PhD positions in Economics at KU Leuven

KU Leuven's Department of Economics is recruiting motivated students to enter the doctoral program leading to a PhD in Economics.

The Department of Economics is located on the Leuven campus of the Faculty of Economics and Business. Leuven is a historical and vibrant city in the center of Belgium. It is a twenty-minute drive from Brussels, the capital of Belgium and of the European Union, and less than two hours from Paris, London and Amsterdam.

Information about our dynamic and internationally oriented research department, its researchers, output and activities can be found at http://feb.kuleuven.be/economics.

Project

The individualized doctoral program allows the doctoral student to devote four years to full-time research. The program ultimately leads to a doctoral degree and prepares the student for an academic career at a top university or a career as a researcher in a policy institution.

Detailed information about the program, including admission requirements and placement records, is at http://feb.kuleuven.be/phd-economics.

Our renowned doctoral program in economics is usually preceded by a year of study in the Master of Advanced Studies in Economics (MASE) or an equivalent research master's program.

Profile

To enter the doctoral program immediately, students must have successfully completed a research master's degree in economics or in a closely related field (e.g., finance, econometrics,...) by September 2023.

However, if you have yet to complete a research master's degree, you are equally invited to apply for this vacancy. In fact, we are offering some MASE scholarships to the most promising candidates for the Master of Advanced Studies in Economics at KU Leuven. Learn more about the MASE program and how to register at: http://feb.kuleuven.be/mase.

Offer

Successful PhD applicants will be offered a fully funded position in the doctoral program. We will contact a selection of candidates by the end of February.

The academic year begins on September 25, 2023, but there is some flexibility to start earlier if desired.

The position is for up to 4 years, with an annual review of research progress and performance. As a PhD student, you will receive a stipend of at least €2,420 per month (net of taxes) with full health insurance.

During these four years, you will conduct independent research under the supervision of one or more faculty members. The topic(s) will be determined in collaboration with your supervisors.

Interested?

You can apply for this job no later than January 31, 2023 via KU Leuven's online application tool. 

Your application package should include the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement
• Transcript of all university grades
• List your preferred research fields at http://feb.kuleuven.be/phd-researchfields
• (recommended) GRE or GMAT test score and/or evidence of English proficiency such as TOEFL or IELTS test scores
• (optional) Writing sample, such as an MA thesis
• (optional) Reference letters can be addressed by your referees to andras.avonts@kuleuven.be

If you have any questions about the application or the PhD position itself, please contact Mr. Andras Avonts (andras.avonts@kuleuven.be).