"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."

"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."

"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!"

"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."

"Bonn checked a lot of boxes for me. I knew I wanted to pursue a PhD in Europe, and the BGSE has great resources in the fields that most interest me. In the integrated MSc program, I knew I wouldn’t have to relocate halfway through my studies. With five years, you can really get to know the university and the city. The master’s phase also gives indecisive students like myself an opportunity to explore different areas of research before settling into a specialization for the PhD.And, of course, the living stipend relieves a lot of stress! All in all, it was a great fit."

"There are many reasons to choose BGSE. To name a few, it produces top-quality research, has excellent placements every year, and its alumni are highly successful. As a result, it enjoys a strong reputation in academia. While all these factors were important in my decision-making process, the most influential reason was different. From the moment I received the offer, I felt truly welcomed here. Although BGSE was already among my top three choices before I received any offers, the interest and trust they showed in me made BGSE stand out."