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Since December 1st till March 31 you can apply to our programs:
Master in Economic Research and PhD in Economics

Entry requirements are:
- BA / MA degree or equivalent
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Solid background in mathematics
- Previous education in economics is recommended

Your online application must content following documents:
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement of motivation
- Copies of your diplomas and transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency level
- Contact details for two (or max. three) referees (optional for MA applicants)

For more information please see sections: How to apply to MER or How to apply to PhD
In case of any question, please do not hesitate to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or see the FAQ sections for Master´s or Phd program.

Teresa Freitas Monteiro, Ph.D.

University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Authors: Teresa Freitas Monteiro, Jacopo Bassetto

Abstract: Migration is often temporary, and the intended length of stay in the host country is an important determinant of immigrants’ integration. This paper investigates whether shocks to safety conditions in the home country affect immigrants’ return intentions and labor market behavior. We combine administrative and survey data with precise information on violent events worldwide and exploit the quasi-random occurrence of violent events in the home country relative to the timing of interviews and job separations in Germany. We show that immigrants interviewed after a violent event in their home country are 12 percentage points more likely to wish to remain in Germany permanently. The effects are stronger if immigrants are less integrated in Germany and have close family members in their home country. Consistent with the prediction that revisions to the intended length of stay affect immigrants’ labor market behavior, we show that immigrants who enter unemployment when a violent event hits their home country increase their job search effort and find employment faster. However, the same immigrants trade immediate job security for lower earnings, less stable jobs and less productive firms.

Full Text: Immigrants’ Return Intentions and Labor Market BehaviorWhen the Home Country is Unsafe

Achim Ahrens, Ph.D.

ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Authors: Achim Ahrens, Andreas Beerli, Dominik Hangartner, Selina Kurer, Michael Siegenthaler

Abstract: This paper investigates whether employment restrictions contribute to refugees having poorer labor market outcomes than citizens. Utilizing linked register data from Switzerland and withincanton policy variation between 1999–2015, we find substantial negative effects on employment and earnings when refugees are barred from working upon arrival, excluded from specific sectors or regions, or face resident prioritization. Removing 10% of refugees’ outside options reduces job-to-job mobility by 7.5% and wages by 3.0%, widening the wage gap to citizens in similar jobs. The restrictions depress refugees’ labor market outcomes even after they apply, but do not spur emigration nor benefit other immigrants. 

Full Text: The Labor Market Effects of Restricting Refugees’ Employment Opportunities