Prerequisites
To be eligible for admission, we require the following:
1. A university level degree
2. At least three semesters of economics or finance courses (90 ECTS) including a thesis worth at least 15 ECTS
3. One year of Master level studies or the equivalent.
We are looking for academic excellence and for students who are well prepared for a PhD program in financial economics. Therefore, you are welcome to apply if you are studying in the first year of a MSc program. We may also admit students who for instance have a Bachelor’s degree in economics or finance and in addition have one to two years of coursework in mathematics and statistics at the advanced Bachelor level. We will also consider students with a very strong record from a four-year university program.
For SSE MSc students, there is the possibility of a parallel intake. First year SSE MSc students can apply, and if accepted join the PhD program after their completed first year.
All non SSE applicants to the Finance Program are required to take the general GRE test (Graduate Record Exam) (institution code 7016, department code 1801). The GMAT test may be taken instead, but the GRE is preferable. These test results have a validity of maximum 5 years.
It's also important to have a sufficient level of English to be able to participate. If you are not a native English speaker or have undertaken a study program in English before, you will need to test your English level. We prefer the TOEFL test (Test of English as a Foreign Language), but the IELTS test may also be taken. Please provide the score and a copy of the official test result attested by two people. Language test results have a validity of maximum 4 years.
There is no minimum score requirement for any of the tests.
Financial Support
The Stockholm School of Economics does not charge any tuition for its PhD programs and offers funding for graduate studies. All PhD students admitted receive a scholarship for their first year to cover living costs. The current scholarship amount is 13 000 SEK per month. A student who receives a scholarship for the first year of study may expect the scholarship to be renewed for the second year provided that the course requirements for the first year are fulfilled.
Applying to the Program
Applications must be received by Lisa Klein by February 1, every year (see mailing address to the right). Your application will not be considered until the following material has been received:
Three (3) complete sets of applications, each set containing
- A completed and signed application form
- Your Curriculum Vitae
- University transcripts and attested copies of certificates of any university degree you have
- A description of how exams are graded at your university
- A Statement of Purpose: a concise statement concerning your plans for PhD studies and your career objectives. The statement should be written in English, and should not exceed 1,500 words.
One (1) copy of your most advanced essay within economics or finance.
In addition, you should arrange for two letters of recommendation in English to be sent directly to the school.
There is no application fee.
For more information, please contact:
lisa.klein@hhs.se
Department of Finance