PhD in Economics with Specialisation in Economic Research (Bonn Graduate School of Economics)
A combined Master’s and PhD programme in economics offering rigorous training and research opportunities in Bonn, Germany.
Best for:Best for highly motivated students with a strong quantitative background in economics, mathematics, or statistics seeking a structured PhD programme with integrated Master’s training and international research opportunities.
Overview
The Bonn Graduate School of Economics (BGSE) offers a unique two-stage programme combining a Master’s degree in Economics with a specialisation in Economic Research and a subsequent PhD. Located at the University of Bonn, this programme is designed for outstanding students with a strong quantitative background in economics, mathematics, statistics, or related fields. Participants engage in advanced coursework, weekly research workshops, and collaborative projects, culminating in a Master’s thesis and a PhD dissertation. The programme emphasises interdisciplinary research, international collaboration, and career development, with funding available throughout the course and dissertation phases. It is ideal for those aiming to contribute to cutting-edge economic research and pursue academic or industry careers.
What you'll do
- Complete a two-year course phase with advanced graduate-level courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics.
- Participate in weekly research workshops and seminars to engage with faculty research projects and international guests.
- Write a Master’s thesis in the fourth semester, serving as the foundation for your first PhD research paper.
- Conduct independent research during the three-year dissertation phase, presenting findings at workshops and international conferences.
- Develop soft skills through training in presentation, project management, writing, and networking.
- Engage in career coaching and job market preparation towards the end of the doctoral studies.
- Optionally, assist as a teaching assistant in the department after completing the course phase.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in economics, mathematics, statistics, business administration, accounting, or finance (top 10% of applicants preferred)
Degree offered: PhD (with integrated Master’s in Economics with specialisation in Economic Research)
Language: English; C1 proficiency (TOEFL iBT 100 or IELTS Academic 7.0, or equivalent)
Instruction: English
- Strong quantitative skills in economics, mathematics, or statistics
- Proven academic excellence (top 10% of applicants)
- Advanced proficiency in English (C1 level)
- Ability to conduct independent research and write academic papers
- Experience with econometric software or statistical tools (e.g., Stata, R, Python)
- Open to applicants from EU and non-EU countries
- No age restrictions mentioned
- No prior experience caps, but academic excellence is required
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2027-01-15
Applicants must submit their application online through the BGSE portal. Required documents include a GRE score report (quantitative score ≥160), TOEFL/IELTS certificate, two letters of recommendation, a letter of motivation, CV, academic transcripts, and an APS certificate (for applicants from China, India, or Vietnam). The application period for the winter semester runs from 15 November to 15 January.
- GRE score report (General Test Format; quantitative score ≥160)
- TOEFL or IELTS certificate (C1 level)
- Two confidential letters of recommendation
- Letter of motivation
- CV
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s, if applicable)
- APS certificate (for applicants from China, India, or Vietnam)
Contact
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