PhD FAQ

  1. When is the application 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. Can applicants from EU countries receive financial support?
  5. How can I apply?
  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 deadline for PhD in Economics?

The application deadline for completing and submitting applications is March 31 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?

Our PhD 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. See PhD Program Overview for more details.

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

There is no tuition fee for the Czech-language program. The tuition fee for the English-language program is 1 000 CZK / academic year payable before the beginning of the academic year (by 30 September at the latest). Most PhD students receive stipends to cover living expenses. See section Tuition and Financial Support for more details.

4. Can applicants from EU countries receive financial support?

We guarantee financial support (the level of which varies depending on academic performance and other factors) to all PhD students. See section Tuition and Financial Support for more details.

5. How can I apply?

All application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be submitted through our online application form or delivered in paper form, by the deadline of March 31 (23:59 CET). Materials are then 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.

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 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. 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?

Excellent command of written and spoken English is needed to fully understand PhD-level study material. 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?

Ideally, PhD applicants will hold at least a Master's degree or its equivalent, or be expected to complete the Master's degree by September 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. See section Entry Requirements for more details.

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 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 April to June and offers instruction in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Mathematics. Based on a candidate’s performance in these three subjects, final admissions decisions are made for this group at the beginning of July. See section Admission Process for more details.

13. 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 July. See section Admission Process for more details.

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

About 300 applications are received each year. Although it varies from year to year, typically 15–20 students are offered direct admission and an additional 40 students are invited to Preparatory courses. From this latter group, approximately 20 are eventually admitted to the program. 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).