MAER FAQ

  1. When is the application deadline for MA in Economic Research?
  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. What if my documents arrive after the application deadline?
  8. What level of English should I have?
  9. Do I have to submit proof of English proficiency if I have been studying in English?
  10. How does my degree affect admission?
  11. What if I will finish my degree only after the application deadline?
  12. How does the admissions process work?
  13. When will I know the admission results?
  14. How many students are admitted? What are my chances?
  15. Can I apply again next year if I am not admitted this year?


 

1. When is the application deadline for MA in Economic Research?

The application deadline for completing and submitting applications in the first round of admissions is March 31 at 23.59 CET and for the second round of admissions August 15 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. See section Admission Process for more details.

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. CERGE-EI offers degrees in Economics as a science. Study at CERGE-EI should not be confused with obtaining an MBA degree. See MAER Program Overview for more details.

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 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 programs
2) direct admission to the MA and invitation to 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?

Carefully filled-out online application form, statement of motivation, an up-to-date CV, copies of BA diplomas and transcripts (in English). If you have an MA degree, your required to provide also your MA diploma and transcript. 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. See section How to Apply for more details.

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

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

8. 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. Applicants who are not native speakers (not born in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland or the United States) are required to provide a valid proof of their English proficiency. This should be an internationally recognized exam certificate (IELTS, TOEFL – IC 2403, Cambridge or Duolingo English Test). See section How to Apply for more details.

9. 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 a proof of English proficiency. All other applicants are required to provide valid proof of their English proficiency (an internationally recognised exam certificate not older than two years, with the exception of Cambridge exams). See section How to Apply for more details.

10. 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.

11. 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 when you are expected to graduate. See section How to Apply for more details.

12. How does the admissions process work?

The Admissions Committee evaluates all materials received by the application deadline. The Admission Committee evaluates whether the applicant's background, qualifications, and professional interests sufficiently meet the requirements of the program and are in accordance with the research focuses of CERGE-EI. There are only two possible outcomes - direct admission or rejection. See section Admission Process for more details.

13. When will I know the admission results?

Admissions decisions will be made by the Admissions Committee within 2 weeks after the application deadline. Applicants will be informed of the decision immediately. See section Admission Process for more details.

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

This is a relatively new program and more and more prospective students apply every year. Currently about half of the students who apply are admitted. See section Admission Process for more details.

15. 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).