FAQs

What are the prerequisites for admission?

In order to be successful in our program, you should have a strong math foundation. This foundation is best proven through intermediate to graduate-level coursework in mathematics (e.g., linear algebra; analysis, see syllabus; and probability and statistics.) A previous bachelor's or master's degree in economics is not required, but you should have completed at least intermediate level coursework in macroeconomics, microeconomics, and econometrics. Please also note that our program DOES require the GRE, and this requirement cannot be waived.

Do I need to choose an advisor before applying?

No, you will not need to choose an advisor before you apply. Advisors are chosen after a student passes qualifying exams, typically in their second or third year in the program. 

Does the department provide financial assistance?

Yes! Read more below:

GTA (Graduate Teaching Assistantship)

Admitted PhD students receive an offer of a six-year financial support package which includes a full tuition waiver, a paid GTA position with an academic year salary of $20,084.01 (effective AY25-26) for 20 hours/week (~August 18 - May 15), a 75% health insurance subsidy, 100% coverage of the required wellness fee, 50% coverage of required student fees (excluding any international student fees), and some funding for conference travel. Please note the student is responsible for paying all costs not covered by their GTA position. All complete applications received by the submission deadline will be considered for funding. 

For non-native speakers of English seeking a GTA position, priority funding consideration is given to applicants who provide a qualifying, official TOEFL or IELTS speaking score with their initial application. Prospective GTAs must have at least a 22 on the speaking section of the TOEFL (for tests taken before Jan 21, 2026) or 4.5 (for tests taken on or after Jan 21, 2026) OR at least a 7 on the speaking section of the IELTS.

Please note: A completed degree from an institution that conducts all instruction in English does not meet the eligibility requirements for a GTA, as it does for admission.

GRA (Graduate Research Assistantship)

Student's in their fifth year are granted one semester of department-funded GRA with their dissertation advisor. Additional semester-long and academic-year GRAs are sometimes available, typically depending on individual faculty members' available funding. GRAs are generally given to students already working on their dissertations.

Self Graduate Fellowship

Domestic students may be eligible for the Self Graduate Fellows for 2026-2027 will receive annual support of $40,000 for four years. Payment is through an appointment as a graduate research assistant. The fellowship covers tuition, fees, and the employer's share of student health insurance costs. Over the four years, fellows have access to a $15,000 professional development award, a $5,000 start-up award (year 1), and a $3,000 textbook and technology award. All fellows actively participate in the Fellow Development Program. The total value of the four-year doctoral fellowship exceeds $275,000. Please let us know if you are interested in being nominated. 

What are the English proficiency requirements?

It is important to note that proof of proficiency for non-native speakers of English is required.

English proficiency requirements for admission can be found here: https://gradapply.ku.edu/english-requirements

English proficiency requirements for holding a GTA position can be found here: https://ogs.ku.edu/ku-procedures-gta-spoken-english-competency

Please note: A completed degree from an institution that conducts all instruction in English does not meet the eligibility requirements for a GTA, as it does for admission.

What materials are needed to apply?

• Résumé/curriculum vitae
  • Note: Please use the following GPA calculator to determine your GPA if your degree-granting institution uses a grade/point system different from the one used in the U.S. To assist the Admissions Committee, you can list your converted GPA on your CV and the online application. Graduate Admissions confirms GPA estimates using this same GPA calculator. An official WES evaluation is not needed. 
• Statement of Purpose
  • You should declare your interest in the program, and its relationship to your graduate course of study and/or career objectives. It is helpful for you to specifically explain why you think the University of Kansas Economics is a good fit for you, how you can pursue your specific interests with us, and mention a professor or professors in our department whose research you find interesting. 
• Copies of official transcripts from each university or college you have attended.
  • You should submit either scanned copies of a paper transcript issued by your university's Registrar's office OR you can submit a copy of an electronic transcript issued by your university's Registrar's office.
  • We cannot accept transcripts marked, stamped, or printed as unofficial, web-based documents containing education information or advising reports from other institutions.
  • Final, official transcripts (sent directly to KU from your university) are not required until after you have been admitted into the PhD program.
• Three letters of recommendation
  • Contact information for your letter writers will be submitted in your application. Letter writers will then receive a request to submit a letter on your behalf electronically.
  • Please note that your application will not be considered complete until your letters are received by KU. 
• Proof of GTA-level English proficiency if non-native or non-native-like speaker of English (If seeking a GTA position)
  • TOEFL scores should be sent by ETS to KU institution code 6871. Do not enter a department specific code, as this may cause a misrouting of your scores. IELTS should be sent to KU Graduate Admissions via the e-delivery service. PTE score sheets containing the Score Report Code and Registration ID should be emailed to graduateadm@ku.edu for verification.
• List of Math Courses
  • Please provide a one-page document that lists the academic courses you have taken that taught multi-variable calculus, linear algebra, and introduction to proofs. Each course listed should include a brief course description (or bulleted list of topics covered) as well as the textbook that was used (please include author). Uploading a copy of your transcripts is NOT sufficient.
• GRE score
  • GRE test scores should be sent by ETS to KU's institution code of 6871. Do not enter a department specific code, as this may cause a misrouting of your scores. 
• All transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE and proof of English proficiency should be received by KU by the application due date for your application to be considered complete! Incomplete applications will not be considered by the Admissions Committee.

It is important to note that applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application is complete and all items on the application checklist have been received and processed by KU. If you are in doubt about any aspect of your application, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

When are applications due?

For fall semesters, submit an application by January 5th - applications open each year in September. We do not typically admit students for spring semesters in our PhD program.

When will I be notified of an admission decision?

Application review begins immediately following the deadline and the first-round of GTA offers are typically sent in late February. Additional offers are sent through mid-April. Please aim to have all materials submitted & received by KU by the deadline.

Are application fee waivers available?

In order to be considered for a fee waiver, you must complete your application (aside from payment) and ensure that your statement of purpose outlines a specific research plan you would want to pursue if accepted. You should reference at least one faculty member whom you might like to work with, why you are interested in their area of research, and how your background and research plans match the faculty's work. If you have met these outlined criteria, please contact us if you are interested in a waiver. Keep in mind that funds are limited, and we cannot grant waivers for all applicants. Please note application fees that have already been paid cannot be refunded. 

If you are a domestic student, and you have received your bachelor's degree within the last eight years, you may be eligible for a fee waiver through the Self Graduate Fellowship. If this applies to you, please contact me for additional information regarding how to apply for the waiver.