PhD in Economics
Milan, Italy
PhD
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Oct 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
The programme trains researchers with expertise in methodological, theoretical, and analytical aspects of economics. The program includes advanced teaching in Macro- and Microeconomics, Econometrics, and advanced Statistics and Mathematics applications. The goal is to produce scholars who can engage in international research in the academic, public, and private sectors.
The PhD in Economics aims to train research doctors who, in addition to possessing a high level of expertise as regards all the fundamental aspects (methodological, theoretical, analytical) of economic science, are also capable of producing original scientific research within their chosen area of specialization for the purpose of producing the doctoral thesis.
The PhD in Economics comprises a mandatory advanced teaching stage which serves to provide the specific methodological knowledge which is not provided in the previous levels. The areas of teaching are Macro- and Microeconomics, Econometrics and advanced applications of Statistics and Mathematics for Economics. The student research doctor will choose a research topic from the branches represented by the Academic Board and must prepare a thesis predominantly consisting of original articles that the Academic Board deems suitable for peer-reviewed publication in international scientific journals. The program aims to produce scholars capable of moving in international circles of research in Economics and actively interact therein, both in an academic environment and in international public institutions and private research centres.
Optional Programme Year
January 2024
Compulsory
- Contract Theory
- Meroni Claudia
- Econometrics
February 2024
Compulsory
- Microeconometrics
March 2024
Compulsory
- Economic Growth
- Time Series Econometrics
April 2024
Compulsory
- Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Models
- Theory of Economics Fluctuations
May 2024
Compulsory
- Economic Policy Evaluation
The University of Milan ranks among the leading institutions worldwide. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, it is ranked 270th globally, confirming its steady progress on the international stage, having gained six positions compared to the previous year despite the increase in the number of universities evaluated.
The University’s excellence is particularly evident in subject rankings. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, the University of Milan is placed among the top 50 in Veterinary Medicine and it’s in the top 100 universities worldwide in five disciplines:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Medicine
- Philosophy
- Pharmacy & Pharmacology
- Sociology
The University also ranks among the top 150 worldwide in several subjects, including:
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Classics & Ancient History
- Law
- Politics & International Studies
- Social Policy & Administration
- Modern Languages
- Dentistry
- Nursing
Moreover, it is placed within the top 200 globally in a broad range of disciplines:
- Archaeology
- Chemistry
- Communication & Media Studies
- Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Physics & Astronomy
- Statistics & Operational Research
The University of Milan also stands out for its strong commitment to sustainability, ranking 4th in Italy and 174th globally in the QS Sustainability Ranking—an impressive rise of 45 positions. This achievement highlights the University’s growing impact in addressing key social and environmental challenges, reinforcing its role as a forward-looking and responsible institution.
This advancement reflects a comprehensive strengthening of the University’s sustainability policies. Particularly noteworthy are the results in the Social Impact dimension, which highlight increasingly effective initiatives in inclusion, knowledge exchange, and social responsibility, as well as in Governance, with high standards of transparency, ethics, and institutional accountability.
Overall, these results confirm the University of Milan as a multidisciplinary public institution capable of combining academic excellence, social impact, and a strong commitment to sustainable development.


