university of zurich economics phd placement

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PhD in Economics at the University of Zurich

The Zurich Graduate School of Economics  at the University of Zurich, ZurichGSE in short, was launched in its current format in 2009. It offers a set of courses taught (in English) by internationally renowned academic faculties at the University of Zurich and world-class research opportunities. A specific feature of the doctoral program is a close attachment between graduate students and advisors and a strong team spirit among students. The goal of the program is to produce independent young researchers who can obtain academic jobs in the best universities, central banks, and international organizations.

Overview Zurich Graduate School of Economics

PhD in Neuroeconomics at the University of Zurich

The Marlene Porsche Graduate School of Neuroeconomics was launched in 2017, enabled by a donation by the Marlene Porsche Foundation. The interdisciplinary degree program in the cutting-edge field of Neuroeconomics has a strong scientific focus, with the goal of enabling students to become independent researchers of the highest caliber. Its faculty consists of internationally renowned scholars with expertise in behavioral economics, neuroimaging, neuropharmacology, brain stimulation techniques, and computational modeling.

Overview Marlene Porsche Graduate School of Neuroeconomics

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(Doctoral Program)

Degree program: doctorate business and economics (c, pvo13).

General description Admission requirements Educational goals ECTS credits Degree Program structure Language of instruction

General description

Doctoral students demonstrate a systematic understanding of a field of study and mastery of the skills and methods of research associated with that field. They can conceive, implement, and adapt a research process with scientific integrity. Doctoral students can undertake original research which expands existing knowledge through substantial research contributions. Doctoral students can analyze and solve complex problems and critically reflect on scientifically relevant issues. They present and discuss their research field to the international scientific community as well as communicate their research field to the general public. Graduates of the structured fast-track doctoral program successfully completed courses with a total work load of 78 ECTS credits and are especially prepared for an academic career. The doctoral thesis covers a specific subject in Economics of current scientific interest in great depth, and is publicly defended.

Admission requirements

The conditions for admission to the Doctoral program in Economics and Business Administration are published at: https://www.oec.uzh.ch/en/studies/admission/phd.html

Educational goals

Candidates may apply for the fast-track Doctoral program in Economics if they hold an excellent Bachelor's degree as well as recommendation letters and wish to pursue a career in academia. This is a two-part program, comprised of a condensed Master's degree and a PhD. The international Doctoral program in Economics at the University of Zurich offers a set of courses taught by internationally renowned scholars and world-class research opportunities. Close collaboration between Doctoral students and supervisors and strong team spirit among students are specific features of the Doctoral program. Students enjoy the benefits of a highly interdisciplinary, vibrant research community with access to first-class facilities. Students can choose from a wide range of research interests in all areas of economics, including econometrics, macroeconomics, microeconomics, and neuroeconomics. The research conducted at the department has an interdisciplinary focus, combining modern economics with elements of history, political science, psychology, biology, and sociology.

ECTS credits

78 ECTS Credits

Doctor of Philosophy, PhD

Program structure

A Master's degree is earned first, followed by a Doctoral degree. In order to attain the Master’s degree, prospective students need to acquire at least 90 ECTS credits. The subsequent doctorate is usually completed in three to five years. In addition to writing the dissertation and passing the defense, the Track C Doctoral level in Economics comprises the successful completion of 78 ECTS credits in compulsory and core elective modules at the Doctoral level. Please refer to the Doctoral program regulations for more details: http://www.oec.uzh.ch/regulations_en. For a detailed description of the courses offered at the department as well as for a general overview of the program's structure, consult the website of the Zurich Graduate School of Economics: https://www.econ.uzh.ch/en/study/phd/zurichgse/schedule.html

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Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics

Quicklinks und sprachwechsel, main navigation, doctoral programs and admission.

The Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics offers various Doctoral programs for very good Master's and excellent Bachelor's degree holders. Acceptance and admission are granted after individual reviews conducted by both the program directors and the University.

General process for acceptance and admission

Persons who are currently not enrolled at the University of Zurich must first apply with one of the study program directors to be accepted to a program (in the Informatics department, with the respective professor). Additionally, they must apply online with the Admissions Office, who reviews the application on behalf of the University. Acceptance to a program is only possible after these steps have been completed.

Persons who begin a Doctoral program immediately after completing a Master's program at our Faculty must also apply for acceptance with the study program director (in the Informatics department, with the respective professor). They must also register for the corresponding Doctoral program in the scope of semester enrollment.

Candidates can apply for different tracks (Tracks A, B, or C). An application for Track A requires an explicit confirmation of a professor from our Faculty to act as the applicant's supervisor. More information regarding the different tracks is available on the following website:

Doctoral programs

When applying, please note the information and deadlines published on each study program website. Only complete and properly submitted files will be considered.

Program contacts

Doctoral programs in economics and neuroeconomics.

Graduate School of Business

Doctoral program in Finance

Doctoral program in Informatics

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Awarding top academic talents

The ubs center is a main funding body for top academic talent at the zurich university’s graduate school of economics..

The UBS Center Scholarships are scholarships awarded every year to outstanding PhD students at the Graduate School of Economics , run by the Department of Economics at the University of Zurich. We have a current list of UBS Center scholarship holders on our website. Furthermore, by funding new endowed chairs at the Department of Economics, the UBS Center will create additional doctoral positions for talented young researchers beyond the scholarship scheme. This will ensure that the Zurich Graduate School of Economics achieves a critical mass of top young talent to create a leading international graduate school with an attractive research environment. By strengthening the University of Zurich’s position as a destination for young academic talent around the world, the UBS Center also aims to further enhance Switzerland’s position as a top location for education and business more generally. After all, investment in higher education and research is a key factor in preserving and further growing economic prosperity in developed economies over the long term.

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The UBS Center Scholarship goes toward the attainment of a doctorate as part of the Graduate School of Economics at the University of Zurich. The UBS graduate fellowship will be for one year in the first instance, and is renewable (depending on performance). The UBS Center Scholarships are full scholarships, covering living expenses and all fees. Nothing will change for you, except that the UBS Center will also pay your tuition fees. Scholarship holders are free to choose their supervisor and have no mandatory duties beyond their doctorate. The teaching load is 50% of the load of other (regular) students. Each scholarship holder will receive CHF 5,000 of research funds.

Eligibility and selection criteria

Scholarships are open to PhD students at the Graduate School of Economics, they are awarded to candidates on the grounds of outstanding academic merit.. While preference may be given to students whose research plans include areas of interest of the UBS Center of Economics in Society, applications from all areas are welcomed.

Over the last 10 years, the UBS Center has generously funded numerous graduate fellowships. From 2022 onwards, we are changing the focus of the program, switching away from grants to incoming students, and towards one targeted at students in higher years. We encourage outstanding students to apply to the UBS scholarships.

While students in their second and fourth years are eligible to apply, the target group is students who are currently in their third year, who will start receiving the funding at the beginning of their fourth year. And while the scholarship is awarded for one year and is subsequently renewable, we anticipate that most students who receive the scholarship will be renewed for the second year. This means that the award will typically be for two years, though this also requires continued excellence and progress during the award period. So, while there are potentially exceptions, the structure of the scholarship will primarily consist of support during the fourth and fifth years of the program.

Further information

In case of further questions about the UBS Center Scholarships please contact us through [email protected]