preparatory semester or directly admitted (upon your arrival to CERGE-EI). Applicants who will be completing their Master studies or will receive their Master diploma only after our application deadline must submit confirmation of studies from their current university
• Two letters of recommendation submitted online from persons familiar with your academic background indicated in the online application form (Please note that a request for letters of recommendation will be sent to your referees only after you complete and submit Online Application Form.)

Additional, optional materials:

• All other relevant documents that may support your application for the program (such as additional study records, certificates, etc.)
• Students are encouraged to submit a TOEFL (Institutional Code 2403), IELTS or other certified English language exam score, as well as GRE (or other proficiency test) scores.

Materials must be either uploaded through the Online Application Form or delivered in hard copy. Materials sent by email are not accepted.

Mailing address in case of delivery of the application materials in hard copy:
CERGE-EI
PhD in Economics
P.O. Box 882, Politických vězňů 7
111 21 Prague 1, Czech Republic

Admissions Process

The Admission Committee evaluates all materials received at CERGE-EI by the application deadline.

The evaluation of the materials received by the application deadline take into account whether the professional interest and applicants' background and qualifications are in accordance with the research focus of the CERGE-EI.

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

Approximately 50 other candidates are invited to attend summer Preparatory semester, which begins in July.

The Preparatory Semester is designed to support applicants with varying levels of knowledge of modern Economics and Mathematics. 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.

Prep semester 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 35 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.