PhD Candidate in Finance

Handelshøyskolen BI; Oslo; On-site; NOK 573,000; Full time

Job summary

A top business school is inviting applications for its doctoral scholarships in Finance, starting August 2026. This program offers rigorous training and research opportunities, preparing candidates for acclaimed academic and industry positions. Candidates with a strong background in Finance and quantitative skills are encouraged to apply. The scholarship accounts for a teaching obligation, paying NOK 572,800 annually.

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance, Economics, Statistics, or Mathematics with GPA of B or higher.
• GRE/GMAT scores required for non-EU applicants or encouraged for EU.
• TOEFL/IELTS scores required for non-native English speakers.

Responsibilities

• Complete coursework covering major finance and economics topics.
• Conduct research for doctoral dissertation.
• Participate in seminars and workshops.

Skills

Quantitative skills

Strong background in Finance

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Master of Science degree with thesis

Research Masters/M.Phil

Job description

Overview

The Department of Finance at BI Norwegian Business School is inviting applications for doctoral scholarships, start date August 2026. PhD Candidates in Finance.

The Department of Finance at BI Norwegian Business School is committed to research at the highest international level. There are currently over 30 faculty members representing about 20 nationalities, with affiliations from world-leading institutions. Faculty regularly publish in top journals such as Journal of Finance, Review of Financial Studies, Journal of Financial Economics, American Economic Review, Econometrica, Journal of Political Economy, and Review of Economic Studies. The department maintains a top-10 rank in Europe based on research output in top-tier academic Finance journals and hosts international weekly research seminars, conferences, and workshops.

The department has access to major international databases and works with Norwegian micro data from official registers. It hosts the Centre for Asset Pricing Research (CAPR) and the Centre for Corporate Governance Research (CCGR).

PhD specialization in Finance

The PhD specialization in Finance prepares candidates for careers in leading academic institutions, research-oriented organizations, and industry. Graduates have secured positions at universities such as London Business School, Tilburg University, University of Melbourne, and NOVA University Lisbon, with local placements in Norway including the Norwegian School of Economics, Financial Supervisory Authority, Boston Consulting Group, and Storebrand.

The four-year program offers rigorous training for candidates with strong analytical skills and intellectual curiosity. The first year focuses on coursework covering major fields in Finance and core Economics topics relevant to a Finance PhD, taught mainly by BI faculty. Candidates may take specialized courses and participate in doctoral workshops through the Nordic Finance Network. The second year emphasizes research work toward a doctoral dissertation typically consisting of three research articles. Research is conducted in close cooperation with the supervisor and other faculty members; projects often involve collaborators from other research institutions. Candidates participate in weekly research seminars and present their work at departmental workshops. The environment is supportive and candidates engage in departmental social life.

Additional information, including detailed course plans, may be found here.

Funding

The four-year scholarship is set according to the Norwegian State Salary Scale and currently pays NOK 572,800 annually (adjustments anticipated in 2026). The position is linked to The Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (Statens Pensjonskasse). The scholarship includes a 25% teaching obligation.

Application timeline and submission rules

The application and attached documents can be submitted electronically using the "Send Application" button on the right-hand side of this announcement. E-mail or hard-copy applications will not be accepted. All documents must reach the Doctoral Administration by the deadline stated in this announcement to be considered. An exception exists for candidates completing their Master’s degree in 2026 who do not yet have a final certificate. You will not be able to revise your application once submitted.

Application requirements

We encourage applications from candidates with solid quantitative skills and a strong background in Finance, Economics, Statistics, and Mathematics. Strong communication and analytical skills are crucial. If candidates are otherwise equally qualified, female applicants will be given preference. We welcome research interests in all areas of Finance, including asset pricing, corporate finance, behavioral finance, household finance, corporate governance, asset management, banking and financial institutions, and market microstructure.

The following formal application requirements are detailed below.

A. Academic record

Eligible applicants must have completed a Master of Science degree with thesis work, a Research Masters/M.Phil, or a comparable degree relevant to Finance by the start of autumn 2026, with a GPA of B or higher. An MBA degree does not fulfill admission requirements.

B. GRE / GMAT

Applicants with a Master’s degree from an EU/EEA country are strongly encouraged to take GMAT or GRE. Applicants whose Master’s degree is not from an EU/EEA country are required to take GMAT or GRE. We require percentile scores and raw scores for Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing. Incomplete or partial scores are not sufficient. A "good score" is generally 85% or higher, but there is no minimum cutoff for consideration.

C. TOEFL / IELTS

Applicants must take TOEFL or IELTS. Minimum acceptable scores are:

• TOEFL – 575 paper, 233 computer-based, or 90 internet-based
• IELTS – 6.5

Exemptions may apply for native English speakers or certain educational backgrounds. TOEFL/IELTS waivers may be requested with a waiver form. Scores must be from the last two years. BI Norwegian Business School codes: GMAT 0529, TOEFL 0529, GRE 7365. IELTS copies are acceptable if the TRF number is visible.

D. Materials to be uploaded

Upload electronically: CV, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, and selected academic work.

• Full CV detailing all research work, publications, theses, and relevant research activities.
• Two letters of recommendation (minimum). If possible, these should come from academics familiar with your research potential; non-academic referees are acceptable if necessary. Recommenders should email their letters to [e-mail] by the application deadline.
• Statement of purpose describing plans and motivation for PhD studies and career objectives, written in English (max 1000 words).
• One selected academic work demonstrating prior research output (e.g., Master’s thesis).

Certificates, test results, and verification documents to upload include:

• MS/MSc degree certificate and transcript; bachelor degree certificate and transcript; diploma supplement or equivalent; other relevant certificates and transcripts.
• Other certificates and transcripts; any PhD-level coursework approvals (if applicable).
• Test scores GMAT/GRE and TOEFL/IELTS (if not sent directly by the test center).

Candidates may be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview at a later stage.

Information about the doctoral program and admission requirements can be obtained from the Doctoral Administration at BI Norwegian Business School. E-mail: [e-mail]