Application
How to Apply
We invite applications for the PhD Programme in Economics by outstanding students who are close to finishing a master’s or bachelor’s degree in economics or a related discipline (e.g. econometrics, business administration, finance) and who are among the top graduates in their current programme. Admission is based on previous academic performance, research potential, expertise and fit in terms of research interests.
Going through a doctoral programme is a profound and enriching intellectual and personal experience. If you enjoy asking new questions and pushing academic boundaries, you should consider applying to our programme.
Students with a bachelor’s degree enter and apply for the programme via the M.Sc. Economic Research (MSc-Stage). Students holding a master’s degree apply directly to the PhD-Stage. There are no tuition or application fees. The PhD-Stage is fully funded. For the MSc stage, a limited number of scholarships is available. For details on programme structure, funding, and our research environment, see PhD Programme.
Please also note that there is an additional funding line for research in Energy Economics (with entry only at the PhD-stage). This involves a separate application process: Please see EWI Fellowship for more information.
Application to the PhD Programme in Economics
Apply to the MSc Stage (BSc Students)
Apply to the PhD Stage (MSc Students)
Applications for admission to the PhD Stage for the academic year starting October 2025 are open from 15th December, 2024 until March 15th, 2025 23:59 CET.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who present a detailed competing offer by another doctoral programme may ask to reach an earlier decision (rolling admission).
Application Documents
For students with or close to completion of a master’s degree (e.g. in economics, econometrics, finance, business administration, or mathematics) , the following documents are required:
- CV
- Letter of motivation explaining your reasons for being interested in the PhD programme at the CGS. Please discuss your goals and your research interests. Your letter should be in English.
- School leaving certificate: A transcript from high school | A-levels | Abiturzeugnis for German residents is required.
- Certificates of the university degrees already obtained: B.Sc. and M.Sc. or equivalent.
- Academic transcripts (stamped and signed) showing course work and grades received. Where feasible, transcripts should indicate cohort rank or distinction. If you have not yet finished your current degree, please attach a preliminary grade report.
- GRE: All applicants are highly recommended to submit their General GRE's test taker's copy (quantitative score) in the online application.
- Language Proficiency Certificate (TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge): Unless a native English speaker, please submit a copy of your language proficiency certificate in the online application (English, proficiency at level C1). For all admissible proofs please see those that are valid for the M.Sc. Economic Research.)
- Two letters of recommendation by professors or university lecturers who are able to assess your academic ability and potential for original research. After you have registered the two indicated referees will receive an e-mail with a link to upload their letter of recommendation for you.
For any document not in English or German a translation is required. At this stage of the application proces,s it is not necessary to notarize the translations. Conditional on acceptance, you will need to provide notarized translations.
Application Procedure
Step 1: Submit your registration form on the online application portal and submit all required documents. Please note that you will not be able to change your data once it has been submitted.
Step 2: Once you have completed your application, your referees will receive an automatically generated email with an upload link. Please make sure that your two reference letters are submitted by the application deadline.
The admission committee will review all complete applications and decide on who will be interviewed. Interviews will be conducted online via Zoom. We ask all applicants to refrain from asking questions about the status of applications until the beginning of May.
