Kiel Advanced Studies Program (PhD Program)

Structure

Our 5-year program is organized in two main parts. The coursework and orientation period (first 16 months) and the dissertation research period (3,5 years). See below for a detailed overview.

The program is organized by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, in cooperation with its partner universities situated in Kiel, Hamburg, Berlin, and Paris. Importantly, the Kiel Institute does not confer doctoral degrees; instead, candidates obtain their doctoral degrees from the university with which their primary supervisor is affiliated. For students enrolled in Kiel University, you will matriculate into the well-established Quantitative Economics graduate track (see details). Kiel University PhD students that pass the Kiel Institute program will automatically qualify for a doctoral degree and no extra courses need to be taken.

What distinguishes us?

• A clear focus on international economics
• Academic excellence and world-leading external lecturers
• Policy relevance: we encourage students to do high quality research that matters
• A small cohort with close supervision and a collegial and supportive atmosphere, striving for at least 50% female students.
• Generous financial support (5 year funding) and subsidized housing
• Choose between the Baltic Sea and Berlin

How to Apply

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Economics or related fields with very good grades. The degree must be completed by the time of program entry.
• A strong motivation and ability for research on global economic issues as well as excellent analytical / quantitative skills.
• Your application documents should contain
  • A motivation letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Two academic letters of recommendation
  • GRE scores are strongly recommended
  • Proof of English language proficiency - Applications whose native language is not English and who cannot document at least one year of studies at an English-speaking university should submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

 Deadlines

• Application portal opens 1 December, 2024
• Application deadline: 15 January 2025 (early offers) and 1 March 2025 (late offers)
• Program start: 1 September, 2025

We will make early offers soon after the first deadline. If open slots remain, there will be additional offers around the second deadline

Submitting your application

To submit your application please register or login at our Online Application Portal

In case of technical issues, please contact advancedstudies@ifw-kiel.de