PhD 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. When is the deadline for PhD in Economics?
2. What is the program, and what is it not?
3. How much is the tuition fee? Can students get a scholarship?
4. How can I apply?
5. What does my application have to include?
6. How does the admissions process work?
7. When will I know the admission results?
8. How does my degree affect admission?
9. What level of English should I have?
10. How many students are admitted? What are my chances?
11. Can applicants from EU countries receive financial support?
12. Can students ask for a travel grant when coming to the Preparatory Semester?
13. What if I will finish my degree only after the application deadline?
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. When is the deadline for PhD in Economics?

The application deadline for completing and submitting applications for the PhD in Economics program is March 31, 2019, at 23.59 CET. We will not be able to accept any materials that arrive after the deadline; only complete applications supplied with all required documents delivered by the deadline will be considered.

2. 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.

3. How much is the tuition fee? Can students get a scholarship?

The tuition for an academic year is up to 16,400 USD. Most students, however, receive a full-tuition scholarship. In addition, most students (those with a previous MA degree) also receive stipends to cover living expenses. See Tuition and Financial Support for more details.

4. How can I apply?

Applications must be submitted via the online application form and are processed by the Admissions Coordinator, who performs a formal control of submitted applications. We encourage all applicants to carefully read about admissions requirements and application process.

5. What does my application have to include?

Carefully filled-out online application form, Statement of Motivation, up-to-date CV, Copies of BA and MA diplomas and transcripts (in English), Two to three ideally academic references, and a Proof of English Proficiency.

Students are also highly encouraged to provide GRE/GMAT score, however, these are not required.

6. How does the admissions process work?

The admissions 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 July 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. The academic year then starts in October.

7. When will I know the admission results?

Admissions decisions will be made by the Admissions Committee in early April. Applicants will be informed of the decision shortly afterwards. Preparatory Semester participants receive their final admissions results at the beginning of September.

8. 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.

Please note that your Master's degree needs to be recognized in the Czech Republic.  Acceptance for recognition depends on the educational system of the country where the degree was earned and on the specific university.

9. What level of English should I have?

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 in helping all students, including native speakers, develop the unique skills required to be an effective scholarly communicator and presenter. 

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

About 180 application are received each year. Although it varies from year to year, typically between 10 and 15 students are offered direct admission to the PhD program and an additional 40 students are invited to the Preparatory semester. From this latter group, approximately 30 are eventually admitted to the program.

11. Can applicants from EU countries 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.

12. Can students ask for a travel grant when coming to the Preparatory Semester?

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 a substantial part of their expenses during the Preparatory semester. Details are sent to all invited students after the Admissions Committee results are announced (in April).

13. What if I finish my MA 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).

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.