The Economics (English) Doctorate program at Istanbul University offers an advanced, research-oriented doctoral education in economics — theoretical, applied, and empirical. The program is designed for students who aim to become researchers, academics, or high-level analysts with deep expertise in economic theory, econometrics, policy analysis, and global economic issues. Through rigorous coursework, seminars, and doctoral dissertation work, students are trained to conduct original research, contribute to economic knowledge, and address complex economic challenges for Turkey and globally.
Based in Istanbul — a major economic, cultural and academic center — the program leverages the university’s strong economics faculty, research infrastructure, and international orientation. With instruction in English, the program attracts domestic and international students and prepares them for academic careers, research institutes, public policy institutions, or international organizations with a global outlook.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Economics
- Standard period of study: Typically 3–5 years (depending on research and dissertation progress)
- Location: Istanbul
- Study Type: Doctoral (full-time, English-taught)
- Admission modality: Department doctoral admission procedure with relevant prerequisites
- Area of study: Economic Theory, Econometrics, Applied Economics, Policy Analysis, Quantitative Economics, Global & International Economics
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Initial Coursework & Seminars
- Advanced Microeconomics & Macroeconomics Theory
- Advanced Econometrics / Quantitative Methods in Economics
- Research Methods, Economic Data Analysis, and Scientific Writing
- Elective courses depending on research interests (e.g. development economics, international economics, financial economics)
Qualifying / Proposal Phase
- Completion of required coursework and seminars
- Development of doctoral research proposal and methodological design
- Literature review and identification of research topic / hypothesis
Doctoral Research & Dissertation Work
- Original research — empirical or theoretical — under supervision
- Data collection, modeling, analysis or theoretical work depending on topic
- Regular seminars / presentations / research progress reporting
Thesis Completion & Defense
- Dissertation writing, review and submission
- Public (or formal) defense of doctoral thesis
- Publication of research results (if applicable), possible academic or policy dissemination
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for a range of careers: university teaching and academic research, policy research institutions, public policy and economic planning bodies, financial institutions, international organizations, think tanks, consultancy, economic analysis for government or private sector, and global economic research. They can also continue with post-doctoral research or specialized fields such as econometrics, development economics, finance, or international economics.
Why Choose This Program
The Economics (English) Ph.D. program at Istanbul University offers a rigorous and internationally oriented platform for economic research and analysis in a city with strong academic tradition and global connections. The English-taught format makes it accessible to both local and international candidates and helps prepare graduates for global academic or policy careers.
The program’s combination of theoretical depth, quantitative methodology, and flexibility in research topics empowers students to contribute original findings to economic science, influence policy, or work at high levels in academia or international institutions.
Contact Information
Istanbul University – Department of Economics, Doctoral Programs Office
Faculty of Economics, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 440 00 00
Email: economics_phd@istanbul.edu.tr
Graduate & Doctoral Affairs Office – Faculty of Economics
Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 440 00 00
Email: graduateoffice@economics.istanbul.edu.tr
International Office – Istanbul University
Beyazıt Campus
Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 440 00 00
Email: international@istanbul.edu.tr
