Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The Berlin School of Economics PhD Program is a structured doctoral program in Germany that welcomes highly qualified post-graduate students from around the world. The program admits new students annually in October and provides comprehensive funding throughout the expected duration of study.
For African applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this represents a significant opportunity to pursue doctoral research in economics or business studies at one of Europe’s leading economic research hubs, with full financial support and no tuition fees.
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Funding and Financial Support
The Berlin School of Economics provides substantial funding to all admitted students:
- Qualification Phase: Monthly stipend of €1,650
- Family allowance: Additional support for children if applicable
- Dissertation Phase: Funding normally provided through employment at member institutions (conditional on meeting performance criteria)
- No tuition fees: The program itself charges no tuition
Students should budget for a semester fee of approximately €300–350 per semester charged by the member institution awarding the doctoral degree. This fee includes access to public transport in Berlin at no additional cost.
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Eligibility Requirements
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must hold:
- A Master’s degree in economics or business studies with exceptional academic performance, OR
- A Master’s degree in related fields (industrial engineering, statistics, quantitative social sciences) with sufficient background in economics or business studies, OR
- A Bachelor’s degree combined with application to a Master’s program offering a fast-track option
Language Requirements
English proficiency is required for non-native speakers unless you:
- Hold a degree from a university in an English-speaking country, OR
- Can document at least one year of studies at an English-speaking university
Acceptable tests include TOEFL and IELTS. Providing scores is highly recommended but not mandatory. No minimum scores are specified.
Additional Requirements
- GRE General Test scores (institution code: 3853) or GMAT scores for business administration PhD tracks (program code: D1Z-41-07) — highly recommended but not mandatory
- Evidence of creativity and research inclination
- German language skills are encouraged but not required for admission
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the online Application Portal during the application period only. Applications sent outside this period or via email will not be considered.
Key Dates for October 2027 Intake
- Application deadline: January 15, 2027 (CET)
- Reference letter deadline: January 19, 2027
- Interview period: March 3–19, 2027 (via video conferencing)
- Admission decisions: End of March 2027
- Program start: October 2027
Required Documents
Upload the following through the Application Portal:
- Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages) stating your motivation and outlining major research interests
- Detailed curriculum vitae (without photograph)
- Copies of academic transcripts and other certificates
- GRE scores (institution code: 3853) or GMAT scores for business administration tracks — not mandatory but highly recommended
- IELTS or TOEFL scores if applicable (TOEFL institution code: 8167) — not mandatory but highly recommended
- Two academic reference letters submitted directly by referees through the Application Portal
Reference Letter Process
Confirm your referees’ willingness before naming them. Send them the official request through the portal well before the deadline using the “Contact referee now” button. Referees must upload letters by January 19, 2027.
Program Structure
The Berlin School of Economics operates as a structured PhD program with two phases:
- Qualification Phase: Coursework and research preparation with stipend support
- Dissertation Phase: Independent research with employment-based funding at member institutions
Important: The Berlin School of Economics cannot award doctoral degrees directly. Students must also be admitted as doctoral students at one of the member institutions with the right to award doctoral degrees.
Why Apply?
For Zimbabwean and SADC applicants, this program offers:
- Full funding without tuition fees — rare for European doctoral programs
- Structured program with clear milestones and support
- Access to Berlin’s vibrant academic and research environment
- No German language requirement for admission
- Video conferencing interviews — no travel costs for initial selection
Important Notes
- It is not necessary to find a supervisor before applying
- Applications must be completed in English
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- GRE and English test scores are highly recommended but not mandatory — however, competitive applicants typically submit strong scores
Official scholarship page: https://berlinschoolofeconomics.de/phd-program/application
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
