PhD Admissions – Detailed Information

Table of Contents

Research Proposal
Diploma Recognition
Online Application
Administrative Application Fee
Documents
Entrance Exam
Students from Outside of EU

Research Proposal

PhD Research Proposal on the intended topic of own research (the length 2000–2500 words) is to be written in English. Topics for the doctoral thesis must be chosen from our list of topics, which is updated annually. The names of supervisors and their contact address can be found there as well. It is highly recommended to contact a possible supervisor as soon as possible in order to discuss with him/her the specific focus of your research proposal and, in some cases, the possibility of making some adjustment to the topic. For a Research Proposal Template, click HERE. The research proposal should be written in the following structure:

  • Scientific background for the project – the knowledge of current state-of the art in a given field resulting in interesting research questions that the applicant wants to solve. Goals and expected contributions for science as well as for practice should be clearly specified.
  • Methods – envisioned samples for primary data collection and databases for secondary data analysis should be well specified. Methods of data gathering (e.g. approved scales) and data analysis should be described.
  • The list of main literature sources relevant for PhD research proposal.
  • The research proposal should be signed by the potential supervisor.

Diploma Recognition

Admission to a Doctoral Study Program is conditional upon the proper completion of studies in a Master’s Study Program. The Master’s Diploma must be recognized in the Czech Republic (see Information for Applicants on the Recognition of Higher Education and Qualifications Acquired Abroad). Another (easier) option is to ask for a Request for recognition of education abroad for the purpose of the admission procedure at VSE Prague: have a look HERE. All documents necessary for the recognition process are to be sent in the prescribed form to the Legal Department of the Prague University of Economics and Business. For detailed instructions, have a look under the respective links.

Online Application

Submit an application form electronically via InSIS (see the webpage http://insis.vse.cz/prihlaska/?lang=en). For documents must accompany the application, see below under “Documents”.

Administrative Application Fee

An administrative application fee of 50 EUR is to be paid for the admission procedure (detailed information will be automatically sent to you after sending the application in InSIS). After sending the application, you will receive the account number and variable symbol, which are needed for the payment. These will be sent to the email address given in your application. The application fee is to be remitted by a postal order or a bank transfer only. Please note that all costs connected with making the payment must be covered by the payer. In case of a currency conversion, some banks charge a flat deduction from the amount sent, so ask at your bank first. The application fee is non-refundable.

Documents

The following documents must be uploaded to InSIS (electronic version):

  • Appendix to the application form – download HERE
  • Short structured CV together with a List of publications of the applicant with a short annotation
  • Ph.D. Research Proposal on the intended topic of own research – for more details, see above under “Research Proposal”
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  • Diploma and Diploma Supplement (Transcript) – a notarised copy is to be sent to the Legal Department for recognition of education; for more information, see above under “Diploma Recognition”

Entrance Exam

Nearest entrance exam: June 17, 2025 (for those who apply in April and May 2025)

Applicants who have met all the requirements of FBA admission procedures will receive a letter of invitation to participate in the entrance exam. Entrance examinations usually take place twice a year: in November and in June.

An applicant who has chosen the study program taught in a foreign language must take an oral entrance examination in English. He/she must be able to discuss his/her research proposal. It is not necessary to prove language proficiency by certificates such as TOEFL or CAE; they are however welcome.

Admission to the Doctoral Studies Program is conditional upon successfully undergoing the University’s admission procedure. The final decision rests with the Dean of the faculty of the respective Doctoral Program with due consideration given to success in the entrance examination, as well as the teaching capacity of the faculty. If an applicant has not been admitted only because of the insufficient teaching capacity at the faculty, the examination results remain valid for one year following the date on which the examination was taken.

Students who will be admitted are informed by an email (letter of admission).

Additional information is available here.

Students from Outside of EU

Students who were admitted into the doctoral program (full-time) need to apply for a Long-term residence permit for the purpose of studies (HERE) in order to live and study in the Czech Republic. In order for the immigration process to start without any delays, it is crucial that the diploma recognition is finalized by the deadline for applications in Insis. More information about the diploma recognition – see above. Furthermore, we recommend to check the web page of the Czech Embassy in your home country for up to date information on documents which are to be submitted. This will give you time to prepare in advance. Students from selected countries may be nominated into the Student Facilitation Program (and thus obtain a preferential appointment at a Czech Embassy).