Ruhr Graduate School in Economics: fully funded PhD Program

RGS Econ offers a structured doctoral program in Economics, building on the combined expertise in theoretical, empirical, and applied research of four university economics departments in the Ruhr Valley area of Germany – (Bochum, Dortmund, Essen and Duisburg) – and one of Germany’s leading economic research institutes (RWI - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research). Advanced coursework, a cooperative learning environment, and an extensive research network and infrastructure are geared to support our students in conducting first-rate research and our graduates in obtaining excellent positions in academia, public institutions, and in the private sector.

The structure of the doctoral program allows outstanding and research-oriented students to pass their exams and finish their thesis in three to four years. RGS Econ charges no tuition fees. Accepted students are offered financing for a minimum of three years, which may be in the form of a scholarship or in the form of research and teaching assistant positions (TVL E 13) financed by the RWI, the universities, or via third-party funding. . 

For more details on the program and the application procedure, please visit RGS Econ | Application

What we offer:

• a vibrant research community with more than 45 faculty members, currently around 45 doctoral students and many more doctoral students, junior and senior researchers at the participating universities and the research institute. 
• a comprehensive core course program, enabling students to engage in frontier research in all areas of economics.
• a large selection of specialized field courses, multiple research seminar series, guest lectures by renowned international faculty, soft skills seminars, workshops and an annual doctoral conference.
• structured guidance and supervision, facilitated from the start via a pairing of students with (primary) supervisors based on interests and supervision capacity and to the finish with job market support.
• an excellent international research network and funding for research stays as well as conference and summer school participation.

What we expect from successful candidates:

• a Master’s degree in Economics or related fields (such as Finance, Mathematics, or Statistics), completed by the time of program entry. 
• a strong motivation and ability for research in economics as well as excellent analytical / quantitative skills, documented by reference letters, academic transcripts etc. 
• A GRE test result is highly recommended for applicants without a German ‘Abitur’.
• English language proficiency

In addition to our PhD program, the participating universities jointly run a DFG-funded Research Training Group Regional Disparities & Economic Policy. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply for both programs.