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Dear PhD position seekers, Many years back, I was an active information seeker and provider on this forum and the advice received here was very helpful for me personally, so I decided to give back. I now registered (under my real name) to answer your questions about the graduate program in Tilburg (where I am a junior faculty member now) and also about other programs as far as I can contribute anything substantially that is not from hear-say. Of course, my views will not be completely unbiased and I want you to keep that in mind, but since I write under my real name I face strong incentives to only write truthfully about Tilburg and other places. I hope that my contributions will be helpful to you. If you have received an offer from Tilburg and need to decide between Tilburg and other places, feel free to reach out to me, either by replying to this post or by sending me a message (or email). Also, if you consider applying to our program and want more information, I'm always happy to help out. Good luck to all of you, may you all end up in your dream department. Best wishes, David

Hello all, hope you all doing allright. I got accepted to Tilburg MSc economics with pre-master condition. I was just wandering that if I could switch to researxh master after I done MSc economics. Or do I have chance to get in research master or Tinbergen after regular master? And does MSc economics in tilburg worth 15000 euro? Thanks for your answers, much appreciated, cheers!

It’s not bad but the city is boring. For RM, it is better that you stay here. The supervisors are good in econometrics and microeconomics. Macro is with a smaller group but still vibrant. It is not so easy to go to other schools. But if you try to apply, there is always chance. If you can resit the urge to live in a vibrant city, then it is fine for you. But for finding a job, it is better that you speak Dutch.

Hi. I am applying to the Research Masters program at Tilburg University. The requirements for the application states that all scores, including GRE, cannot be older than two years (which doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me). If I apply with my older scores, which are still valid, will it be possible for me to get a provisional offer (I'll retake the GRE then and make sure the scores are the same or higher) or will my application not be reviewed at all? I'd appreciate any insights into this. Thanks.

Dear Urchins, I would like to pick your brains for some advice regarding which masters to enroll in - I've been accepted to Barcelona GSE's MSc, Tilburg's MPhil and Maastricht's MSc. I might continue to do a PhD (not 100% sure as of now, since I might find that I'm not suited for econ academia (my Bachelor's degree was in engineering)), and for that reason, as well as other reasons, I'm a bit more inclined towards BGSE because of it's better placements. The thing is, my interest lies in the field of decision/game theory and behavioural econ, but it seems like BGSE's focus is on macro? On the other hand, Maastricht and Tilburg are both pretty strong in the fields of my interest. Would BSGE's focus on macro be important in the master's course? Would it still be possible to get good training in game theory/behavioral econ + possibly land an RA gig in these fields after the course at BGSE? Thanks in advance for your replies!

Does anyone know any part-time PhD econ. programs in europe? Tilburg seems to have a 'PhD program for professionals'. Does anyone has experience with this? Their website does not provide much information.

Hi, I am in a bit of dilemma. I have acceptance from Barcelona Graduate School and Tilburg both without stipend. I am interested in macro, and clearly BGSE=>UPF path dominates Tilburg in that field.(i am not sure even if there are any guys who do DSGEs in Tilburg) However the BGSE tuition is extremely high, 16000 euros vs 2000 in tilburg. So i am not sure what to do at this point. accepting bgse would mean that i would use all my savings for the tuition plus the living expenses during first year there and then hope that i will be able to get GOOD(!) financial support during my second Mres and then hope to be admitted to the phd program. in tilburg the tuition is much lower however they again do not guarantee admission to the phd program and given the rumors of the financial difficulties they have been experiencing recently, i assume the phd admissions to be more limited in the future. plus i am not sure the strength of tilburg in macro. so i am not really sure what to do. does anyone have any idea whether bgse or tilburg is more student friendly in terms of providing financial assistance to students in second and third year? Thanks a lot and wish everyone good luck

Seems like they started sending admissions. Just saw one on gradcafe which pretty early given tilburg tended to admit student in late feb/early march last years. Does anyone have any insider info about how many students they plan to admit this year and whether they are in financial troubles in offering financial assistance? wish everyone good luck

Hello All ! I am from Bangladesh with BS in Economics (CGPA 3.61/4) and MS in Economics with Thesis (CGPA 3.87/4) from NSU (top private university in my country). My GRE score is Q 167, V 162 AWA 4.0 and TOEFL score is 114. I have about 1.5 years of experience in working as an Associate at a consulting firm. We work for World Bank, IFC, GiZ, GE, JICA among others. Some of the work has been quantitative, policy analysis and monitoring and evaluation. Also, I have published several articles in newspapers. Additionally I am a CFA level 2 candidate. The key weakness I have are Fails in Applied math 1, Applied Stat 1 and Basic Econometrics in undergraduate. This is because I did not know (honestly and sadly did not care back then) about course dropping process. I had A`s in Applied Math 2 before failing in Applied Math 1. I also took Cal I-Cal V (All As), third year stats and real Analysis (Bs), graduate quantitative courses with good grades. I am expecting very good references - from very senior faculty (Dean or higher post) and my current employer (An ex-professor, very accomplished in government and policy) and department chair. They all know me very well and will write excellent recommendations. I will eventually go for a PhD but want to do masters from a more 'global' university to update my profile and thereby increase chances for a good PhD. I would love if someone can comment on my chances for Masters (preferably with funding) at some European universities - namely Tilburg / CEMFI (are they taking intakes now?) / University of Amsterdam / Maastricht / Stockholm School of Economics / Uppsala / Aarhus / LM University at Munich. Moreover, suggestions are welcome. I know my profile has many flaws. So please do not restrain in criticism.

I have applied to the Master in Business and Quantitative Methods (UC3M), Master in Econometrics (University Van Amsterdam), Master in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics (TIlburg), almost at the same time (one month ago). Two or three days after I received the admission in the Tilburg progam. Until now, 4 weeks passed and I don't have any notice about UC3M and UVA. Someone has received any news of these two universities?? Thank you very much

Hi, I have been admitted to the Graduate Program in Economics of Carlos III (fully funded for the first year) and to the MPhil Program in Economics of Tinbergen Institute (not funded). :encouragement: I am very happy, but now I am not sure what to do: I have read that the admission to the second part of the program (the real PhD )in Carlos III is quite difficult, while in Tinbergen should be a bit easier. However, I am a bit concerned with the funding issue. What would you suggest? Thank you for your help!

Hello! I am really confused about my admissions so if anyone could give some advice I would appreciate it. I have been accepted to Barcelona GSE MSc in Economics (full tuition) and also Msc in Economics in Tilburg. I am in interested in Microeconomics and Industrial Organization and I would like to continue for a phd after my master degree. So, even though I was very glad about the acceptance in Barcelona GSE I am considering four things: 1) the 12,000 euros seem a lot. Is BGSE so good to deserve it or is it pretty much the same as Tilburg so it won't make any difference? 2) I've read that BGSE is good in Macroeconomics which is not my field of interest and Tilburg seems to be better in Microeconomics. On the other hand BGSE has a very good reputation and place a lot of its students to good phd programs. 3) I have only a few days before give an answer to BGSE. I am waiting a reply from Amsterdam, York, Edinburgh and Louvain (Master in Economis in all of them). Do you consider one of those would it be better? I am not sure if it is better to wait or accept the offer in so little time. without having news from the other master programs. 4) If I go to BGSE do I need to proceed to a MPhil/MRes before a Phd as it is an only-1year program? This part really confuses me and I don't understand if I must continue to another 2-year program or I could be accepted to a phd program right after or I must do something for a year (research?). If the first happens maybe a two-year program like Master in Economics with focus in Research in Louvain seems better as I save one year (time really matters for me). I would be grateful If you could give me some answers to any of my questions! Thank you in advance fellow economists! :)

Dear friends, I am planning to apply before 1st of February to following schools: Tinbergen Institute (MPhill) , Tilburg U (MPhill), GSEFM Frankfurt (Ph.D in Economics), Stockholm School of Economics (Ph.D.). My main interest is monetary economics and international finance. I would like to pool in some other, maybe lower ranked schools. SO i need your advice about my chances for these schools and maybe few more names. PROFILE:Type of Undergrad: B.A. in Economics, Statistics and Business Management (Funky name, basicly its BA Economics, University of Belgrade, Serbia) Undergrad GPA: 9.2 / 10 (5 to 10 scale) top 2% Type of Grad: M.A. Economic Analysis and Policy (same faculty) Grad GPA: N/a just enrolled GRE: 168 Q / 151 V / 4.5 AW Math Courses: Mathemathics (Calculus, Algebra, Trigonometry), Statistics, Mathemathical Methods and Models in Economics Econ Courses : Advanced Micro (I to III), Intermediate Macro (I and II), Econometrics, Applied Econometrics and Time Series, More than 15 other applied Econ subjects including Monetary, International, Public Finance, Business Finance, Financial Markets ect. (marks for abowe mainly 10 and few 9) Letters of Recommendation: (1) Exceptional, B.A. thesis adviser, not well known but has some foreign publications. (2) Excellent, Profesor I currently working with as a Teaching Fellow, top student in her course, she pointed out that. But still poor foreign publication (3) Very Good, Micro Analysis prof, few publications, enthusiastic about my interests Research Experience: not much: assisted in a three month research about corruption. Written one paper (intermediate econometrics) currently trying to publish it Teaching Experience: Teaching Fellow, International Economics Under Grad. Also Lecturer at non academic program in principles of economics Research Interests: Monetary economic and International Finance SOP: Ill do my best, started writing allready Concerns: LOR from not known professors, Week Macro and no research experience. Without at least tuition waiver cannot attend Other: Lots of side work and extra curriculum activities Applying to: Tinbergen, Tilburg, SSE, GMU, GSEFM Frank. (NEED MORE ADVICE!) Admitted: GSEB (no funding)

Hi all I have got my AD from BGSE in Econ, and prepared to apply for the Tilburg CentER Mphil program, but I am not so sure about which one is better in the field of economics in terms of opportunity to persue a PhD in U.S future

Hey guys, I am in my third year of bachelor studies in Prague, Czech Republic. Currently studying economic theory, quite heavily based on math, statistics, econometrics and all things quantitative. What do I enjoy? I really like stuff related to data, analysis, maths, ... So I was looking for a master in econometrics somewhere in Europe. I do like math a lot, I've taken some extensive courses, but I don't know if I would manage to study a master in mathematical economics, it seems to be pretty tough. What am I looking for? I've always wanted to teach, so I'm looking for 2-year masters with a PhD possibility at the end. So far Tilburg sounds pretty cool, Tinbergen might be hard to get into, have not considered other options yet. My other option is a one-year master, where I'd probably return to the Czech Republic with a cool diploma from abroad. That's why I'd prefer the longer (research) master — I could use the knowledge more and share it a bit. The title says low key, but don't take it too literally. It's just that I've enjoyed attending a uni where I know each other, we hang out all the time, kind of like high school. I don't like it when it's too anonymous. I want it to be a fun but tough experience abroad. Not just something I need to go through to do well in the future. What is my profile? Third year, university in the CEE region, GPA 1.5 (1-4, where 1 is the best), mathematics/statistics/econometrics GPA 1.0, top 10% of the class, GRE quantitative 170 (99 percentile), TOEFL 110/120. Quite a computer science geek, so any inclusion of some light programming is a plus. Where have I applied? I sent an application to Tilburg (1-year master, Econometrics), will be applying to their Research Master program in Econometrics. I was considering U. of Amsterdam (either econometrics or economics — track Behav. Econ and Game Theory). Maastricht looks promising, but their econometrics track is quite finance based, so thinking about Mathematical Economics. I dig Game Theory. I wanted to apply for a school in Britain, but their application forms are so extensive that I gave up midway :-) (Warwick, Cambridge) Another problem with those high-profile British schools is that they often offer only Economics, but I'd like something more specialized. Finance The Netherlands are cool that the tuition is only 1700 euro for students from EEA countries. That + living expenses for a year is something I could afford (with the help from my parents, of course). The two-year programme would probably be feasible only with a full/partial scholarship. So I'm looking for a uni that is significantly better than the current (Charles University), but where there are not a lot of people that study only to obtain a very nice piece of paper (Oxbridge and the likes). And where you don't pay ridiculous amounts just for the tuition (the same unis). It's been overwhelming, so I welcome any tips. Sorry for such an extensive post, got carried away I bit. Thanks a bunch.

[h=2][/h] Hey guys, Anyone from Tilburg or other European universities who can tell me how good the behavioral economics programs there are? Thanks :)

Hey guys, Anyone from Tilburg or other European universities who can tell me how good the behavioral economics programs are? Thanks :)

Hi, I am admitted to the following two programs at the same time: 1. Research Master Program in Business -- Finance Track, Tilburg University, Netherlands, 2 years, received admission in April 2. Master in Financial Engineering Program, EPFL, Switherland, 2 years, received admission in May I want to go for Finance PhD after master graduation.....Could anybody please help me with my school choice? Thanks a looooooooot!

Hi Guys, I got admitted to MSc Finance Programs in Tilburg and Bocconi. Tilburg MSc Finance (one Year) Erasmus Scholarship 100% tuition waiver 1000 EU Stipend Return Ticket Health insurance Bocconi MSc Finance (Two Year) Merit Scholarship that covers (FOR ONE YEAR) 100% Tuition waiver Accommodation So Tilburg would be a free ride for me but I am ready give that up if Bocconi's two year program is worth spending extra amount of time and money that I would have to spend. So the question is, Is Bocconi worth more than Tilburg, so much so, that I may give up my free Masters program at Tilburg to go to Bocconi? I know that Bocconi is better known for its finance but there are some issues that I have with Bocconi. - I am non-EU, non-Italian and I feel that language is going to be a big problem for me, both in class and daily life (although the Program is in English) and on the other hand Tilburg provides a truly global experience as it has a much greater percentage of International students as compared to Bocconi. - Language would also be a problem in Post-study employment in Itlay. - Tilburg is free and I am not sure if Bocconi is worth spending extra year and Money Any suggestions are more than welcome...

Hi. I was recently waitlisted at Tilburg, for the Research Master in Economics (that leads to a PhD in Econ). I was wondering if there was any other waitlisted people here, or how many acceptances have already been sent. thanks!

Hi all - I am in desperate need of advice, as time is short for me, so any comments or words of wisdom are greatly appreciated. I have presently been admitted to Masters programs in Europe, and I am having a hard time in deciding what I should do...here's my admission status: - Tilburg University: M.Sc. Econometrics and Mathematical Economics (1-year program, no funding) - Barcelona Graduate School of Economics: M.Sc. Economics (1-year program, half tuition waiver) - Universidad Carlos III de Madrid: Masters in Economic Analysis (2-year program, full tuition waiver and 1200 Euros per month stipend for TA-ship) My interests tend towards microeconomics, quantitative economics, and econometrics, though I realize that I have not completely made up my mind either. I am willing to learn anything, really. My eventual goal is to pursue a PhD in economics in the US or UK, though I am not averse to staying in Europe. Should I choose either Tilburg or BGSE, I am also not averse to the idea of pursuing an additional research masters for a year in order to gain additional research experience and contact with professors for letters of recommendation. What should I do? All things being equal, I feel that I should be in Madrid because of the money; however, I heard that their program was REALLY intense and that it was really hard to keep up (that being said, I am used to the pressure as my undergraduate experience was pretty rough as well). But should I accept such a program, given my future goals? Please advise soon, as I need to inform these schools by the middle of next week! Thanks!