2025/26 Cohort · Now Open

Doctoral research for impact, grounded in Management Science

The IFM Doctoral Programme offers PhD pathways in Accounting and Finance, Economics, Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility, and Information Systems, Technology, and Innovation. The Programme pairs you with world-class supervisors across continents.
Hybrid supervision. Real policy impact. Your research, amplified.

4
PhD Areas
5+
Sub-Themes
Hybrid
Supervision Model
About the Programme

Doctoral research pillars shaping policy & practice

Every pillar breaks into sub-themes with mapped supervisors — both local and international — regional partners, and field opportunities. Your dissertation lands with immediate policy relevance.

Co-designed with industry regulators, regional partners, and IFM resident scholars, each theme addresses pressing challenges in East African finance, economics, and governance.

Rigorous Research

APA 7th Edition standards with structured methodology frameworks.

Global Supervision

Local + foreign supervisors across three continents.

Policy Impact

Research outputs designed for real-world governance application.

Data Access

Supporting datasets and facilitation built into every theme.

Research Areas

Doctoral research pillars

Select a research area to explore available themes, sub-themes, supervisors, and guiding questions.

Application Process

Your path from interest to enrolment

Five clear steps guide you from exploring themes to commencing your doctoral journey.

Select Your Research Area

Browse the doctoral research pillars, explore themes and sub-themes, and identify the focus area that aligns with your research interests. Review guiding questions and expected outputs for each sub-theme.

Engage a Supervisor & Develop Your Concept Paper

Click the "Engage" button on a Resident Co-Supervisor's profile to initiate contact. Once the supervisor agrees, prepare and submit a concept paper outlining your proposed study. The supervisor will guide you through refinement and approval.

Complete the Online Application

Create an application account, fill in your personal details, academic background, and work experience. Upload all required documents — concept paper, CV, statement of purpose, academic transcripts — and provide referee contact details.

Pay Application Fee & Submit

Complete the application fee payment through the secure portal. Once payment is confirmed, submit your application for review.

Receive Your Admission Decision

The DASS office reviews your qualifications and the HEL/DRCP evaluates your concept paper. You'll receive status updates at each milestone. Successful applicants receive an admission letter in their portal and can proceed to registration.

Decision Window

April 2026

Submit an intent-to-research form to secure a supervisor pairing and access to supporting datasets. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Begin Application