Graduate Programme in Economics and Finance (GPEF)
The Graduate Programme in Economics and Finance (GPEF) rquipts students to excel academically in Economics, Econometrics, and Finance with a specific emphasis on policy relevant theoretical and empirical research.
GPEF graduates frequently secure prestigious positions both in academia and beyond. The GPEF Ph.D. programme provides a strong foundation for launching an international academic career. Recent academic placements include Erasmus University in Rotterdam, King's College in London, Northeastern University in Boston, Drake University, Goethe University in Frankfurt, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Lausanne, Fisher College of Business at the Ohio State University, and University of Zurich.
The GPEF offers a structured PhD programme tailored towards a high-quality and internationally oriented education in economics, econometrics and financial research. Graduates frequently secure very prestigious academic and non-academic positions. The University of St.Gallen is one of the most renowned universities in the fields of finance, economics, and business in Europe.
"After spending a few years in management consulting, I wanted to deepen my understanding of banking, asset pricing, and corporate finance. The PhD programme in finance gave me an opportunity to delve into research interests in these subjects. Ultimately, the programme prepared me for competing with top graduates from around the world. It gave me the theoretical and empirical foundations to apply my knowledge to important academic and policy questions."
Kristian Blickle, PhD, Financial Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
"I joined the GPEF after working in the financial sector. My motivation was to build expertise in macroeconomics and to get closer to policy institutions. The programme provided me with rigorous foundations in economics during the course phase. As a doctoral student, I could also benefit from the accessiblity of the faculty members. The programme entails various interactions with faculty and distinguished speakers. I had sufficient time for my research and could also engage in teaching activities. I am still in contact with the faculty and continue to value what the programme gave me."
Marc-Antoine Ramelet, PhD, Economist at Swiss National Bank Zurich
| Degree | Doctor of Philosophy in Economics and Econometrics / Doctor of Philosophy in Finance from the University of St.Gallen (Ph.D. HSG). |
| Start of programme | KW 8 (Spring semester, only PEcon) / KW 38 (Autumn semester) |
| Duration | max. 10 Semesters; full time |
| Number of Credits | 52 ECTS |
| Application window | Autumn semester application period: 1 February - 30 April (* 1 February - 15 August) *A longer registration period for assistants and applicants with an HSG Master's degree |
| Average class size | 5 - 8 |
| Current gender ratio | 71% / 29% |
| International students | 40% |
Semester fees | For domestic students CHF 629.00 For foreign students CHF 1079 |
| Funding | Ph.D. students are usually employed as teaching and research assistants at their supervisor’s chair. Funding (30’000 - 60’000 CHF) & workload according to individual agreements. |
| Admission requirements | Please follow the link |
| GPEF Website | gpef.unisg.ch |
| Contact | Dr. Mirela Keuschnigg Executive director Graduate Programme in Economics and Finance (GPEF) +41 71 224 3138 |
Since autumn 2022, our doctoral programme in Finance, PiF, operates under the umbrella of the Swiss Finance Institute.
Welcome to our first five SFI students enrolled at campus St.Gallen!
Chair of the Steering Committee
Member of the Steering Committee
Academic director PEcon
Member of the Steering Committee
Academic director PiF
Executive Director
PhD student
Project Manager and Associates
