The Berlin School of Economics (BSoE) is accepting applications for its structured PhD programme starting in October 2027. Nine leading research institutions in the Berlin area run it together, including Humboldt-Universität, Freie Universität, TU Berlin, the Hertie School and ESMT Berlin. Students get a €1,650 monthly stipend in the first phase and usually paid employment during the dissertation phase. There are no tuition fees.
Applicants from around the world, including Africa, are welcome. The deadline is 15 January 2027.
At a Glance
| Programme | Berlin School of Economics PhD Programme |
| Start | October 2027 |
| Duration | About 4–5 years, full-time |
| Funding | €1,650 a month in the qualification phase, then usually employment at a member institution |
| Tuition | None (semester fee of about €300–350, which includes a Berlin public transport ticket) |
| Language | English (German not required) |
| Deadline | 15 January 2027 (CET) |
Member Institutions
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 (RFBerlin) and WZB Berlin Social Science Center. Your doctorate is awarded by the university where your supervisor holds a professorship.
Programme Structure
- Qualification phase (about 3 semesters): advanced coursework in methods and research (at least 90 ECTS), funded by the stipend. You’re free to choose your research topic and supervisors.
- Dissertation phase (about 3 years): you write your thesis, usually while employed at a member university or research institute.
The programme offers several PhD tracks in economics and business studies.
Benefits
- A €1,650 monthly stipend during the qualification phase, plus a family allowance for children where applicable
- Paid employment during the dissertation phase, normally at a member institution
- No tuition fees
- Access to the economics research community across the Berlin–Brandenburg region
- Strong academic and policy job placements
Eligibility
- A master’s degree in economics or business studies with excellent results. Related fields such as statistics, industrial engineering or quantitative social sciences are accepted with enough economics background.
- Bachelor’s holders can apply if they also apply for a fast-track master’s programme.
- GRE General Test scores are highly recommended but not required. The at-home GRE is accepted, and there’s no fixed minimum score.
- English: TOEFL or IELTS is highly recommended but not required. It’s waived if your degree is from an English-speaking country or you studied at least a year at an English-speaking university.
- No German needed.
- You don’t need a supervisor before applying.
Documents Required
- Motivation letter (max 2 pages) with an outline of your research interests
- A detailed CV, without a photo
- Transcripts and certificates
- GRE scores (institution code 3853), or GMAT for business administration tracks. Recommended.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (TOEFL code 8167), if applicable. Recommended.
- Two academic reference letters, sent directly by your referees through the portal
How to Apply
- Choose your PhD track and prepare your documents.
- Ask two referees early, as they upload their letters directly.
- Apply through the online Application Portal during the application period. Email applications aren’t accepted.
- Submit by 15 January 2027 (CET).
What happens next: shortlisted applicants have online interviews between 3 and 19 March 2027, and decisions are sent at the end of March 2027.
Official BSoE PhD application page and portal · BSoE FAQs
Tips for African Applicants
- Take the GRE if you can. It’s optional, but strong quantitative scores help, especially if your university isn’t well known in Europe.
- Show mathematical preparation in your CV and motivation letter, such as econometrics, real analysis or optimisation courses.
- Name research interests linked to Africa, such as development, labour, trade, public finance or climate economics.
- Plan for living costs. €1,650 a month is modest for Berlin, so budget carefully, especially for rent.
