International Ph.D. in Economics

Université Côte d'Azur (UniCA) international Ph.D. in economics offers training in traditional economic disciplines - like microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, financial market analysis, industrial organization - and training in disciplines embedding a complexity-based perspective such as computational economics, experimental economics, the analysis of financial and economic networks. The program aims to form economists able to perform high-quality research in economics and economic policy analysis and combining robust and high-quality knowledge of traditional economic domains with concepts from the complexity-based approach in sciences.

Mandatory documents (applications missing any of the following documents will not be considered)

1. Copy of a valid identity document. (Passport for Non-EU citizens).

2. CV including all the information about education, scientific and professional experience that can demonstrate skills and attitudes to carry out research in economics.
3. List of courses and transcripts of exams taken (in English, French or Italian). Official transcripts are required. Self-declarations shall not be considered.
4. Copy of the Master’s thesis (if available), together with a 4-page summary of the thesis in English or French. The summary must include a bibliography (the bibliography is not counted toward the 4-page limit). If the thesis is not yet available, applicants must upload a 4-page abstract in English or French, including a bibliography, describing the research work developed in the thesis.
5. A research project. The research project must be at most 4 pages long (excluding bibliographic references) and it must describe the research that the candidate would like to carry out during the doctoral programme. The project is meant to provide insights about the applicant’s interests and capabilities, and it is an important element for the assessment of the applicant’s potential. Once admitted, candidates will be free to change the research project.
6. For Candidates who have not yet been awarded a Master’s degree, but who are expected to obtain it by 30 September 2026: a written statement from their supervisor confirming the expected date of degree completion

Optional documents

• Publications and any other documentation that may contribute to provide an assessment of the candidate’s skills and attitudes.
• Official certifications (TOEFL, IELTS) demonstrating a good knowledge of the English language, if available.

Reference Letters

In addition to the documents listed above, two reference letters are required. The letters may be provided by academic or non-academic referees who have a good knowledge of the applicant’s academic performance during their university studies.

Reference letters must be written in English and sent directly by the referees to international.phdineconomics@univ-cotedazur.fr by the application deadline of 15 May 2026 (23:59 CET). Reference letters sent directly by the applicant will not be considered.

The subject line of the e-mail must include the applicant’s surname and first name. E-mails that do not comply with these requirements may not be considered.

Each reference letter should provide a clear assessment of the applicant’s competencies and skills, research potential, scientific maturity, and research interests, preferably in comparative terms with other students known to the referee who have attended a PhD programme in Economics over the past five years. The letter should also comment on the applicant’s proficiency in English, their ability to undertake PhD-level coursework, and their capacity to work autonomously.

Interested candidates must submit their applications electronically by MAY 15^th , 2026 at 23:59 (CET) by sending an e-mail to:
international.phdineconomics@univ-cotedazur.fr