DIW Berlin Graduate Center PhD in Economics 2027: Funded Five-Year Doctorate in Germany
Thinking about a PhD in economics without tuition fees and with funding for the whole programme?
- FundingYear 1 stipend, then employment at DIW Berlin (Years 2–5); no…
- Duration5 years
- Who can applyGlobal
- Application feeFree
Overview
Applications for the 2027 intake are open until 15 January 2027.
The DIW Berlin Graduate Center runs a structured PhD in economics. Year 1 is a course phase; from Year 2, doctoral students normally join one of DIW Berlin’s research departments as paid staff while writing their dissertation.
What Will You Do?
- Complete graduate coursework in economics in Year 1.
- Work in a DIW Berlin research department from Year 2.
- Research and write your doctoral dissertation.
At a glance
About
- Opportunity type
- Funded PhD Programme
- Host organization
- DIW Berlin Graduate Center (German Institute for Economic Research)
- Location
- Berlin, Germany
- Format / mode
- In person
- Duration
- 5 years
- Start date
- 2027 intake
Funding
- Funding / financial support
- Fully funded: Year 1 stipend, then employment at DIW Berlin (Years 2–5); no tuition fees
- Stipend / salary
- €1,650/month in Year 1; Years 2–5 paid position (TVöD EG 13, 75%), subject to performance
- Application fee
- Free
Eligibility
- Nationality
- Global
- Degree required
- Master’s degree or diploma in Economics or Business Studies (or related field with strong economics)
- Age
- None
- Work experience
- None
- Fields / areas
- Economics
Who can apply
- Degree: A master’s or diploma in Economics or Business Studies; related fields may qualify with enough economics background.
- Timing: You can apply while still studying, as long as your degree is complete before the programme starts.
- Language: Non-native English speakers must show proficiency (a high TOEFL or IELTS score is sufficient).
- Nationality, age and work experience: Not specified by the host.
What you get
- Funding for the full five years of the programme.
- €1,650 per month stipend during the Year 1 course phase.
- A paid research position at DIW Berlin in Years 2–5 (TVöD EG 13, 75%), subject to performance criteria.
- No tuition fees. Note: Berlin universities charge a semester fee of about €380.
Fields & areas
- Economics
- Economic and policy research
See more funded study options in our scholarships section.
How to apply
- Prepare a motivation letter (max 2 pages) and a detailed CV without a photo.
- Gather transcripts and certificates, plus TOEFL/IELTS and GRE scores if applicable.
- Complete the application form (PDF) and upload everything, in English, through the online portal.
- Ask two senior academics to submit recommendation letters via the recommendation portal.
Full requirements are on the official DIW Berlin application page. Applications are only accepted through the portal during the application period.
Frequently asked questions
Is the DIW Berlin Graduate Center PhD Programme 2027 open?
Yes. Applications for the 2027 intake are currently open.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is January 15, 2027, at 23:59 CET.
Who can apply?
Applicants from all nationalities can apply if they meet the academic and programme requirements.
What degree is required?
Applicants generally need a Master’s degree or diploma in Economics or Business Studies. Applicants from related quantitative fields may also qualify if they have sufficient economics background.
Is there an age limit?
No specific age limit is stated.
Is work experience required?
No specific minimum work-experience requirement is stated.
Is the PhD fully funded?
The programme provides funding for up to five years, with a first-year stipend followed by employment at DIW Berlin under specified conditions.
How much funding is provided?
The first year provides a €1,650 monthly stipend. Years 2–5 normally involve employment at a DIW Berlin research department at TVöD EG 13, 75%, subject to satisfactory progress.
Is there a tuition fee?
No tuition fee is charged for the PhD programme.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is stated by DIW Berlin.
Are there any additional costs?
Students who enroll at a Berlin university may have to pay a semester contribution of approximately €380 per semester. Other personal costs, such as accommodation, living expenses, visa costs and language or admission tests, may also apply.
Is GRE required?
The GRE General Test is not mandatory, but DIW Berlin strongly recommends submitting it. GMAT is not accepted as a substitute.
Is German language proficiency required?
No. German is not required for the programme.
Is English proficiency required?
Yes, applicants may need to demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption under DIW Berlin’s requirements.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The programme accepts applicants from all countries.
Is the PhD taught in English?
Yes. The programme is conducted in English.
How long is the programme?
The programme is designed for five years.
Where is the programme located?
The programme is based at DIW Berlin in Berlin, Germany.
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