Berlin School of Economics PhD Program 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded Doctoral Opportunity with €1,650 Monthly Stipend

Overview

The Berlin School of Economics PhD Program 2027 provides doctoral studies in economics, business studies, and related quantitative social science disciplines in Germany. The program is an academic collaboration involving nine major institutions across the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan area, including European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder), Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, University of Potsdam, ESMT Berlin, Hertie School, ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin Institute for the Economy and the Future of Work, and WZB Berlin Social Science Center. The program combines rigorous coursework, research development, academic supervision, and dissertation writing.

Who can apply

The program welcomes outstanding postgraduate students from around the world who wish to pursue doctoral studies and develop advanced research skills in an international research environment. Applicants should review the four available PhD tracks to identify the option most appropriate for their academic background and research interests.

What you get

Students receive a monthly stipend of €1,650 during the initial qualification phase to help concentrate on coursework and research development. Eligible students may also receive a family allowance for their children where applicable. The program does not charge tuition fees, though students must pay a semester fee of approximately €300–€350 per semester to the degree-awarding institution. During the dissertation phase, students are typically employed at their supervisor’s academic chair or within research groups at participating research institutes, subject to meeting academic performance criteria.

Requirements

Applicants must be admitted as doctoral candidates at a participating institution authorized to award doctoral degrees. Students must also work toward securing two supervisors, with the first supervisor generally identified by the end of the second semester. During the dissertation phase, employment-based funding is conditional on fulfilling the program's academic performance criteria.

How to apply

Applicants must submit their applications for the October 2027 intake by the stated deadline. Applicants should prepare their academic documents and coordinate with their referees well before the deadline, as reference letters must be submitted separately.

Key dates

The application deadline for the October 2027 intake is January 15, 2027. Reference letters must be submitted separately by January 19, 2027.