FAQ

Yes, you may re-take the tests. If you achieve a higher score, the admissions committee will consider your best results.

Official results typically take around three weeks to process. However, unofficial test results are available immediately after the test. You can submit your unofficial scores in your online application before the official results arrive.

No, you are not expected to contact the project supervisors yourself (unless indicated otherwise in the vacancy announcement). They will contact you if they have any questions or wish to schedule an interview.

In general, ERIM requires applicants whose native language is not English to submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores. However, if the language of instruction for your entire university education (bachelor's and master's programmes) was English, you may submit a request for a TOEFL/IELTS waiver. The final decision on the waiver request will be made by ERIM.

You are required to submit two reference letters. Note that only academic reference letters will be accepted. Once you submit your application, your referees will receive an automatic email from us requesting their reference letters. Please inform your referees that you have provided their contact details and that we may reach out to them. While we ask for two references, you may include a third reference if you wish.

The general application deadline is 15 January 2026. However, some PhD vacancies may have different deadlines, as specified in each project description. For further details, visit the PhD vacancies page.

1 November 2025