Apply Now for a PhD position in Economics (Up to 6 Doctoral positions in Economics available)

Ednah Carrick December 9, 2025

0 431 3 minutes read

Closing Date: 1 February 2026

Apply Now for a PhD position in Economics (Up to 6 Doctoral positions in Economics available)

Apply for a PhD position in Economics

University of Gothenburg is welcoming applications to the PhD programme in Economics starting September 1, 2026.

At the Department of Economics, you will join a welcoming and international research community with strong groups in labour, environmental, development, behavioral, and financial economics. The programme combines rigorous coursework with close supervision and an active seminar environment within our strong research culture. All positions are fully funded.

If you are motivated to pursue high-quality research in an international and socially engaged economics department, University of Gothenburg encourages you to apply.

Know someone who might be interested? Feel free to pass it on! Up to 6 Doctoral positions in Economics

Overview

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg has about 8000 students, 500 employees, and more than 180 international partner universities. Its main areas are business administration, economics and law, giving the School a unique broadness. The School is also characterized by its close relation between research and education, internationalization, overall embeddedness of sustainability and its close engagement with business and society. The School is accredited by EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA- “TripleCrown”.

The Department of Economics has about 100 employees and faculty conducting research across wide range of areas, including (but not limited to) labor, environmental, development, health, behavioral, and financial economics. It is an international and socially engaged department, bringing together researchers and staff from across the world.

Job assignments

University of Gothenburg is inviting applications for up to six fully funded PhD positions in Economics, starting on September 1, 2026. The PhD programme offers five years of full-time study, leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics (doktorsexamen) by August 2031.

During the first two years, students complete an extensive set of core and field courses, building a solid foundation in economic theory and empirical methods. The remaining years are primarily devoted to independent research, thesis writing, and departmental work such as teaching and seminar participation.

The PhD students are fully financed and enjoy the benefits and social security coverage associated with public-sector employment in Sweden.

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission, the applicant must meet the requirements for basic and special eligibility below.

Basic eligibility: the applicant must have a degree awarded at advanced level; or have completed studies for at least 240 higher education credits of which at least 60 higher education credits were awarded at advanced level; or have equivalent qualifications.

Special eligibility: the applicant must have completed at least 90 higher education credits in economics; or have completed at least 30 higher education credits in economics at advanced level; or have equivalent qualifications.

The admission requirements must have been met at the time of admission. Applicants who expect to have met the general and specific requirements by the beginning of September 2026 are welcome to apply.

How to apply

To apply to be admitted to the PhD program at the University of Gothenburg, one must apply through the University of Gothenburg´s recruiting system.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application at the last date of application.

Required Documents:

All application documents should be submitted in English or in a Scandinavian language

Personal Statement (1-2 pages): research interests, goals, motivation
Summary page: List of submitted documentation, social security number (if applicable), and a list of 1-3 reviewers (see point 8 below)
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Education, research/work experience, English proficiency certificates (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent if applicable/it is not mandatory)
Degree Certificates: Copies of diplomas or degrees. Non-Scandinavian transcripts should be translated into English.
Official Transcripts: Record of courses and grades.
Thesis or Other Research Work: Master’s thesis or academic papers; indicate priority if submitting multiple
GRE test, recommended. Institutional code:6285
Letter(s) of recommendation: Sent directly by referees to [email protected]. Referees must also complete the evaluation form here. The reference letters must be sent no later than 2026-02-01, the same date as the last application date. Letters included by the applicant will not be considered.