91¾«Æ·

The PhD in Economics program prepares highly qualified researchers capable of conducting independent and original research in economics, applying modern economic theory and/or empirical methods to important academic, policy, and societal questions, and contributing to internationally recognized academic scholarship. 

The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, policy institutions, international organizations, central banks, think tanks, and research-oriented roles in the public and private sectors.

Graduates of the PhD in Economics will be able to:

1. Conduct comprehensive literature reviews and critically evaluate academic research within their field of specialization
2. Identify and articulate research gaps in the existing economic literature.
3. Apply modern economic theory and/or empirical methods to address research questions.
4. Communicate research findings effectively in written and oral forms to academic and professional audiences.
5. Produce original research that meets the standards of publication in reputable peer-reviewed academic journals.

The full-time PhD in Economics is structured as a four-year program.

Full-Time Structure

Year 1

Students complete 30 ECTS of specialization coursework and identify their area of research specialization. At the end of the first year students present and defend a research proposal.

Years 2–4

The remaining years focus on independent research and dissertation development.

Students:

• Deliver annual progress presentations;
• Undertake light teaching responsibilities;
• Complete three dissertation papers;

The dissertation is expected to consist of three high-quality academic papers.

Part-Time Structure

The program also offers a part-time option designed to be completed in five years.

The first year mirrors the full-time structure and includes specialization coursework and proposal development, while the remaining years focus on dissertation research alongside professional responsibilities.

Areas of Specialization

Students may pursue research in the following areas:

• Conflict Resolution and Bargaining
• Matching and Mechanism Design
• Mathematical Economics
• Economics of Education
• Topics in Macroeconomics
• Behavioral Economics

Students will work closely with faculty supervisors whose research is published in internationally recognized academic journals. The list of specialization areas may be expanded in the future based on the research interests and expertise of newly hired faculty members.

Support mechanisms for full-time students will include:

• Monthly stipend/salary support;
• Conference funding;
• International research visit opportunities;
• Shared office space;
• Close supervision by research-active faculty;
• Housing support for international students, where applicable.
• All full-time students admitted to the program will be nominated for the full-time position of Research/Teaching Assistant at 91¾«Æ· University and will be required to leave their current employment to fully commit to their academic responsibilities at 91¾«Æ· University.

Applicants must:

• Hold a master’s degree in Economics or a closely related field with a thesis component;
• Have completed graduate-level coursework in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics;
• Submit a master’s thesis or equivalent research work;
• Successfully pass an admission interview.
• Demonstrate English language proficiency with a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or IBT 5 (100 for tests taken before January, 2026) or 45 in English exam by State Examination Center;
• Successfully complete required entrance examinations in Economics and Philosophy in accordance with national regulations;

The program aims to admit a highly selective cohort of up to three full-time students and one part-time student this year.

Step 1: Submit online application at portal.edu.az (deadline: June 8, 2026) 

Click here to view instructions for portal application

Step 2: Submit online 91¾«Æ· University PhD application at 

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit this application. Candidates may be asked to attend preliminary interviews at this step. 

Step 3: Submit required English language scores 

Step 4: Attend an interview

Only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed. The Admission Committee evaluates academic records, research and teaching experience, communication skills, career focus, and potential for success at 91¾«Æ· University.

Step 5: Take admission exams (Philosophy & Specialization) (September 2026)

Candidates must pass all stages in order to successfully complete the admission process. 

Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers in:

• Universities and academic institutions;
• Central banks and financial institutions;
• Government ministries and policy agencies;
• International organizations;
• Think tanks and research institutes;
• Research-oriented roles in the public and private sectors.

Full-Time Program

• Duration: 4 years
• Language of Instruction: English
• Delivery Mode: Face-to-face

Part-Time Program

• Duration: 5 years
• Language of Instruction: English
• Delivery Mode: Face-to-face