PhD Candidate in Finance BI Norwegian Business School in Norway

BI Norwegian Business School is inviting applications for a PhD Candidate in Finance within its Department of Finance, with a planned start date in August 2026. The position is based at BI Norwegian Business School in Oslo, Norway, and forms part of a highly research-oriented doctoral environment with strong links to international finance scholarship.

The Department of Finance emphasizes research at the highest international level, with faculty publishing in leading journals such as the Journal of Finance, Review of Financial Studies, Journal of Financial Economics, American Economic Review, Econometrica, and others. The department also hosts the Centre for Asset Pricing Research (CAPR) and the Centre for Corporate Governance Research (CCGR), and runs weekly research seminars, workshops, and conferences that give PhD candidates frequent exposure to visiting scholars and feedback on their work. Candidates benefit from access to major international databases as well as unique Norwegian micro data on firms and individuals.

The PhD specialization in Finance is described as a four-year program designed to prepare candidates for academic careers and research-oriented roles in industry, government, and international organizations. The first year focuses on coursework across major areas of finance and relevant economics topics. The second year and beyond transition toward dissertation research, typically organized as three research articles, carried out in close cooperation with a supervisor and other faculty members. The department highlights a supportive research environment with active seminar participation and collaboration with international researchers.

Funding is provided through a four-year doctoral scholarship based on the Norwegian State Salary Scale, currently NOK 623,200 per year, and the role includes a 25% teaching obligation. The scholarship is linked to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (Statens Pensjonskasse).

Eligibility highlights include a completed MSc with thesis, Research Master/M.Phil, or comparable degree in Finance or a related field by the start of the programme, with a B average or higher. An MBA does not meet the admission requirement. Applicants are expected to have strong quantitative preparation, and those from EU/EEA institutions are strongly encouraged to submit GMAT or GRE scores, while applicants from outside EU/EEA are required to do so. TOEFL or IELTS is also required unless an exemption applies. The stated minimum English thresholds are TOEFL 575 paper-based, 233 computer-based, or 90 internet-based, or IELTS 6.5.

Applications must be submitted electronically only via the “Send Application” button on the announcement page. Required materials include a CV, at least two recommendation letters, a statement of purpose (max 1000 words), one selected academic work such as a master’s thesis, degree certificates and transcripts, diploma supplement, test scores, and a signed verification document. Recommendation letters should be emailed directly to [email protected] by the deadline. Paper and email applications are not accepted, and documents must reach the Doctoral Administration by the deadline.

The application deadline is 2026-12-01. Candidates may later be asked for additional information and/or invited for interview. Research interests across all areas of finance are welcome, including asset pricing, corporate finance, behavioural finance, household finance, corporate governance, asset management, banking and financial institutions, and market microstructure.