Bonn Graduate School of Economics

The Bonn Graduate School of Economics (BGSE) invites students from around the world to join our combined MSc/PhD program in economics. At the BGSE, you will have the chance to study and do research, entirely in English, in a supportive and intellectually demanding environment. We foster a cooperative team spirit among our student body.

The BGSE pursues research activities in the following five research areas:

Microeconomic Theory
Management and Applied Microeconomics
Financial Economics
Macroeconomics and Public Economics
Econometrics and Statistics

Our doctoral students receive grants to cover living expenses.

Many graduates of our doctoral program are now in leading academic positions.

PhD Program

Job Market Candidates

People

Partners & Sponsors

Philipp Strack, winner of the Clark Medal and BGSE Alumnus

"I associate the University of Bonn above all with my co-authors and friends, as well as my time as a student, which I enjoyed very much. I am grateful for the world-class education I received at the University of Bonn and especially at the Bonn Graduate School of Economics, which made my academic career possible."

More about Philipp Strack

Job Market Candidates 2025/26 and Placements 2025

Meet our Job Market Candidates 2025/26!

In 2025, our job market candidates received various offers and decided to continue their academic careers at the following universities and institutions:

Boston University, USA
University of Mannheim, Germany
University of Bonn, Germany
RFBerlin, Germany
Federal Reserve Board, Washington, D.C., USA
Bundesinstitut für Bau-, Stadt- und Raumforschung, Germany
De Nederlandsche Bank, Netherlands
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, USA

Current Student Testimonials

Current BGSE student Alexander Böcking

"The most important factors for me were the outstanding research environment and faculty at Bonn. The department is highly renowned and has a range of researchers I would like to work and collaborate with. The program also has a strong track record of placements in the academic job market and provides rigorous training during the coursework phase."

Current BGSE student So Jung Lee

"I chose Bonn because of its strong global reputation for research excellence. It’s particularly well-suited to my interest in behavioral economics, making it an ideal fit. Plus, since I wanted to stay in Europe, Bonn felt like the perfect choice."

Current BGSE student Jason Basistov

"My experience in Bonn has always been positive, and the university provides excellent international collaborations, such as with the University of California, Berkeley, where I am spending my first Ph.D. year. I am therefore looking forward to returning to my alma mater soon!"

Current BGSE student Tim Jascheck

"My fellow students have stood out the most—they are not only highly intelligent but also very sociable, which creates a collaborative environment that is further encouraged by the shared office space. The city itself is quiet and green, providing a relaxing atmosphere that is ideal for studying. Additionally, Bonn is well-connected, with easy access to Cologne, Frankfurt, and even France and Belgium, while still being a peaceful place that allows for focused academic work."

More Testimonials

Our Program

Doctoral Program (PhD) with integrated MSc Economic Research

Duration:
- MSc: 2 years
- PhD: 3 years
Degrees: Master of Science and Doctoral Degree
Beginning of study: Winter Semester
Application period: once a year from November 15 until January 15 (online)

News and Events of Our Department

BGSE application portal now open!

The Bonn Graduate School of Economics invites qualified students to apply for admission of the combined MSc/PhD program. Interested students with a bachelor's or master's degree in economics or related disciplines are welcome to hand in their documents until January 15, 2026. We look forward to receiving your application!

BGSE Alumnus Laurenz Guenther Named to Capital Magazine’s “40 Under 40” List

We are delighted to congratulate BGSE alumnus Laurenz Guenther on being selected for Capital magazine’s prestigious “40 Under 40” list. The recognition highlights his impressive professional achievements and growing visibility in the field. Laurenz is currently a Research Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST–Toulouse School of Economics), among other academic affiliations. His work continues to reflect the high standards of excellence fostered at BGSE. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to Laurenz’s continued accomplishments. Congratulations, Laurenz!

Manchot Lecture November 10, 2026 - Save the Date!

The lecture will be delivered by Professor Melissa Dell, Andrew E. Furer Professor of Economics, Harvard University.

Information Meeting for Advanced BA and MA Students in Economics Interested in Pursuing a Doctoral Degree

The Bonn Graduate School of Economics invites to an Information Meeting for Advanced BA and MA Students in Economics Interested in Pursuing a Doctoral Degree - November 11, 2025.

Congratulations to the Nobel Prize winners in economics

The Department of Economics Bonn, and the Bonn Graduate School of Economics congratulate the winners of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. This year's Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences goes to three researchers: economic historian Joel Mokyr from Northwestern University, growth researchers Philippe Aghion (Insead and London School of Economics), and Peter Howitt (Brown University).

Just graduated: Lennard Schlattmann

Congratulations! Lennard Schlattmann graduated from the Bonn Graduate School of Economics.

EDP Jamboree 2025 in Bonn

The annual EDP Jamboree took place this year in Bonn and proved to be a great success. Over two days, doctoral researchers from across the European Doctoral Programme (EDP), Louvain, PSE, EUI, Bonn, presented their work and engaged in lively academic discussions. The presentations were of high quality and sparked stimulating exchanges among participants, contributing to the vibrant intellectual atmosphere of the event.

ERC Starting Grant for Amelie Schiprowski

The Department of Economics congratulates Jun.-Prof. Dr. Amelie Schiprowski: She has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant worth €1.5 million. The European Research Council (ERC) uses this funding line to support researchers at the beginning of their careers. The grant will enable her to carry out her own research projects on the topic of career entry in tight labor markets over the next five years.

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.

Manchot Lecture

The annual lectures are delivered by internationally distinguished experts and address a general audience interested in economic research.

BGSE's doctoral student exchange programs

The BGSE is a founding partner of the European Doctoral Program (EDP) and has established further exchange programs with other renowned universities abroad, such as Berkeley and Yale.

Department of Economics

The main research fields of our faculty include game theory, applied microeconomics, monetary and international macroeconomics, contract theory, labour economics and finance.

Department

Job Market

We are particularly proud of the success of our graduates in the academic world but also in research-related organizations and in the private sector.

Our alumni have obtained prestigious positions at universities in the U.S. (e.g., Harvard, Berkeley, Penn, UCLA, Michigan, Minnesota), in Europe (e.g., University of Oxfrod, University College London, Pompeu Fabra, Tilburg, Carlos III, Stockholm, Zurich) and in Germany (e.g., Mannheim, Munich, Berlin, Cologne). In addition, many alumni are currently in the non-academic sector (e.g., European Central Bank, German Central Bank, Bank of England, U.S. Federal Reserve Board, McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group).

Job Market Candidates

Recent Placements