FAQ

How can I finance my Ph.D. studies?

Most PiF students are employed as research assistants at the University of St.Gallen. Positions offered are typically between 35 and 70 percent of a full-time position. This corresponds to a gross salary of around 30 to 60k Swiss Francs per year.

There are no internal scholarships for PiF students. Depending where you come from, there are several organisations which offer various external scholarships:

• Swiss Government
• Institute of International Education
• Fulbright programme
• German DAAD

What is the profile of candidates that you are looking for in the admission process?

We welcome excellent graduates of Master's programmes in finance, business administration, economics, mathematics, physics, or engineering. Applicants whose native language is not English shall provide evidence of an adequate command of the English language unless they have obtained a degree for an English-language Master programme.

When can I start the PiF programme?

PiF students can start the programme only in the fall semester (this is also when the coursework starts). However, work as research or teaching assistant can sometimes be taken up already before that time.

Are there any fees for the programme?

Yes, unfortunately, Ph.D. students also have to pay fees. These fees can be found here. Note that there are plans at the university to abolish all of those except for the semester fees. 

Is it possible to work (externally) during my Ph.D. studies?

Some graduate students work part-time outside the university during their doctoral studies to support themselves. Realistically, part-time commitments should, at least in the coursework stage, be less than 40 percent of a student's total time. The programme committee does not consider a job to be an important reason to grant an extension of the deadline for handing in the research proposal.

Is it possible to do an exchange during the PiF programme?

Yes, this is possible. Many PiF students spend one or two semesters abroad. Research visits at foreign universities are usually discussed individually with your supervisor.

How long do the Ph.D. studies take?

Students take about three to five years to earn their degree.

What is the type of doctoral thesis in the PiF programme?

The Ph.D. thesis is written in English as a cumulative thesis. It consists of at least three articles that represent the quality standards of international refereed journals. At least one of the articles has to be single-authored by the Ph.D. candidate.