Are you ready to turn your economics background into a research career tackling real-world economic and social policy challenges? The DIW Berlin Graduate Center is accepting applications for its 2027 doctoral programme, offering advanced training in economics alongside funded opportunities to conduct research in Germany.
The five-year programme combines rigorous coursework in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics with practical research experience in DIW Berlin’s research departments. Students can pursue interests in areas such as macroeconomics, climate policy, energy and transportation, public economics, entrepreneurship, gender studies, and firms and markets.
Table of Content
Summary
- Application DeadlineJanuary 15, 2027
- Study LevelPhD
- SponsorDIW Berlin
- School to study
- Eligible CountryAll Countries
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Benefits
- There are no tuition fees. PhD students will receive funding for the expected length of the program - five years. For the course phase (Year 1), a stipend of 1,650 Euro per month is provided; funding during the research phase (Year 2-5) is normally provided through employment at one of the DIW Berlin's research departments (TVöD, EG 13, 75%). Funding for the research phase is conditional on having fulfilled the set performance criteria, communicated at the start of the program.
We recommend to enroll at one of Berlin's universities, as this allows access to public transportation at no additional cost and ensures student health insurance. Note that the universities charge a semester fee of approximately 380 Euro per semester.
Requirements
- Applicants must hold a master’s degree or diploma in Economics or Business Studies in order to apply for the economic training program. An application during the course of studies is possible, provided that the degree is successfully completed before the program starts. Degrees from other related fields (such as civil engineering, statistics or quantitative social sciences) may also fulfill requirements for the program if the applicant has a sufficient background in Economics.
- Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency unless they hold a degree from a university in an English-speaking country or can document at least one year of studies in an English-speaking degree program. A high score on the TOEFL or IELTS test is considered sufficient evidence of English proficiency. Knowledge of German is not required for a successful application, but students are encouraged to learn German and improve their language skills over the course of the program.
Application Documents
As part of the online application procedure, you will be asked to upload the following documents:
- Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) explaining your reasons for applying and briefly outlining your major research interests
- Detailed curriculum vitae (without photograph)
- Two academic letters of recommendation (PDF, 270.57 KB), to be submitted directly by senior academics (e.g. professors, postdoctoral researchers).
Note that reference providers are requested to upload their letters in the "Recommendation letter portal for senior academic staff " on top of this website
- Copies of academic transcripts and other certificates
- Completed application form (PDF, 266.25 KB)
- IELTS or TOEFL scores, if applicable
- GRE General Test – Test Taker Score Report (PDF), if applicable.
Please also attach your GRE Test if you have already submitted it to the Institutional Account.
The application is to be completed in English.
Application Deadline
January 15, 2027How To Apply
For more information, kindly visit the DIW Berlin webpage.
