Welcome! We are happy you are considering the RGS Econ as the next step in your academic journey. Please use the online system to apply for the 2026 RGS Econ PhD program. 

We only consider complete application packages, including two reference letters, submitted by the application deadline 23.03.2026. There is no application fee. Before you start, please have the following ready:

• CV in PDF format.
• Academic transcripts (Bachelor, Master, and other relevant degrees) as a combined PDF.
• A motivation letter (PDF).
• Optional: test score reports (GRE/GMAT, English test) and sample papers, if available.

You will also need the names and email addresses of at least two academic referees. After you submit the form, the system will generate two recommendation links and send them directly to your referees via email using the addresses you provide. You will not see or use these links yourself.

Admission requirements: Applicants should have an excellent academic record and should have obtained (or expect to complete) a Master's degree in Economics or related disciplines (e.g. business administration, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering) before the program start in October. The degree program should include a written thesis, examinations, and coursework. We generally only accept students who are in the top 20% of their cohort in terms of academic achievement.

For applicants without a German secondary school diploma (Abitur), a GRE (Graduate Record Examinations, General Test), GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), or any other internationally accepted test that measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical skills is highly recommended (though not strictly required if compensated by other documentation of these skills).

All courses, lectures, and seminars at RGS Econ are held in English. Therefore, a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or any other internationally accepted English language test with excellent results is highly recommended for all applicants, except for those who:

• are native English speakers, or
• can document at least six months of studies at an English-language university or in a course program taught in English, or

• possess a German Abitur.

   

Interview process: Your application will be reviewed by a selection committee consisting of RGS Faculty members. We invite promising candidates for interviews, which generally take place online. Interviews are held on a rolling basis as complete applications arrive; most interviews take place in late April and early May at the latest. First acceptance offers are typically made at the end of April and may continue until mid-June.

Early review: We start reviewing highly promising applications as soon as they are complete (including two reference letters) and may contact you before the main review dates. If you have an alternative offer, your application is complete, and you are still highly interested in joining RGS, please email us at sascha.keweloh(at)rgs-econ.de.