Doctoral Program in Finance in Switzerland | University of Zurich

The Doctoral Program in Finance at the University of Zurich is part of the Swiss Finance Institute PhD Program, which operates at three campuses in Geneva / Lausanne (Léman), Lugano and Zurich. This program is targeted towards the pursuit of academic excellence. It aims at providing an intellectual environment and a curriculum comparable with the top PhD programs in Europe and North America. The curriculum comprises two phases: one preparatory year of intensive coursework followed by three years of advanced studies and research. The Program covers a wide range of subjects including Economics, Financial Economics, Corporate Finance, Mathematical Finance, and Econometrics. All courses are taught by internationally renowned academics from Switzerland, Europe, and North America. The Program offers the ideal framework for successful and inspiring PhD studies in Finance.

Currently there are two applications deadlines, 31st of January and March 31st for class entering in Fall.

The program is internationally oriented and aims at attracting the best students from Switzerland and abroad. Applicants need to have a Master of Science in Finance or Economics or a degree deemed to be equivalent by the Admission Committee.

The Admission Committee will carefully review every application.

Please make use of the standard application form for the Swiss Finance Institute PhD Program in Finance including:

• A complete curriculum vitae
• A copy of official grade transcripts, detailed and complete, for your undergraduate, graduate studies and a transcript for on-going studies
• A copy of your university degrees
• A letter of motivation
• Two letters of reference
• An indication that you can follow the courses in English

Your application has to be in English. The certificates and the letters of reference can be in English. If your certificates are in another language, please include an official translation and explain the grading system. Concerning your knowledge of English, a standardised test like the TOEFL or a certificate from a recognised language school is appreciated. If English is your mother tongue or if you already studied successfully in an English-speaking environment, no such test or certificate is necessary. Note that you need to hold a degree from a recognized university (or receive the degree shortly) that entitles you to enroll in a PhD program in Finance.

Applications are reviewed by the Admission Committee, composed of finance professors from the Swiss Finance Institute. Admissions will be decided on a competitive basis. You will be informed about the result of your application within four weeks after closure of the application deadline (respectively the receipt of a late application). There are two rounds of candidate selections. Complete application files should be received by January 31st and March 31st. Courses start in September. The number of yearly admissions will typically not exceed twenty students over the three campuses so as to keep the program small and guarantee personal interactions between students and faculty. If you are admitted to the program, you will have to fill in special forms for the registration procedure at the University level.

Postal Address

Please apply directly to the Swiss Finance Institute centre of your choice (Lausanne/Geneva, Lugano, Zurich). If you wish to apply at different centres simultaneously you should then submit one full application package to each campus separately:

Application SFI Léman

All students applying to the Léman center have to do it through the website set up by the University of Lausanne, even if they eventually decide to go to the University of Geneva or EPFL. Please note that the Léman center will only consider electronic applications, per the guidelines laid out on this website. For additional information contact the office of the PhD program at Swiss Finance Institute PhD program University of Lausanne.