PhD and Postdoc Programmes in Economics, Accounting, Finance, and Management at Berlin School of Economics Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin in Germany

The Berlin School of Economics offers a unique and highly structured PhD and postdoc programme in economics, accounting, finance, and management, located in Berlin and coordinated by Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. This programme is a collaborative effort involving leading institutions such as European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder), Freie Universität 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 working and teaching language is English, and all courses are delivered in English, making it accessible to international students.

The PhD programme is designed for outstanding doctoral candidates and provides a vibrant, interconnected research community. It features a two-to-three-semester course phase, where students deepen their expertise in economic theory, applied economics, business studies, econometrics, and economic policy, earning 90 ECTS through courses, workshops, seminars, and internships. The subsequent three-year research phase allows students to conduct their doctoral research within the professional environments of the participating institutions.

Students can choose from four PhD tracks: Accounting, Economics, Finance, and Management. These tracks share a common structure and offer numerous specialisations, preparing graduates for academic careers and policy-related positions. The postdoc programme, known as the Research Associates Programme, recruits new PhD graduates from the international job market and provides academic mentoring, research support, and skill development opportunities.

Funding is robust: PhD students receive a monthly stipend of 1,650 EUR during the course phase, with additional family allowances if applicable. During the research phase, funding is typically provided through employment at one of the member institutions. The programme is supported by DAAD and other state-level funding initiatives, and additional funding opportunities are available within the university. Tuition fees are waived, but students pay a semester contribution of approximately 350 EUR.

Admission is competitive and open to highly qualified postgraduates worldwide. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Economics or Business Studies with excellent academic records. Candidates from related fields such as Industrial Engineering, Statistics, or quantitative social sciences may also be considered if they have sufficient background in economics or business. GRE General Test scores are highly recommended but not mandatory, and there are no specified minimum scores. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree may apply if they also apply for a fast-track Master’s programme in Berlin. English proficiency must be demonstrated by non-native speakers, preferably via TOEFL or IELTS, unless exempted by prior study in English-speaking institutions. German language proficiency is not required.

The application deadline is the middle of January for the winter semester starting on 1 October. Applications must be submitted via the online portal during the annual application period. The Berlin School of Economics provides extensive support for international students, including welcome events, buddy programmes, and assistance with visa matters. Career advisory services, such as mock job interviews, are available to help graduates secure positions in academia and related fields.

For more information and to apply, visit the official programme page linked below.