Doctoral Program – Admissions Process

Applications for doctoral programs beginning in the fall semester of 2026/2027 may be submitted starting April 1, 2026. The application deadline for the Faculty of Economics is May 31, 2026.

The entrance exam is scheduled for June 16, 2026.

What does the admissions process involve?

Successfully completing the admissions process—from submitting your application to being admitted to the program—requires a somewhat different approach than that for bachelor’s or master’s programs, as well as for Ph.D. programs in general. The key to success is thoroughly reviewing the admissions requirements for the current year.

  1. Consider the area of research you wish to pursue as part of your doctoral studies.
  2. Choose a supervisor and discuss your research focus with them.
  3. After consulting with your future supervisor, draft a research proposal.
  4. Submit your application and pay the associated administrative fee.
  5. Complete the admissions interview, which includes a discussion of your research plan in English.

Selection of a Advisor and a Dissertation Topic

The very first and most crucial step is selecting a suitable dissertation topic and choosing a advisor. You can choose a dissertation topic from those listed by advisors on the faculty’s website; however, nothing prevents you from proposing your own topic, provided it is approved by your advisor. Each applicant should thoroughly discuss the research plan for their dissertation with their advisor. The selection of an advisor and a dissertation topic is therefore an important initial step for every applicant—even before participating in the admissions process.

The advisor is an academic staff member and an expert in their field, who ensures that the student receives high-quality and proper guidance. When selecting a dissertation topic, it is therefore very important for the applicant to discuss their research plans with their advisor well in advance, preferably before submitting the application. If the applicant is unsure about the choice of topic or advisor, it is advisable to consult with the program director of the relevant degree program.

Requirements for the Application

The first step for every applicant to a doctoral program at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Economics, Prague, is to submit an electronic application through the InSIS system and pay the administrative fee. It is necessary to select a thesis topic and an advisor before submitting the application (the advisor’s name must be provided when submitting the electronic application). Ideally, you should contact a suitable advisor to find out if they have availability. If so, you should consult with them regarding the dissertation topic. Applicants must submit several required attachments with each application, which are:

  • An electronic copy of a certified translation of a document certifying completion of higher education or, where applicable, a diploma. Only graduates of universities other than the Prague University of Economics and Business are required to upload this document to their application. Graduates of universities abroad must prove the successful completion of their master’s degree by submitting a document certifying the general recognition of their foreign higher education in accordance with the instructions provided on the website
  • Addendum to the Application for Doctoral Studies at VŠE and Declaration of Previous Studies
  • Structured Academic Resume
  • A one-page description of the dissertation topic in English

As part of the admissions process, applicants to the doctoral program at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at the University of Economics, Prague, take an admissions exam consisting of an interview in English about the applicant’s academic interests and goals.
The admissions process generally takes place twice a year, in January and June (with an alternate date in September).

What Is the Admissions Process Like?

As part of the admissions process, applicants to the doctoral program at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at the University of Economics, Prague, take an entrance exam consisting of an oral interview—conducted partly in English—about the applicant’s academic interests and goals. Applicants are expected to present their projects in English before an expert committee. The interview also includes a discussion regarding the proposed topic of your dissertation.
A key factor for success is an excellent understanding of the topic you wish to explore, particularly a thorough knowledge of relevant and current scientific articles published in leading international journals. You must be able to justify the expected impact of your research and convince the committee of its feasibility. The discussion during the interview takes place partly in Czech and partly in English to assess your ability to conduct a scholarly discussion in English, which is essential for your subsequent studies. English cannot be substituted with another language, and you will not be required to take any additional language test.

When will I find out the results of the admissions process?

Applicants will be notified of the results of the entrance exams no later than 30 days after the exams are held. Accepted applicants will receive notification at the email address they provided. If an applicant is not accepted, they will be notified via email and by certified mail sent to the address they provided.

Contact

Academic Advisor for Doctoral Studies

Alena Muchková

E-mail: alena.muchkova@vse.cz
Telefon: 224 095 540
Místnost: NB 396