MAER FAQ

This FAQ addresses questions that applicants ask most often. For detailed information about the program, please see the Program Overview section.

  1. When is the application deadline?
  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. In the application, I can choose between MA in Economic Research + PhD in Economics (US study track) and MA in Economic Research. What is the difference?
  6. What does my application have to include?
  7. How does the admissions process work?
  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. Do I have to submit proof of English proficiency if I have been studying in English?
  12. What if I will finish my BA degree only after the application deadline?
  13. Can I apply next year if I am not admitted this year?
  14. What if my documents arrive after the application deadline?

1. When is the application deadline?

The application deadline for completing and submitting applications is March 31 at 23.59 CET. We cannot accept any materials that arrive after the deadline; only complete applications with all required documents delivered by the deadline will be considered.

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

The MA in Economic Research is a Western-style graduate program designed for students who have completed their undergraduate studies and are interested in applied economic research. The aim of this program is to equip the students with the tools and expertise necessary for positions in research, analyst, and quantitative positions at international and government organizations, public policy institutions, non-profit think-tanks, and private sector companies. It also prepares students for further postgraduate economics education in CERGE-EI’s PhD in Economics program or at other high-quality universities in Europe and North America. CERGE-EI’s MAER degree should not be confused with an MBA degree.

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

There is no tuition fee for the MA in Economic Research. CERGE-EI does not offer scholarships for students enrolled in this program.

4. How can I apply?

Applications must be submitted via the online application form and are processed by the Admissions Coordinator, who formally controls submitted applications. We encourage all applicants to carefully read through the section on the admissions requirements and application process.

5. In the application, I can choose between MA in Economic Research + PhD in Economics (US study track) and MA in Economic Research. What is the difference?

MA in Economic Research + PhD in Economics (US study track) is meant primarily for excellent BA graduates who already know they want to pursue an academic career and continue on to PhD studies in economics. Students enrolled in the MA + US PhD follow an advanced PhD curriculum and are expected to attend the summer semester, to pass Core and Field General exams, and to fulfill all the requirements of the US PhD program.

Please note that if you choose to apply for the MA in Economic Research + US PhD in Economics (US study track), there are 4 possible outcomes of the admissions: 1) direct admission for both MA and US PhD, 2) direct admission to the MA program and admission to the Preparatory Semester for the US PhD, 3) direct admission to the MA program and rejection for the US PhD program, 4) rejection for both programs.

6. What does my application have to include?

A carefully filled-out online application form, statement of motivation, an up-to-date CV, copy of BA diploma and transcript (in English), two to three references (ideally academic), and proof of English proficiency.

If you have an MA degree, please also provide your MA diploma and transcript.

Students are also strongly encouraged to provide GRE/GMAT scores, however, these are not required.

7. How does the admissions process work?

The Admissions Committee reviews all the applications at the beginning of April. Each applicant is evaluated based on preparation (i.e., his/her background and previous experience), motivation, and the overall quality of the application.  

Applicants are informed about the results in the mid-April and are either directly admitted or rejected. 

8. How does my degree affect admission?

MA applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent. If the student is still studying, the BA degree should be earned by September of the year he/she is applying.

Please note that your Bachelor's degree must be recognized in the Czech Republic.  Acceptance for recognition (nostrification) depends on the educational system of the country where the degree was earned and on the specific university.

If you are not sure whether your degree qualifies you to apply for the MA in Economic Research program, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./phd@cerge-ei.cz

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 day one of your studies. CERGE-EI's Academic Skills Center devotes its considerable expertise to helping all students, including native speakers of English, to develop the unique skills required to be an effective, professional scholarly communicator and presenter. 

The minimum recommended scores from internationally recognized exams for admission to graduate programs in Europe are: 6.5 Band Score (IELTS) and 80-100 (TOEFL), and a minimum of 115 in Duolingo English Test.

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

This is a relatively new program and more and more prospective students apply every year. About half of the students who apply are admitted.

11. Do I have to submit proof of English proficiency if I have been studying in English?

If you have completed your BA or MA in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland or the United States, you do not need to submit proof of English proficiency. All other applicants are required to provide valid proof of their English proficiency (an internationally recognized exam certificate not older than two years, with the exception of Cambridge exams, which does not have an expiry date.

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

You may apply, and should specify your expected graduation date. You will need to submit an official confirmation from your university saying that there are no obstacles to your graduation and confirming the date you are expected to graduate.

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

Yes, sure. There is no reason why you should not. However, you must re-submit all documents (we cannot use documents from previous years).

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

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