The DIW Berlin Graduate Center PhD Program (Intake 2027) is open for applications until 15 January 2027. This five-year doctoral program in economics is based in Berlin, Germany, and requires full-time, in-person attendance.
The program charges no tuition fees. In addition, selected doctoral researchers receive a stipend of 1,650 Euro per month for Year 1. Then, funding for Years 2–5 is normally provided through employment at DIW Berlin research departments, subject to meeting performance criteria.
Application Deadline:
- 15 January 2027 at 23:59 CET (Application period opens 15 October 2026)
Tell Me About The Program:
The DIW Graduate Center PhD Program (Deutsches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung / German Institute for Economic Research) in Berlin, Germany, offers a prestigious, fully funded 5-year doctoral training program in economics. Combining high-level coursework (with the Berlin School of Economics) and on-the-job research training within DIW Berlin’s specialized research departments, the program prepares scholars for careers in academia, international organizations, and policy-making institutions.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Economics, Business Studies, or Quantitative Social Sciences (with a strong background in Economics).
- Fields of research align with DIW Berlin departments: Macroeconomics; Forecasting and Economic Policy; Energy, Transportation, Environment; Climate Policy; Firms and Markets; Public Economics; The German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP); Entrepreneurship Research Group; and Gender Studies Research Group.
Type:
Fully Funded Ph.D. Fellowship / Structured Doctoral Training Program in Economics
Who can Apply:
- Academic Requirements: Must hold (or be in the final stages of completing) a Master’s degree or diploma in Economics, Business Studies, or a closely related quantitative field with a strong background in economics.
- Language Proficiency: Must demonstrate English language proficiency (native speaker, degree from an English-speaking country, at least one year of studies in an English-speaking program, or high TOEFL/IELTS scores). No German language skills are required to apply.
- Standardized Tests: Submission of the GRE General Test (Test Taker Score Report) is not mandatory but is highly recommended to strengthen the application.
How are Applicants Selected:
Applications are evaluated competitively by the selection committee based on academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, motivation and research interests, English proficiency, and GRE scores (if submitted). Shortlisted candidates are invited for personal interviews conducted via video conferencing.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (Open to international applicants worldwide).
Where will the Program be Taken:
DIW Berlin and participating Berlin universities (Humboldt-Universität, Freie Universität, Technische Universität, or the University of Potsdam), Berlin, Germany (Note: Full-time in-person attendance is required).
How Many Fellows:
Competitive international cohort selected annually.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Full Financial Support: Funded for the entire 5-year duration of the program:
- Course Phase (Year 1): Monthly stipend of €1,650.
- Research Phase (Years 2–5): Employment contract within one of DIW Berlin’s research departments (TVöD, EG 13, 75%).
- Tuition-Free Education: No tuition fees (standard Berlin university semester fee of approx. €380 applies, which includes public transportation access).
- Research Infrastructure: Direct mentorship from world-class researchers and integration into active economic policy networks.
How Long Will it Last:
5 years (Full-time study).
How to Apply:
- Prepare application documents in English:
- Motivation letter (max. 2 pages explaining reasons for applying and major research interests)
- Detailed curriculum vitae (without photograph)
- Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Completed application form (PDF)
- TOEFL/IELTS scores and GRE General Test report (highly recommended), if applicable
- Secure two academic letters of recommendation from senior academics (professors or postdoctoral researchers), who must upload their letters directly via the online recommendation portal.
- Submit your application online through the official P&I Loga application portal before 15 January 2027 at 23:59 CET.
👉 Visit the official scholarship page for details
