Program Overview

MA in Economic Research

“I would literally stand no chance where I am now without CERGE-EI - my performance completely owes to the technical knowledge, research interests and self-expression skills that I developed here. My MAER experience was very transformative and I will be forever grateful for the growth opportunities it has provided.“

                                                                                                                                           Giorgi, MAER Alumnus (Class of 2021)

Why is this program unique?

The MA in Economic Research is a Western-style graduate program designed for students who have completed their undergraduate studies and are interested in modern economic research.

The MA in Economic Research is a Western-style graduate program designed for students who have completed their undergraduate studies and are interested in modern economic research.

The program is spread over the course of two years, each divided into two (or three*) semesters. In each semester, students take three courses that equip them with the systematic knowledge of economic theory and empirical research techniques, and undergo Academic Writing training. At the end of the second year, they defend their MA thesis.
*Students who wish to simultaneously enter the PhD in Economic program (US study track) have the two years divided into three semesters. They further enjoy PhD student benefits such as monthly stipends and funded research stays at prestigious Western universities.

Where can our MA degree take you?

The aim of this program is to prepare students for further postgraduate education in economics either in CERGE-EI’s PhD in Economics program or at other high-quality universities in Europe and North America.

Graduates not wishing to continue on with a PhD study will be equipped with all the tools and expertise necessary for developing a career in research, analyst and quantitative positions at international and government organizations, public policy institutions, non-profit think-tanks and private sector companies.

You can download the program leaflet in Study > section Download.

>> If you wish to join our Virtual Open Day on February 17, 2022, register here. For all upcoming webinars and events, visit the Event Calendar. <<

Financial Support

Students admitted to the MA in Economic Research program do not pay any tuition.
At present, we do not offer any form of scholarship or living stipend to students of MA in Economic Research only. However, students simultaneously enrolled in the PhD study track (of the PhD in Economics program) receive a stipend.

Why should you consider CERGE-EI for your postgraduate degree?

Rankings and International Recognition

•   ranked in the top 2% of more than 1,500 research institutions worldwide by the Social Science Research Network (SSRN)
•   in the top 5%of economic departments/research institutions worldwide according to Research Papers in
     Economics (RePEc)
•   CERGE-EI operates under Charles University, the oldest university in Central Europe, ranked #=260 in QS Global
     World Rankings 2021 and among the top 100 universities in Economics by the 2019  Global Ranking of Academic
     Subjects
•   has been recognized as a Center of Excellence by both the European Union and the US government

Diverse Community

Our faculty members are outstanding researchers who publish widely across a broad range of fields in theoretical and applied economics. They hold PhDs from many of the worlds’ top graduate programs including Princeton University, the University of Chicago, the London School of Economics, and University College London.
CERGE-EI students come from 31 countries and have diverse academic backgrounds including degrees in economics, mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, business, international relations and sociology.

Stellar Careers

CERGE-EI’s graduates are employed in 32 countries worldwide. They typically pursue academic careers in prestigious university departments around the world or hold high-level positions in international organizations, including the World Bank, IMF, EBRD, OECD, government ministries and central banks, think-tanks, and private sector organizations, including major banks and consulting firms.

Individual Approach

Thanks to the small size of the institution, our MA in Economic Research students are able to discuss their research interests and ideas in depth with faculty members. The Academic Skills Centre helps students to develop their professional written and oral communication skills, and formulate the results of their economic research projects in the form of high-quality MA Thesis and high-impact presentations to specialized researchers as well as to the public.
The Study Affairs Team then provides students with complete personalized support, ranging from admissions support, visa and accommodation assistance, to help with adaptation to life in Prague.

Facilities

CERGE-EI is located in the historical, beautiful Schebek Palace that was renovated to accommodate all needs of modern higher education. It is also home to the Kmenta CERGE-EI Library, which is considered to be the best library of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe.
In 2019, CERGE-EI opened a brand new Digital Media Centre with an 80-seat lecture theater and studio, both equipped with the latest audiovisual technology. The facility allows for live-streaming lectures and seminars to multiple partner institutions across the region and for CERGE-EI faculty and students to hold virtual meetings with overseas supervisors, research partners and colleagues around the world.

Location: in the heart of Europe

The CERGE-EI building is located in the center of Prague, a beautiful and affordable European city with a great social and cultural life.
Prague has been repeatedly proclaimed to be one of the safest cities in the world, and according to the Global Peace Index, the Czech Republic ranks 7th on the list of safe and peaceful countries worldwide and 5th among European countries.

For more information about the MA in Economic Research and the application process, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.