First batch
Upcoming
GRS application calendar · 2027/28
2027/28 applications open 3 August
First batch: 3 August–23 October 2026.
Second batch
Upcoming
Third batch
Upcoming
Scholarship / UMTRA
Upcoming
Batches 1–2 enter Semester 1; batch 3 enters Semester 2. Confirm all requirements on the official GRS page.
Department of Economics · Faculty of Social Sciences
PhD in Economics
Rigorous training. Independent research. Global careers.
Build the theory, data, and research skills to produce original economics.
Applications are managed by the UM Graduate School.
- Research fit
- 6 research areas
- Language
- English
- Normative study period
- 4 years
- Before applying
- Explore supervisors
UM campus at sunset
Academic life
Ideas arrive on campus
Conferences, focused workshops, and the weekly Seminar on Economics connect students with active research.
Research community
Find your intellectual home
Choose an area, review faculty interests, and contact a potential supervisor before applying.
Confirm supervision availability for your intake.
MG
Macro, Growth & Political Economy
Macroeconomics, economic growth, innovation, political economy, expectations, monetary and fiscal policy, and inequality.
MT
Micro Theory, Markets & IO
Game theory, auction and mechanism design, contests, market design, social choice, and industrial organization.
EC
Econometrics
Econometric theory, applied econometrics, time series, high-dimensional methods, and empirical research design.
EF
Empirical Economics & Finance
Empirical asset pricing, corporate and international finance, applied microeconomic analysis, and demand and trade models.
BE
Behavioural & Experimental
Experimental and behavioural economics, experimental finance, prediction markets, social norms, and decision theory.
DP
Development, Labour & Public Economics
Development and labour economics, public and regional economics, international trade, and law and economics.
Current students
Different paths into research
Three recent intakes illustrate the academic backgrounds and research interests represented in the programme.
2023 intake
Wei Song
- Research
- Economic growth and population
- Previous institution
- University of Macau
2024 intake
Chloe Chunyu Zhao
- Research
- Market design and experimental economics
- Previous institution
- University of British Columbia
2025 intake
Feifei Mai
- Research
- Experimental and behavioural economics
- Previous institution
- Nanyang Technological University
Curriculum
Training built around research
For students admitted from academic year 2026/2027 onwards, the curriculum combines four compulsory courses, two required electives, and an original doctoral thesis.
Current study plan · 2026/2027 onwards
01 Compulsory courses 4 courses
SSGC8809Research Ethics
ECON8805Advanced Topics in Econometrics
ECON8806Advanced Topics in Macroeconomics
ECON8807Advanced Topics in Microeconomics
02 Required electives Choose 2 out of 6 courses
ECON8808Academic Writing and Scholarship for Economists
ECON8809Special Topics in Economics
BECO8012Advanced Time Series Analysis
BECO8013Selected Topics in Business Economics
FINC8013Asset Pricing
FINC8015Financial Economics
03
Doctoral Thesis
Original independent research
PhD funding
Four funding routes
Funding may be provided through university-level scholarships and teaching or research support, as well as a department teaching assistantship. Availability and selection conditions vary by route.
UM PhD Scholarship · Highly competitive
UMPS
MOP 20,000 / monthMonthly stipend for up to four years. Tuition fees are offset before stipend disbursement.
Official detailsUM Teaching Research Assistant
UMTRA · Type A
MOP 12,500 / monthStarting monthly stipend for up to four years. Tuition fees are offset before disbursement.
Official detailsUM Teaching Research Assistant
UMTRA · Type B
Tuition fees offsetMonthly support equivalent to the average full programme tuition fees during the normative study period.
Official detailsDepartment support
Teaching Assistantship
MOP 6,250 / monthDepartment-supported teaching assistance, subject to departmental allocation and confirmation.
Confirm availabilityUMPS and UMTRA applications are submitted together with the PhD application, are subject to university selection, and are available for first-semester admission.
Admissions
Ready to develop your research agenda?
The Department welcomes applicants with strong preparation and a clear interest in economic research.
At a glance
-
01
Academic preparationA master's degree in Economics from an accredited university, or equivalent preparation.
-
02
English proficiencyEvidence such as TOEFL 550 or IELTS 6.0 or above. Consult the Graduate School for current accepted tests and conditions.
-
03
Research fitApplicants may discuss a potential topic with a potential supervisor or the PhD Programme Coordinator before applying.
Graduate placements
Selected placements
Graduates have continued their careers in universities and research institutions in Macao, mainland China, and the United Kingdom.
2025
Rongxin Xu
Postdoctoral Fellow
Huazhong University of Science and Technology
2024
Xingshu Ma
Assistant Professor in Economics
City University of Macau
2023
Ut Meng Ho
Stipendiary Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Edinburgh
2019
Chong Wang
Assistant Professor
Zhongnan University of Economics and Law
2018
Wanjun Xu
Assistant Research Fellow
Guangzhou Academy of Social Sciences
2018
Lin Zhu
Assistant Professor
Jiangsu University of TechnologyFive-year research archive
Publication highlights
Contact us
Start a conversation
Questions about research fit, applications, or visiting us? Start here.
Programme enquiries
Research fit, supervision, curriculum, and applications.
Programme Coordinator
Yubo Tao
Email the coordinator
yubotao@um.edu.mo
Administrative enquiries
For department information, documents, office services, and general administrative questions.
Department contact pageEconomics at E21B
The Department of Economics office is located in the Humanities and Social Sciences Building.
Office
Room 3034, E21B
University of Macau
Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macao
University of Macau
Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macao
Office hours
Mon–Thu 09:00–13:00, 14:00–17:45
Fri 09:00–13:00, 14:00–17:30
Fri 09:00–13:00, 14:00–17:30
Prepare your 2027/28 application Review the official deadlines, requirements, and application portal.
Apply Now