Overview

Our International Affairs and Political Economy programme provides you with the ideal platform for writing your doctoral thesis in the fields of political science, economics, international law or management.

Why DIA?

The DIA programme prepares you for an academic career or a demanding role in management, economics, and politics. We provide you with the research skills and the theoretical foundation to develop your doctoral thesis in your selected area of expertise.

In addition, you will enhance your ability to engage in academic dialogue with related disciplines. Your doctoral thesis is at the center of the programme. The thesis may be policy-orientated, theoretical or of a multidisciplinary nature.

The University of St. Gallen (HSG) is one of Europe’s leading Business Universities and offers you an education guided by an integrative view of business, economics, law and social sciences.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Political Economics of Development
Institutional Organization Theory
Social Acceptance of Climate Solutions in a Polarized World
Macroeconomics and Inequality
Advanced Public Economics
(Mental) Health and the Labor Market
Basics in Experimental Research

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-15 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Starting 2027-02-16 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

St. Gallen, Switzerland

Disciplines

Economics International Relations Political Science

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

You can apply for Ph.D. studies in International Affairs and Political Economy if you hold an equivalent Master's degree from a recognised university in a subject related to social sciences.
A minimum average grade of 5.00 (not rounded) is required. This is equivalent to a minimum average grade of 2.00 (not rounded) in Germany and Austria.
Letter of recommendation from your prospective doctoral supervisor

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of St. Gallen (HSG) and/or in Switzerland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

2158 CHF / year

≈ 2158 CHF / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

1258 CHF / year

≈ 1258 CHF / year

Living costs

Sankt Gallen

Switzerland

1540 - 2130 CHF / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for International Affairs and Political Economy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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