Branch programme/details

The knowledge output of the graduate is familiarity with advanced models of theoretical microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. Specialized output is knowledge of advanced theoretical and econometric models in those areas of economics that the graduate chooses as their specialization and in which he/she then conducts independent research (e.g. labor market economics, finance, etc.). Further specialized output is the knowledge of current scientific literature in the field of graduate research. The general knowledge output of the graduate is the knowledge of advanced mathematical methods and passive and active use of the English language at the level allowing to perform scientific work at the international level.

The entrance examination is three-round and conducted in English.

First Round: Applicants are evaluated based on the required attachments to the application (see below). The maximum number of points in the first round is 40. The following are evaluated: previous academic results of the applicant (20 points), motivation for studying and economic research (10 points), and recommendations (10 points).

The evaluation considers whether the applicant's professional interests and academic results align with the research focus of the institute.

Applicants with the highest scores proceed to the second round. The point threshold for progression is determined by the dean.

Second Round: Oral interview

An interview before a committee focused on research abilities and potential examples from previous research (academic studies, articles, thesis, other activities). Motivation and overall maturity of the candidate are also assessed. The interview is conducted in English, testing the applicant's ability to use professional economic English.

In the oral interview, the admissions committee evaluates the following:

Motivation for study

Overall professional profile and any previous teaching and publication activities

Ability to formulate research questions

Familiarity with current economic research

Potential for involvement in the institute's research and teaching activities

A maximum of 40 points can be awarded in the oral part. Applicants who achieve full marks in the second round are exempt from the third round and admitted to the program.

Third Round: Applicants who proceed to the third round are invited to a non-compulsory free intensive Preparation Module, which includes a mathematics course. After the Preparation Module, the third round takes place as a remote written mathematics test. A maximum of 20 points can be awarded in the third round.

Applicants with the highest scores will be admitted. The point threshold for admission is determined by the dean, considering the number of applicants taking the entrance examination and the faculty's capacity.

Required Application Attachments:

CV in English

Motivation letter in English

Copies of diplomas with certified translation

Detailed transcript of credits and exams from previous studies confirmed by the educational institution

Proof of English proficiency

Two recommendation letters, preferably from an academic environment

Recommended Attachments:

GRE Test

The evaluation of recommended attachments in the admission process is at the discretion of the committee.

Details for Recommendation Letters:

Email contacts and names for potential references should be sent to phd@cerge-ei.cz. The referee will then receive a link to fill in the reference upon opening the provided link.

Details for Proof of English Proficiency:

Applicants who are not native speakers of English (not citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, or the United States) are required to provide valid proof of their English proficiency. This should be an internationally recognized exam certificate – we accept IELTS, TOEFL – IC 2403, Cambridge, and Duolingo. The minimum required score for the Duolingo English Test is 115. With the exception of the Cambridge exam certificate, the documents should not be older than two years from the date when the admissions application is submitted to CERGE-EI.

Please note that a confirmation of studying in English (English as a medium of instruction) is not sufficient proof of English proficiency, with the only exception of studies undertaken in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, or the United States.

Admission to Doctoral studies is conditioned by successful completion of a Master's study programme.

In the academic years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024, graduates of the follow-up master's program in Economic Research or Master in Economic Research at CERGE UK, who were classified as "excellent" or "very good" in the state final examination or whose study average (according to the UK Study and Examination Regulations, Article 8, paragraph 13) did not exceed 1.5, are exempt from the entrance examination.

In 2024/2025, those who obtained 120 credits in the follow-up master's program in Economic Research or Master in Economic Research at CERGE UK and whose study average (according to the UK Study and Examination Regulations, Article 8, paragraph 13) did not exceed 1.5, with a classification of 1 = "excellent", 2 = "very good", 3 = "good".

Mas-Collel, Andrew, Michael Whinston, and Jerry Green (MWG): Microeconomic Theory, Oxford University Press, 1995.

Chiang, Alpha, Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics, McGraw Hill, 1988.

Ljungquist, Lars, and Thomas J. Sargent: Recursive Macroeconomic Theory. Cambridge: MIT Press, 2000.

Stokey, Nancy L., Robert E. Lucas, Jr., and Edward C. Prescott: Recursive Methods in Economic Dynamics. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1989.

Casella, G., and R.L. Berger (2002). Statistical Inference, Duxbury Press, Belmont, CA, 2nd edition.

Hogg, R.V., McKean J., and A. T. Craig (2012). Introduction to Mathematical Statistics, Prentice Hall, 7th edition.

The graduate of the doctoral program in Economics and Econometrics will have acquired knowledge of advanced models of theoretical microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. The graduate will have further mastered advanced mathematical methods and the English language enabling them to practice economic research at the international level. He is able to perform original theoretical research using mathematical models and original empirical research (testing economic theories) using econometric methods. The graduates‘ general skills also include good knowledge of statistical and computational software, and the ability to present his own research results, both in writing and orally, at the level required by impact-factor international scientific journals and international academic conferences.