Berlin School of Economics PhD Program 2027

The Berlin School of Economics PhD Program 2027 is an international doctoral training programme designed for talented graduates interested in academic research in Economics, Accounting, Finance and Management.

The programme brings together nine universities and research institutions in the Berlin-Brandenburg region of Germany.

Its participating institutions include Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, the University of Potsdam, European University Viadrina, ESMT Berlin, Hertie School, the ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin Institute for the Economy and the Future of Work, and WZB Berlin Social Science Center.

The programme combines advanced academic coursework, independent doctoral research and opportunities to participate in research projects with policy and professional relevance.

Available PhD Tracks

Applicants can choose from four doctoral tracks:

• Economics: Research in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, economic policy and related disciplines.
• Accounting: Research in financial and managerial accounting, quantitative accounting methods and related areas.
• Finance: Research in asset pricing, corporate finance, financial intermediation and related economic questions.
• Management: Research in organisational economics, entrepreneurial decision-making, marketing, operations and management-related fields.

Students select their preferred track during the application process. Their track preference may change as their research interests develop during the qualification phase.

Programme Structure

The doctoral programme has two main phases.

Qualification Phase

The initial phase lasts approximately three semesters.

Students undertake advanced coursework in economic theory, business studies, econometrics, applied economics and related subjects.

They must complete at least 90 ECTS credits while developing their research interests, attending seminars and identifying appropriate academic supervisors.

Students receive a monthly stipend during this phase.

Dissertation Phase

The subsequent phase generally lasts approximately three years.

Students conduct independent doctoral research and prepare their dissertation under academic supervision.

During this phase, students are normally employed by a participating university or research institution, subject to meeting programme performance requirements.

Doctoral Degree

The Berlin School of Economics does not independently award doctoral degrees.

Students must also obtain doctoral admission at an eligible partner institution authorised to confer PhD degrees.

The doctorate is normally awarded by the institution affiliated with the student's principal supervisor.

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Have a master's degree in Economics, Business Studies or an academically relevant related discipline.
• Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
• Have sufficient academic preparation in economics or business-related subjects.
• Demonstrate strong interest in academic research.
• Have a good command of English.
• Be willing to participate in a full-time doctoral programme.
• Submit a complete application in English.
• Arrange two academic recommendation letters.

Successful applicants receive the following support:

• €1,650 Monthly Stipend: Provided during the qualification phase.
• Family Allowance: Additional support may be available for students with children, where applicable.
• Doctoral Research Funding: Funding during the dissertation phase is normally provided through employment at a participating institution, subject to satisfactory performance.
• Tuition-Free Programme: No tuition fees for the structured PhD programme.
• Research Supervision: Academic guidance from researchers at participating institutions.
• Advanced Training: Access to graduate coursework, research seminars and relevant methodological training.
• Research Collaboration: Opportunities to work with academic researchers and research groups.
• Professional Development: Training in research communication, academic methods and career preparation.
• International Academic Community: Access to a network of universities and research institutes.
• Research Career Preparation: Opportunities to develop research skills for academic, policy-oriented and other research careers.

Applicants must prepare:

• Motivation Letter: Maximum two pages explaining interest in the programme and outlining major research interests.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed academic CV without a photograph.
• Academic Transcripts: Copies of relevant university transcripts.
• Degree Certificates: Copies of academic certificates and qualifications.
• Two Academic Recommendation Letters: Submitted directly by referees through the application portal.
• GRE General Test Results: Strongly recommended but not mandatory.
• GMAT Results: Accepted instead of GRE for eligible business-related applications.
• IELTS or TOEFL Results: Strongly recommended where relevant, but not compulsory.

The admission committee considers:

• Academic qualifications and previous academic achievements.
• Strength of the applicant's educational background in Economics, Business Studies or a related discipline.
• Research interests and compatibility with the programme.
• Evidence of creativity and independent research potential.
• Quality and relevance of the motivation letter.
• Academic recommendation letters.
• GRE or eligible GMAT results, where provided.
• Evidence of English-language proficiency.
• Performance in the selection interview, where applicable.

• Doctoral research training: Gain advanced methodological and academic research experience.
• Research collaboration: Work within a network of established universities and research institutes.
• Academic mentorship: Develop research projects with experienced faculty members.
• Flexible research interests: Explore and refine a doctoral specialisation during the qualification phase.
• International academic environment: Study alongside doctoral researchers from different countries.
• Professional development: Strengthen research, analytical, teaching and communication skills.
• Career prospects: Prepare for academic, policy research and other research-oriented professional opportunities.