Phd programs
On-Campus
48 Months
Doctor of Economics
Full Time
Fully funded PhD position: stipend of at least €2,670 per month (net of taxes), including full health insurance coverage
OPEN
Ready to take the next step in your academic journey?
KU Leuven's Department of Economics is now accepting applications for its doctoral program in Economics. We welcome talented students across all major fields of Economics to join our vibrant research community.
🗓️ Application deadline: January 31, 2025
🔗 Learn more and apply here: http://feb.kuleuven.be/phd-economics
KU Leuven's Department of Economics is inviting motivated students to apply for its doctoral program leading to a PhD in Economics.
About Us
The Department of Economics is part of the Faculty of Economics and Business and is based on the Leuven and Brussels campuses. Leuven is a vibrant, historical city located in the heart of Belgium, just 20 minutes from Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union. The city also enjoys excellent connectivity, with Paris, London, and Amsterdam within a two-hour reach.
Our department is internationally oriented, dynamic, and engaged in high-impact research. Detailed information about our faculty, research output, and activities can be found on our website: http://feb.kuleuven.be/economics.
Program Details
The doctoral program is designed for full-time research over four years, ultimately leading to a PhD degree. It provides excellent preparation for academic careers at leading universities or research-based positions in policy institutions.
Comprehensive information on the program, including admission requirements, funding opportunities, and placement records, can be found here: http://feb.kuleuven.be/phd-economics.
Our PhD program is typically preceded by a year of study in the Master of Advanced Studies in Economics (MASE) or an equivalent research master’s program.
Applicant Profile
We are looking for candidates with:
- A completed research master’s degree in economics or a closely related field (e.g., finance, econometrics) by September 2025.
- Applicants who have not yet completed a research master’s degree are also encouraged to apply for a MASE scholarship through this call. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding candidates to pursue the Master of Advanced Studies in Economics (MASE) at KU Leuven. For more information about the MASE program, visit: http://feb.kuleuven.be/mase.
What We Offer
- Fully funded PhD position: Selected candidates will receive a stipend of at least €2,670 per month (net of taxes), including full health insurance coverage.
- Duration: Up to 4 years, with an annual review of research progress and performance.
- Start date: The academic year begins on September 22, 2025, but earlier start dates can be arranged.
PhD students will conduct independent research under the supervision of one or more faculty members, with topics determined collaboratively with their supervisors.
Application Process
Applications are due by January 31, 2025.
Apply online at: https://feb.kuleuven.be/econ-phd-application.
Application package:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research Statement
- Transcript of all university grades
- (Recommended) GRE or GMAT scores and/or proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS test scores)
- (Optional) Writing sample (e.g., MA thesis)
- (Optional) Reference letters: Referees should send their letters directly to econresearch@kuleuven.be.
Contact Information
For inquiries, please consult our FAQ section first. For additional questions not covered in the FAQ or this document, contact our research advisers at econresearch@kuleuven.be.
