Are you thinking of taking a PhD course in economics or economics in Europe? If so, then you’re at the right spot! Europe is the home of several of the world’s highly regarded universities that offer doctoral degrees in economics. For instance, the Doctoral Programme in Economics (DPE) at the University of Helsinki is one of these programs that encourages the doctoral degree in economics through seminars and classes that are based on a program that was established in 1990. Many universities across Europe provide doctoral programs in economics at affordable costs. Learn more about how to pursue a Doctorate in Economics across Europe!
PhD in Economics in Europe: Overview

A Doctor of Philosophy or, more commonly, by the name of a Doctor of Philosophy degree, is a doctoral degree awarded by the university to a scholar who has completed all requirements and is now recognized as a doctor in his academic field. The students who study economics first discover the differences between microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics deals with the interactions and behavior of individual markets, such as companies and households. In contrast, macroeconomics is concerned with the overall economic situation. More than 4,000 higher education institutions are situated in Europe and range from world-class research to small, teaching-focused institutions. Europe spreads beyond the Arctic Circle to the African coast and is not different from other continents.
PhD in Economics: The Course
- The Doctorate focusing on Economics usually includes studies in macroeconomics and microeconomics. However, this is an excellent degree if you wish to instruct or conduct research on economics. Once your proposal is accepted and the oral test is passed, the last semesters of your enrollment are dedicated to dissertation writing, research, and defense.
- The main chance in the economics is that it predominantly engages in research. A PhD degree is recommended only by those interested in research-related work. PhDs are usually taken up by those involved in the academic realm. It could result in a knowledge of the area or topic.
- When they have completed their PhD in Economics, students will comprehend a variety of debates on the theory behind business and economics, analyze economic issues, and analyze the implications of business and economic plans and strategies.
- Most jobs in Economics require an advanced degree or a PhD for a doctorate in Economics. To advance to higher posts, an advanced degree is often needed.
Why Choose Europe for PhD?
Europe is a preferred destination for postgraduate studies. There are many reasons students pursue their master’s or PhD program in Europe. Not least of all is the excellent reputation of Europe for high academic standards, the way of life, the wide range of options and choices, and a wide range of diverse cultures. Here are a few of the primary reasons you should do your doctoral degree in Economics within Europe:
- Great Experience
Many students opt to study for their postgraduate program in Europe due to the broad knowledge and experience that it offers. Among the advantages are finding low-cost flights and trains for a wide range of countries in Europe during a free weekend or during the Easter or Christmas holidays. If you are a student and live at an academic institution in Europe, then all of Europe’s continents are in front of you, ready to explore.
- Quality of Education
The quality of Europe’s universities is excellent, with many of the top universities in the world like University College London, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. These universities, as well as numerous others across Europe, are all by many all over the world and show Europe’s capability to provide the highest quality of education for postgraduate students.
- Budget Friendly
Pursuing a master’s or PhD program in Europe is also financially beneficial as the tuition costs are usually lower than in other countries, such as America. Postgraduate course costs in Europe generally vary between EUR 5,000 (INR 4,10 Lakh) to EUR 25,000 (INR 20.5 Lakh), depending on the university’s status and the course’s topic. Postgraduate courses geared towards international students cost around EUR15,000 (INR 12.3 Lakh), much cheaper than courses in America. United States.
- Possibilities to work
A degree in a European city can benefit your future job prospects because the student population is large and diverse. This allows postgraduate students to experience a wider range of life experiences and great networking opportunities. Employers know the top-quality universities in Europe that will surely assist you in your career direction. Your choice for your European university will impress prospective employers, which will help you progress in your career.
Top Universities for PhD in Economics in Europe
In the most current global rankings, the following are the top schools in economics for doctoral studies in economics in Europe:
- London School of Economics and Political Sciences (LSE), UK
- University of Oxford, UK
- University of Cambridge, UK
- University College London (UCL), UK
- Bocconi University, Italy
- University of Warwick, UK
- Tilburg University, Netherlands
- University of Zurich, Switzerland
- London Business School, UK
- ETH Zurich, Switzerland
PhD Within the Framework of the European Higher Education Area
EHEA is a consortium comprised of 48 countries that use the same system of university degrees. It comprises 28 EU participants (including those from the United Kingdom) and other countries in Europe and Eurasia.
The Bologna Process, which was signed in 1999 by Bologna, the University of Bologna (Europe’s oldest university), is adhered to by every EHEA member. The Bologna Process categorizes the academic degree into three types:
- Bachelor’s degrees can be considered first-cycle, typically requiring three years to finish.
- Master’s degrees are second-cycle degrees that usually last two years.
- Doctoral degrees (such as doctoral degrees) are degrees of the third cycle that typically take between three and four years to finish.
Degrees earned from one EHEA country are automatically recognized in all other EHEA countries. This means that you can study abroad in other regions of Europe or work in a different European country with a doctorate, which is much more straightforward.
Cost of PhD in Economics in Europe
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, a PhD in Economics within Europe costs an average of $19,314 (INR 15.9 Lakh) annually. This is the median tuition for graduate students at private and public institutions between 2018 and 2019. Tuition costs differ by institution, while private institutions tend to be costlier than public institutions.
Careers and Scope
A PhD in Economics from Europe can provide you with financial stability and stability in your career. Opportunities for career advancement in economics are great since the demand for these areas is projected to grow faster than the average national. Read on for the top 10 PhD in Economics jobs available to graduates and a summary of their salaries per year. According to PayScale, the average wage for a doctoral student in Economics is $110,000 (INR 90.66 Lakh) per year. The amount you earn varies based on your path to success, the organization you work for, and the sector where you work.
The opportunity to earn a PhD with a focus on economics in Europe is worth the money. The pursuit of a master’s degree in the field of economics can be a great opportunity to develop important skills to compete in the job market in economics, improve your communication skills, and increase the security of your finances and stability all through the course of your professional career.
Economics PhD students can choose to conduct research and teaching at top institutions, in prestigious government posts, or continue employment at the most lucrative private institutions.
FAQs
Are PhD in Europe paid for?
A lot of universities rely on external funding to fund PhD postdoctoral positions. External funding typically comes from research grants specifically for research projects. The two most common funding sources include the European Commission and the National Scientific Research Council.
What time is needed to obtain an academic doctoral degree in Europe?
In general, the case is that an average PhD in Europe will take at most four years to finish. There are, however, five- and three-year programs and part-time alternatives.
Do all PhD students receive a stipend from Europe?
In Europe, The average monthly minimum wage for a PhD student is around 2,600 euros. It is crucial to understand that this figure covers any discipline, including engineering and science.
Do you think an economics degree is worth it?
Consider pursuing an economics PhD for those who want to engage in research, have a good grasp of math (i.e., Quant GRE scores above 165), and demonstrate an interest in research related to economics.
To help you shortlist colleges/universities in Europe or any other country, please contact Leverage Edu. We can also be reached by calling 1800 57 0000 for 30 minutes of free counseling.