High-quality education is a cornerstone of economic growth and social development. Despite substantial public investments in education across the European Union in recent decades, educational outcomes in some member states have stagnated or even declined. Marginalized populations are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of ineffective educational policies. Therefore, understanding the efficiency and (cost-)effectiveness of investments in educational quality is essential to ensure that resources are directed toward initiatives with the greatest social and economic return.
Supported by a four-year PhD scholarship, you will contribute to the generation of evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at enhancing educational quality. These recommendations will be grounded in rigorous academic research, primarily through randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in collaboration with the LEER research team in Flemish schools.
Your research will focus on evaluating the cost-effectiveness of targeted interventions that aim to improve educational outcomes and promote equity. Within this broad theme, you will have substantial flexibility to define your specific research focus. Possible lines of inquiry include: investigating how to improve the transition from secondary to higher education; assessing the impact of financial literacy programs; or applying machine learning techniques to analyze student evaluations of teaching.
Requirements
The Research Center ‘Leuven Economics of Education Research’ (KU Leuven) is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated junior scholar to conduct a PhD in education economics. The candidate should have the following qualifications:
- Important and binding eligibility condition to apply and to start the PhD in economics at KU Leuven: By September 2025, you hold a one or two year advanced research master in economics that consists of advanced courses (comparable to the ‘Master of Science in Advanced Studies in Economics’ degree from KU Leuven; or the ‘Master of Research in Economics’ at European University Institute).
- As a second binding eligibility condition, your academic transcripts indicate that you have successfully completed at least the following courses: ‘Advanced micro-economics’; ‘Advanced macro-economics’ and ‘Advanced econometrics’.
- Having at least ‘cum laude’ (honors) during your initial master years (preferably also during your advanced research master).
- You have strong skills in statistical, econometric and quantitative data analysis and experience with statistical packages; and are keen on developing these skills further.
- Enthusiastic and motivated to do research.
- You are proficient in English; your knowledge of Dutch language might be an advantage.
- You have very good scientific writing skills.
- You are a team player that is able to work independently.
- Successful candidates are required to enter the PhD program in economics of the Faculty of Economics and Business of KU Leuven.
Benefits
- Our internationally renowned doctoral program in economics is an individualized PhD training that consists of four years of full-time study. It eventually leads to a PhD degree and prepares the student for an academic career or a career as a researcher in a policy institution.
- The candidate is expected to prepare a PhD at the LEER research group under the supervision of Professor Kristof De Witte. You will join a dynamic and internationally oriented research environment that focusses on education economics.
- We offer a competitive full-time PhD scholarship. The position is for 4 years, conditional upon a positive evaluation after 1 year.
- We offer additional benefits in terms of health insurance, reduced public transport prices, free bicycle use, access to university sports facilities, …
- KU Leuven offers opportunities to follow academic, skills and career training courses.
- Working in an attractive international environment.
- You are expected to participate in seminars and will occasionally be involved in teaching activities including supervision of exams.
- Start date – October 15, 2025, but there is some flexibility to start at a different moment in time.
- Once the PhD study is completed, you receive a PhD in Economics.
Organization/Company – KU LEUVEN
Research field – Economics » Knowledge economy
Research profile – First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country –Belgium
Application Deadline – 29 Aug 2025 – 23:59 (UTC)
More information: Euraxess
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