PhD Programs in Economics in Germany

Study Economics in Germany

If you are looking for a PhD studies in economics, Germany is a great option. The exceptional infrastructure available for your research work, combined with paid PhD positions, makes it an attractive destination when looking for opportunities to do your doctoral research in economics. Germany is home to many prestigious higher education institutions like University of Mannheim, LMU Munich, University of Bonn and Technical University of Munich. They all rank in the Top 100 of the Times Higher Education World Rankings for Economics. Other great economics departments are located at Technical University of Dortmund, Graduate School of Economic & Social Sciences (GESS), University of Mannheim, Berlin School of Economics (BSE), Ruhr Graduate School in Economics (RGS Econ), University of Cologne or Bonn Graduate School of Economics.

Germany’s research institutions, universities and companies welcome international researchers and offer excellent opportunities for doctoral students. PhD students can usually work as a research associate at a university or receive a scholarship. German education system offers two ways to pursue your doctoral degree: individual doctorate and structured PhD programmes. Structured PhD programmes, for example, have a strong international orientation with English as the team language.

Pursue your research interests, be it economics theory, macroeconomics, econometrics, health economics, financial economics, behavioral economics, applied economics or development economics. Start your postgraduate research training in Germany and enjoy international atmosphere in cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich or Hamburg.

Key Information

• Academic year: October – July
• Course length: 3-4 years
• Type of degrees: Doctor of Philosopy (Dr. phil) also known as Promotion
• Fees: free at public universities for up to three years (six semesters) of study (you only need to pay a small administration fee of €100-€250)
• Scholarships: DAAD Scholarship, scholarships from German universities
• Living costs: €800 – €1000 (Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Heidelberg most expensive)
• Average starting salary: €56,000 for economists with a PhD degree (INOMICS Salary Report)