Scholarship Description
International students can apply for the fully funded Doctoral Programme at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management in Germany for the 2027 intake. The programme offers a tuition waiver, monthly financial support of up to €2,320, research funding, and opportunities to work with internationally recognized academics.
The doctoral programme is designed for academically talented candidates interested in pursuing advanced research in Accounting, Economics, Finance, or Management. Successful applicants will benefit from structured doctoral training, close faculty supervision, and an international research environment in Frankfurt, Germany.
This is an excellent opportunity for graduates seeking to build careers in university teaching, academic research, financial institutions, and international research organizations.
PhD Programme Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Frankfurt School of Finance & Management |
| Study Destination | Frankfurt, Germany |
| Programme | Doctoral Programme (PhD) |
| Degree | Dr. rer. pol. |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Duration | Up to 5 years |
| Language | English |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Monthly Support | Up to €2,320 |
| Tuition Fees | Tuition waiver |
| Intake | September 2027 |
| Application Deadline | 15 January 2027 |
| Eligible Applicants | International applicants |
About Frankfurt School’s Doctoral Programme
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management is an internationally recognized business school offering research-focused doctoral education.
Its doctoral programme aims to prepare independent researchers who can investigate complex economic, financial, organizational, and business challenges.
Unlike a conventional PhD that focuses exclusively on independent dissertation research, this programme combines advanced academic coursework, specialized research training, faculty mentorship, and dissertation development.
During the first two years, doctoral candidates complete structured coursework in research methods and their chosen academic concentration. The subsequent years are primarily dedicated to conducting original research and completing a doctoral dissertation.
An interesting feature is that the first two years can also count toward the Master of Business Research and Analytics (MBRA), which may be particularly useful for applicants who do not already hold a master’s degree.
Available PhD Research Areas
Applicants can choose from four major research concentrations:
1. PhD in Accounting
This concentration focuses on financial reporting, auditing, managerial accounting, and accounting information systems.
Potential research interests include:
- Financial reporting and corporate transparency.
- Auditing and accountability.
- Management accounting and performance measurement.
- Accounting information and capital markets.
2. PhD in Economics
The Economics concentration provides advanced training in economic theory, econometrics, and analytical approaches to understanding economic behavior.
Potential research interests include:
- Microeconomics and macroeconomics.
- Economic policy and development.
- Market behavior and competition.
- Applied econometrics and economic analysis.
3. PhD in Finance
This concentration is suitable for candidates interested in financial markets, banking, investment, and corporate financial decisions.
Potential research interests include:
- Corporate finance.
- Asset pricing.
- Banking and financial markets.
- Financial risk and investment decisions.
4. PhD in Management
The Management concentration explores how organizations operate, innovate, compete, and respond to changing business environments.
Potential research interests include:
- Strategic management.
- Entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Organizational behavior.
- Leadership and human resource management.
- Organizational learning and design.
Funding Benefits
One of the strongest advantages of this doctoral programme is its financial support.
Successful candidates receive a funding package that includes:
1. Monthly financial support
Doctoral students may receive up to €2,320 per month in tax-exempt financial support through the Frankfurt School Foundation Doctoral Scholarship.
2. Tuition waiver
Successful candidates receive a tuition waiver, meaning they do not have to pay the programme’s tuition fees.
3. Research and travel support
The funding package also includes a budget for research-related expenses and academic travel.
4. International academic exposure
Students benefit from close supervision, advanced research training, academic networking, and opportunities to present their work within an international research community.
Important funding condition: Doctoral scholarship recipients are expected to dedicate 100% of their working time to doctoral studies for up to five years.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants interested in the Frankfurt School Doctoral Programme should prepare to demonstrate strong academic ability, research potential, and English-language proficiency.
The application requirements include:
- A strong academic background and a recognized university degree.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- A valid GMAT or GRE score.
- A statement of purpose explaining academic motivation and research interests.
- Two academic recommendation letters.
- Relevant academic transcripts and degree certificates.
Applicants should consult the official admissions checklist for the complete documentation and accepted qualifications.
English Language Requirements
The admissions checklist specifies the following English-language requirements:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum 7.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 100.
Applicants who are native English speakers or who completed a degree entirely in English may qualify for an exemption, subject to the institution’s requirements.
If your university education was conducted in English, obtain an official medium-of-instruction letter from your university and check whether it is accepted as evidence for a waiver.
Required Application Documents
Prepare the following documents before starting your application:
- Academic CV: An English-language CV of no more than two pages, including your research experience and publications, if available.
- University degree certificates: Certified copies of your relevant academic qualifications.
- Academic transcripts: Official records showing your academic performance.
- University entrance qualification: A certified copy of your secondary-school or equivalent university entrance qualification.
- GMAT or GRE results: Upload your admission test score report.
- English proficiency certificate: IELTS, TOEFL, or accepted evidence for an exemption.
- Two recommendation letters: Letters from former academic supervisors, tutors, or other academic referees. These should be submitted through the Interfolio portal.
- Statement of Purpose and Research Interest: A research-focused document of up to two pages explaining your academic goals and a possible research project.
If your academic documents are not in English or German, prepare certified translations.
How to Apply for the PhD Programme
Applications are submitted online through Frankfurt School’s application portal.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose your research concentration
Decide whether your academic interests fit Accounting, Economics, Finance, or Management.
Step 2: Prepare your application documents
Organize your CV, academic certificates, transcripts, test results, recommendation arrangements, and research statement.
Step 3: Complete the online application
Visit the official application portal and complete the required application sections.
Step 4: Arrange recommendation letters
Contact your academic referees early and ensure that they submit their letters through the required Interfolio process.
Step 5: Submit your application
Review all uploaded documents and submit your application before the deadline.
Step 6: Prepare for the interview
Applicants whose profiles meet the selection requirements may be invited to an admission interview.
Special Tips to Improve Your Application
A strong application should demonstrate more than excellent grades. The admissions committee needs to understand your research potential, academic direction, and suitability for the chosen concentration.
Here are some practical recommendations:
1. Develop a focused research idea
Do not write a general statement such as “I want to study finance because I am interested in business.”
Instead, identify a specific research problem, explain why it matters, and suggest how you could investigate it.
For example, a Finance applicant might propose investigating financial inclusion and digital payment adoption in emerging economies.
2. Make your research statement specific
Your two-page research statement should clearly explain:
- The research problem you want to investigate.
- Why the topic is academically important.
- The main research question.
- Possible research methods and data sources.
- How the proposed research fits your chosen concentration.
You do not need to present a complete PhD dissertation proposal. However, your idea should demonstrate that you understand how academic research is developed.
3. Demonstrate quantitative and analytical skills
Research methods are important in this programme. Highlight relevant experience in statistics, econometrics, data analysis, research design, and analytical software.
If you have experience using SPSS, Stata, R, Python, or other relevant tools, explain how you have applied them in previous research.
4. Contact potential academic referees early
Do not wait until the application deadline to request recommendation letters.
Choose referees who understand your academic performance, research experience, and ability to conduct independent research. Give them your updated CV, research interests, and application deadline.
5. Make your academic CV research-oriented
Avoid submitting a CV that only lists employment history and educational qualifications.
Give appropriate attention to:
- Research projects and publications.
- Thesis or dissertation work.
- Research methodologies.
- Conference presentations.
- Academic awards and achievements.
- Relevant analytical and technical skills.
6. Prepare for the GMAT or GRE early
Do not underestimate the admission test requirement. Check the accepted examination, prepare adequately, and arrange for your results to reach the institution in time.
7. Explain why Frankfurt School is the right choice
Your motivation statement should demonstrate an understanding of the university’s research environment and explain why its faculty, academic concentration, and research training are appropriate for your goals.
Avoid using the same generic motivation letter for every university.
8. Do not wait until the final day
Recommendation letters, certified documents, language examinations, and test score reports can take time to arrange. Start preparing early and submit a complete application well before the closing date.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 15 January 2027 |
| Expected programme start | September 2027 |
| Programme duration | Up to 5 years |
Always confirm the deadline and intake information on the official university website before submitting your application.
Official Application Link
Interested and qualified candidates can apply online using the official application portal:
APPLY ONLINE – FRANKFURT SCHOOL DOCTORAL PROGRAMME
Additional official information:
- Frankfurt School Doctoral Programme
- Doctoral Programme Admissions Checklist
- Doctoral Programme – Management
- Doctoral Programme – Finance
Contact: doctoral@fs.de
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Frankfurt School PhD programme fully funded?
Yes. Successful candidates receive a tuition waiver and financial support of up to €2,320 per month through the Frankfurt School Foundation Doctoral Scholarship, together with research and travel support.
2. Can international students apply?
Yes. The doctoral programme is open to qualified applicants from different countries, subject to the admission requirements.
3. Can I apply without a master’s degree?
The university explains that the first two years of the doctoral programme can count toward its Master of Business Research and Analytics (MBRA). Applicants should check the admissions office’s assessment of their individual academic qualifications.
4. What is the application deadline?
The published application deadline for the doctoral concentrations is 15 January. For the September 2027 intake, applicants should prepare to submit their applications by 15 January 2027.
5. How long does the PhD take?
The programme is full-time and typically takes up to five years.
6. What language is used for teaching and research?
The programme is conducted in English.
Final advice: This is a competitive doctoral opportunity. Applicants should prioritize a strong research statement, relevant academic preparation, convincing recommendation letters, and a clear explanation of their intended research direction. Always check the official university admissions information for the latest requirements before applying.