PhD positions in Economics

KU Leuven's Department of Economics is inviting motivated students to apply for its doctoral program leading to a PhD in Economics.

The Department of Economics is part of the Faculty of Economics and Business and is based on the Leuven and Brussels campuses. Leuven is a vibrant, historical city located in the heart of Belgium, just 20 minutes from Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union. The city also enjoys excellent connectivity, with Paris, London, and Amsterdam within a two-hour reach.
Our department is internationally oriented, dynamic, and engaged in high-impact research. Detailed information about our faculty, research output, and activities can be found on our website: http://feb.kuleuven.be/economics.
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Project

The doctoral program is designed for full-time research over four years, ultimately leading to a PhD degree. It provides excellent preparation for academic careers at leading universities or research-based positions in policy institutions.

Comprehensive information on the program, including admission requirements, funding opportunities, and placement records, can be found here: http://feb.kuleuven.be/phd-economics.

Our PhD program is typically preceded by a year of study in the Master of Advanced Studies in Economics (MASE) or an equivalent research master’s program.

Profile

We are looking for candidates with:

• A completed research master’s degree in economics or a closely related field (e.g., finance, econometrics) by September 2025.
• Applicants who have not yet completed a research master’s degree are also encouraged to apply for a MASE scholarship through this call. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding candidates to pursue the Master of Advanced Studies in Economics (MASE) at KU Leuven. For more information about the MASE program, visit: http://feb.kuleuven.be/mase.

Offer

• Fully funded PhD position: Selected candidates will receive a stipend of at least €2,670 per month (net of taxes), including full health insurance coverage.
• Duration: Up to 4 years, with an annual review of research progress and performance.
• Start date: The academic year begins on September 22, 2025, but earlier start dates can be arranged.

Interested?

Apply online at: https://feb.kuleuven.be/econ-phd-application.

> We do *NOT* consider applications  via the KU Leuven online application tool. Only those via https://feb.kuleuven.be/econ-phd-application!

Application package:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement 
• Transcript of all university grades
• (Recommended) GRE or GMAT scores and/or proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS test scores)
• (Optional) Writing sample (e.g., MA thesis)
• (Optional) Reference letters: Referees should send their letters directly to econresearch@kuleuven.be

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.