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.

Economics and Econometrics

The admissions process for the program takes place in two rounds and is conducted entirely in English. Its goal is to comprehensively assess applicants’ academic aptitude, motivation, research potential, and mathematical skills.

First Round: Evaluation Based on Submitted Documents and Oral Interview

Applicants are assessed based on the required documents submitted with the application (see below) and an oral interview before the admissions committee. Only applicants who score at least 25.5 points in the evaluation of their submitted materials are invited to the interview.

The maximum score in the first round is 80 points. The following are evaluated: previous academic performance (20 pts), motivation for study and economic research (10 pts), and recommendation letters (10 pts). In the oral part of the admissions process, applicants can earn up to 40 points.

Required Documents:

• Structured Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Motivation Letter

• Copies of diplomas and transcripts from previous studies certified by the issuing institution, accompanied by a certified translation

• Proof of English language proficiency

• Two letters of recommendation

Recommended Attachments:

• GRE or GMAT test results

• Additional supporting documents such as academic certificates or samples of written work may be attached but are not required.

The evaluation of the recommended attachments is at the discretion of the admissions committee.

Oral Interview

Applicants who advance to this stage will participate in an online oral interview in English before the admissions committee.

Evaluation criteria:

• Motivation for graduate-level study and research

• Overall academic and professional profile (including teaching or publication experience)

• Ability to formulate research questions

• Awareness of current economic research

• Potential contribution to the institution’s research and teaching activities

• Language and subject-matter proficiency in English in the context of economics

The minimum score required for admission after the first round is determined by the Dean, taking into account the number of applicants and the faculty’s capacity. Applicants who reach this score are exempted from the second round of the admissions process and are admitted directly.

The minimum score required to advance to the second round is also determined by the Dean, considering the number of applicants and the faculty’s capacity. Applicants who meet this threshold proceed to the second round.

Second Round: Preparatory Module and Mathematics Test

Applicants advancing to the second round are invited to a voluntary, free Preparatory Module, which includes a mathematics course. After completing the module, applicants take the second round of the entrance exam — a remote written test in mathematics.

The minimum score required for admission after the second round, in which applicants can earn a maximum of 20 points, is determined by the Dean, taking into account the number of applicants and the faculty’s capacity. Applicants who reach this score in the second round of the admissions process are admitted to the program.

Clarification on Recommendation Letters:

Email contacts and names for references should be sent to phd@cerge-ei.cz. The referee will then receive a link allowing them to submit the required reference form online.

Clarification on Proof of English Language Proficiency:

Applicants who are not native speakers of English (i.e., not citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, or the United States) must provide valid proof of English proficiency. Accepted international certificates include IELTS, TOEFL (IC 2403), Cambridge, and Duolingo.

The minimum required score for the Duolingo English Test is 115. Except for Cambridge certificates, documents must not be older than two years at the time of application submission to CERGE-EI. Please note that a certificate confirming that studies were conducted in English (English as a language of instruction) is not sufficient proof of English proficiency, except for studies completed in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Malta, the United Kingdom, Ireland, or the United States.

Conditions for Admission Without the Entrance Exam:

Applicants are exempted from the entrance exam if:

In the academic years 2023/2024 or 2024/2025, they graduated from the Master’s program in Economic Research or Master in Economic Research at CERGE, Charles University, with a final state examination grade of “excellent” or “very good,” or if their GPA (as defined by Article 8, Paragraph 13 of the Study and Examination Regulations of Charles University) did not exceed 1.5.

In the academic year 2025/2026, they obtained 120 credits in the same Master’s program at CERGE, Charles University, and their GPA (according to Article 8, Paragraph 13 of the same regulations) did not exceed 1.5, based on the grading scale 1 = “excellent,” 2 = “very good,” 3 = “good.”

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

In the academic years 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, 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 2025/2026, 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".

Graduates find employment in the academia, as well as in the public and private sectors in the Czech Republic and abroad. These job positions include (but are not limited to) scientists and lecturers, government advisors and experts, economists at central banks and senior economists of other financial institutions.