ABOUT
The EDSD is an 11-month program offered annually to provide Master's degree students in demography or related fields with advanced education in the field. The program covers the causes and consequences of demographic change, population data, statistical and mathematical demography, modeling, simulation, and forecasting. Courses emphasize developing students' quantitative and programming skills. English is the language of the program. In 2026-2027, the program will be held in two locations: the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Rostock, Germany (early September to late October 2026) for preparatory courses, and the SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Poland (November 2026 to end of July 2027) for the core courses. The program is fully funded and free of charge, and students are expected to attend in person.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will earn a European Research Certificate of Demography provided under the auspices of the European Association for Population Studies (EAPS).
COURSES
Preparatory courses in Rostock (Aim: prepare students for the core courses at SGH):
- Measures and Models in Demography
- Basic Mathematics for Demographers
- Basic Statistics for Demographers
- Computer Programming for Demographers
Core courses in Warsaw:
- Population Data Science
- Demographic Theories
- Statistical Demography
- Population Challenges
- Formal Demography
- Simulation and Forecasting
- Thesis courses
In addition, students will also improve their computer, graphic, presentation and writing skills. 20% of their time will be devoted to thesis research.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
EDSD does not charge any fees. A limited number of scholarships are available to cover accommodation and living expenses, estimated at €1,650 to €1,700 per month. These scholarships are provided by several European research institutes and universities that operate the EDSD and are awarded to students who have been accepted into the program.
Qualified applicants may also be admitted if they can show that they have an institutional sponsor (research institute or university that guarantees the financing of the student's scholarship).
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Eligible students must have a Master's degree in demography, mathematics, statistics, public health, economics, sociology, geography, biology, computer science, history, or a related field. Current Master's students can apply, but must have completed their degree and received the official title before the program begins. Participants may or may not be enrolled in a PhD program, but those not enrolled in a PhD program are expected to enroll while doing the EDSD or immediately after.
Requirements:
- Curious mind and deep interest in demography and population development, human or species-wide.
- Demonstrable competence in English.
- EU citizens must have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for the duration of the program. Non-EU citizens will need to apply for a student visa at the Polish embassy in their country of origin if selected.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Application deadline: March 27, 2026
Announcement of successful candidates: mid- May 2026
EDSD start date: September 1, 2026
To apply, please complete this form with the following documents:
- CV detailing education and work history, language abilities, and scholarly publications.
- One recent letter of recommendation.
- Motivational letter (up to 5 double-spaced pages) introducing yourself, professional interests and background, and plans. Explain how the EDSD program will advance your career and describe your quantitative skills (mathematics, statistics, and computer programming). Indicate if you have third-party funding.
- Submit official transcripts and degree certificates, in English or with English translation, for your Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
- Provide TOEFL (internet-based: 100, computer-based: 250, paper-based 600) or CAE test scores, or evidence of a degree taught in English, or a statement demonstrating proficiency in English.