Program Overview
As a member of the Berlin School of Economics (BSoE), RFBerlin actively contributes to a structured, five-year PhD program designed for students aiming to build careers in labor and applied economics.
The BSoE is a collaborative network of leading universities and research institutions. It offers world-class academic training, personalized mentorship, and access to a global research community. The program equips participants with the skills and connections needed for successful careers in academia, policy-making, or leadership roles in industry.
The PhD program is divided into two phases:
- Qualification Phase (Semesters 1-3): During this phase, students focus on foundational coursework and research training. Participants receive a monthly stipend funded by the BSoE. While the BSoE conducts the qualification phase, RFBerlin will provide workspace for their doctoral students.
- Dissertation Phase (Semesters 4-10): Students engage deeply with their research in this phase. RFBerlin provides competitive funding, research support, and resources (including workspace, computer etc.). In addition, as a doctoral student at RFBerlin you will benefit from a comprehensive support structure, which includes:
- Mentorship: RFBerlin’s research staff includes many of Europe’s leading labor and applied economists. Gain access to this network, which will provide guidance, supervision, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities.
- Global Research Opportunities: Take advantage of RFBerlin’s broad international network, which provides opportunities for research stays at prestigious universities worldwide, fostering international collaboration and exposure.
- Customized Study Plan: Develop a personalized study plan, including advanced courses in labor economics, econometrics, and related fields.
- Career Development Support: Benefit from tailored job market preparation and support by our team of top international researchers, equipping you for both academic and non-academic career paths. RFBerlin’s researchers have a strong track record of successful placements at prestigious universities and organisations worldwide.
- Learning Opportunities at RFBerlin: RFBerlin offers a wide range of additional learning and networking opportunities, such as our Brown Bag seminars, RFBerlin Masterclasses, and lectures by world-renowned speakers.
- Dedicated Workspace: Enjoy a fully equipped, dedicated workspace in our state-of-the-art facilities.
- Advanced Research Resources: Access specialized databases, research servers, and cutting-edge tools to support your research endeavors.
How to Apply
All applications for the PhD program must be submitted through the Berlin School of Economics (BSoE) portal.
Application requirements:
- A Master’s degree with a strong academic record in economics or business studies. Related fields (e.g., industrial engineering, statistics, quantitative social sciences) may also be considered if you have sufficient economics or business studies background.
- The GRE General Test is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended.
- English language proficiency (for non-native speakers) is to be demonstrated through TOEFL or IELTS unless you hold a degree from an English-speaking university or have studied for at least one year at an English-speaking institution.
- German language skills are not required.
For detailed information, please visit the BSoE portal.
Application Process
The application process for the 2025 academic year opens in late October 2024. If you are interested in being a doctoral student at RFBerlin after the qualification phase, please indicate so on your application form. Once submitted, applications will be reviewed by the BSoE admissions committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview with Berlin-based RFBerlin faculty members, typically held in January or February 2025. Final admission decisions will be communicated shortly after the interviews.
Please note that deadlines and schedules may vary based on the volume of applications. For the latest updates, consult the official BSoE announcements.
For any questions regarding the application process, please refer to the BSoE FAQs section.
Enrolment and Supervision
As a PhD student at RFBerlin, you will be enrolled at Humboldt University, granting you full access to the university’s academic resources while fostering strong connections to the broader Berlin School of Economics (BSoE) network.
Your supervision will be tailored to align with your research objectives. You can select a mentor and advisor from the RFBerlin Project Leaders, many of whom are among Europe’s leading applied economists. The personalized supervision RFBerlin provides ensures diverse academic perspectives, enhances the quality and competitiveness of your research, and strengthens your professional network—preparing you for success in your post-PhD career, whether in academia, policy-making, or industry.
What Our Current PhD Students Say
“The environment amongst PhD students at RFBerlin and the BSoE is one of the most collaborative and supportive I have ever experienced. Nowhere else do PhD students and Postdocs come together like this to share ideas, give feedback, and of course support each other through the ups and downs of academia!”
Catharina Behrens, PhD Student
“The doctoral program of the Berlin School of Economics provides an excellent research environment with high-quality PhD courses and easy access to a remarkable network. I greatly enjoyed its collaborative atmosphere and the freedom to pursue my own research interests.”
Michelle Hansch, PhD Student
“As a PhD student at RFBerlin, I learn from and collaborate with some of Europe’s most distinguished labor economists. Berlin moreover offers a vibrant research environment, with over 70 BSoE faculty members, a diverse array of inspiring courses, and regular guest lectures by renowned economists.”
Lukas Tohoff, PhD Student
For more details, contact Lukas Tohoff at [email protected] or explore our website.
Success Stories – Placement records of RFBerlin project leaders
Our project leaders have vast experience in supervising and placing PhD students, with a strong track record of guiding graduates into positions at top universities and institutions worldwide.
Placements include positions at:
Bank of England; Bank of Italy; Ben Gurion University; Bocconi University; Bundesinstitut für Bevölkerungsforschung, Germany; Carlos III Madrid; University of Rochester; CEMFI; European Central Bank; Groningen University; Max Planck Institute; McGill University; NHH Bergen; OECD; Pompeu Fabra University; Stockholm University; Swiss National Bank; University of Cologne; University of Essex; University of Mannheim; University of Montreal; University of Namur; University of New South Wales; University of Oslo; University of Pittsburgh; University of Warwick; Uppsala University; University of Munich; University of Sydney; University of Milan; Queen Mary University, London School of Economics; International Monetary Fund; Central European University.
