What are the career prospects for PEF students?
The PEF prepares students for top academic as well as non-academics careers that require a good education in economics, finance and quantitative methods.
Is it possible to work during my Ph.D. studies?
We appreciate that many graduate students work part-time during their doctoral studies and that this is necessary to support themselves. Realistically, part-time commitments should, at least in the course phase, be less than 40 percent of a student's total time. The programme committee does not consider a job to be an important reason to grant an extension of the deadline for handing in the research proposal.
Are scholarships available?
The programme funds a small number of scholarships. However funds are limited, so students are strongly advised to raise funds from external organisations wherever possible. Remuneration for teaching within the Department of Economics or for Research Assistance is an important element of the funding available to students.
Depending on where you come from, there are several organisations which offer various scholarships:
- Swiss Government (for one year only)
- Institute of International Education,
- Fulbright programme
- German DAAD
Please find more information here.
How long does it take to complete the Ph.D.?
Students take about three to five years to earn their degree.
MPEF
The MPEF is a new Integrated Master and Ph.D. programme in Economics and Finance (PEF) starting directly after the Bachelor’s studies and leading straight into PEF. Here you may find detailed information for Mecon and MiQE/F.
Equivalence/ Recognition of Ph.D. and Dr. Title
Any foreign academic title can be held in Switzerland, no formal claim of recognition is necessary. In Germany, Austria and other countries an individual can apply for recognition of the Ph.D. title with the public authorities. In that case the Dean of Studies certifies that the Ph.D. title is equivalent to the doctoral title.
Is it possible to do an exchange during the Ph.D. programme?
Yes. If you are still in the course phase, please make sure that you attend similar courses. The Programme Committee decides before the exchange if courses are equivalent. An exchange is also possible during the dissertation phase. In that case you have to attend Ph.D., literature/research seminars abroad. The International Exchange Office at the University of St.Gallen generally supports exchanges at the Ph.D. Level.
Additionally, you have the opportunity to take single courses at cooperating universities like Frankfurt, Constance, and the NCCR Finrisk Network.
What form does the PEF doctoral thesis take?
The thesis for the Ph.D. Programme in Economics and Finance should be written as a cumulative thesis consisting of at least three publishable essays. The overall quality of the three essays should be that required by reputed international academic journals. Essays may be co-authored.