Applications and admissions

Eligibility and selection

General eligibility for admission to doctoral studies is held by anyone who has a degree at the advanced (master’s) level, has completed at least 240 ECTS course credits (corresponding to four years of full-time studies), of which at least 60 credits (one year of full-time studies) at the advanced level, or has otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge.

In order to be admitted, there is also a special eligibility requirement that the applicant has passed courses worth 90 credits in economics, or otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge.

The eligibility requirements must be fulfilled when the PhD program begins, but not necessarily at the time of application. Applicants who expect to meet the eligibility requirements no later than in early August 2026 are therefore welcome to apply.

Selection among applicants who meet the eligibility requirements is made with regard to their ability to complete the PhD program.

Application procedure

Applications are submitted via the application platform Headhunter.

The application must include:

• Cover letter (maximum two pages) in English, in which you describe why you want to pursue a PhD in Economics, your previous research experience, and which fields within economics you are primarily interested in.
• CV with relevant qualifications and contact details.
• Certified copies of all degrees and of all completed academic courses including transcripts/grades.
• A copy of your master’s thesis or another thesis you have written.
• Contact details for two academic referees who have agreed to write you letters of recommendations (name and email address).

After you have submitted your application, your referees will receive an email with a link for uploading their letters of recommendation. You will receive a confirmation by email when the letters have been received. The letters should be submitted as soon as possible and no later than 3 February 2026. It is your responsibility to remind your referees to upload their recommendation letters on time.

In order for the application to be considered, the applicant must complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Exceptions are not granted. The result should be sent directly to the department via GRE using School code 0247 and Department code 1801. The results should also be stated in the application.

The PhD program is taught in English, and applicants must demonstrate sufficient language skills. Extensive previous university studies in English or a longer stay in an English-speaking country is usually sufficient to demonstrate this. You can also demonstrate your language skills through the TOEFL or IELTS tests. In that case, send the test results directly to the department. TOEFL: institution code 7996. IELTS: no institution code. It is also possible to attach other documentation supporting your English proficiency in the application platform.