About this opportunity
A doctorate in economics is expensive in more ways than one. Tuition, then the years you cannot earn because you are studying. The DIW Berlin Graduate Center removes both problems for its 2027 intake, which is why applications from around the world land on its portal every winter.
The German Institute for Economic Research runs a structured doctoral programme in Berlin taught in English. The first year is a course phase, funded by a stipend of 1,650 Euro per month. Years two to five are normally funded through employment at one of DIW Berlin's research departments at TVöD, EG 13, 75 percent, so the research period pays like a job rather than a bursary. There are no tuition fees.
Who it suits is specific and the programme says so plainly. You need a master degree or diploma in economics or business studies, or a related field such as statistics or quantitative social science with a real economics background. Applicants still finishing their degree can apply as long as they complete it before the programme starts. Nationality is not a filter, and German is not required.
Two things trip people up. Referees must upload their own letters through a separate portal, and the whole application only travels during the open window, which closes on 15 January 2027 at 23:59 Central European Time.
What you receive
- Five years of funding for the expected length of the doctorate
- A stipend of 1,650 Euro per month during the one year course phase
- Employment at a DIW Berlin research department at TVöD, EG 13, 75 percent for years two to five
- No tuition fees charged by DIW Berlin
- Close links to Berlin universities and German research institutions through the Graduate Center partnerships
- Doctoral courses taught jointly with the Berlin School of Economics
Who can apply
- A master degree or diploma in Economics or Business Studies, or a related field such as civil engineering, statistics or quantitative social science with a sufficient background in Economics
- Applicants still studying may apply provided the degree is completed before the programme starts
- Open to applicants of any nationality, DIW Berlin welcomes applications from around the world
- Proof of English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS for applicants whose native language is not English, unless they hold a degree from an English speaking country or can document at least one year of study in an English speaking degree programme
- Knowledge of German is not required for a successful application
Who should not apply
- Applications sent by email outside the application period are not considered
- Incomplete applications are not considered
- Recommendation letters uploaded by the applicant rather than by the referee are not accepted
- The programme is a doctorate in Economics, so candidates without an economics or quantitative background are not the intended audience
Documents to prepare
- Motivation letter of at most two pages explaining the reasons for applying and the main research interests
- Detailed curriculum vitae without a photograph
- Two academic letters of recommendation submitted directly by senior academics through the separate recommendation letter portal
- Copies of academic transcripts and other certificates
- Completed DIW Berlin application form
- IELTS or TOEFL scores where applicable
- GRE General Test score report where applicable
How to apply
- Read the call for applications and the detailed requirements on the official DIW Berlin page at https://www.diw.de/en/diw_01.c.799242.en/application.html
- Prepare the motivation letter, curriculum vitae, transcripts, certificates and the completed application form in English
- Ask two senior academics to upload their recommendation letters through the DIW Berlin recommendation letter portal before the deadline
- Open the DIW Berlin application portal at https://diwberl.pi-asp.de/bewerber-web/?companyEid=DIW&tenant=&lang=E and create your candidate account
- Complete the online application and upload all documents, then submit before 15 January 2027 at 23:59 Central European Time
- Send content questions to gradcenter@diw.de and technical portal questions to recruiting@diw.de
Selection process
- After the application deadline a selection committee makes a first selection from the electronic applications received
- Selected candidates receive an invitation to a personal interview
- Final decisions are made shortly after the interviews
- The centre asks applicants to refrain from status inquiries until at least six weeks after the application deadline
Sources and verification
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Questions applicants ask
Can I apply before I finish my master degree?
Yes. The provider states that an application during the course of studies is possible, provided the degree is successfully completed before the programme starts.
Do I need to speak German?
No. Knowledge of German is not required for a successful application, although students are encouraged to learn German during the programme.
Are there tuition fees?
There are no tuition fees. DIW Berlin recommends enrolling at one of the Berlin universities for access to public transportation and student health insurance, and those universities charge a semester fee of about 380 Euro.
When can I upload my application?
Only during the application period, which for the 2027 intake began on 15 October 2026 and closes on 15 January 2027 at 23:59 Central European Time. The portal link is available while the application period is open.
Is the DIW Berlin Graduate Center the same as the Berlin School of Economics?
No. Both run doctoral programmes of similar structure and most courses are taught jointly, but the programmes remain distinct and require separate applications.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
