Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be a German or European citizen to apply?
No, we encourage and welcome applications from candidates of all nationalities and all backgrounds. As we receive applications from close to 100 different countries, please try to help us understand your education / academic achievements / your country’s grading system in the relevant sections in the application system.
Do I receive financial support through the graduate school?
Yes, you will be paid a salary according to German public tariff laws by the lab that you join. This will easily cover your student expenses and living costs in Berlin. The funding source may differ depending on the project you end up with.
What are my chances of getting accepted?
As a rough estimate we can tell you that we usually receive around 100-150 applications per position. We make our decision solely based on the quality of the applications, so please take the time to demonstrate your qualities and make your application stand out! Around 40 candidates will be invited to the selection week.
I hold degree XYZ – am I eligible to apply?
If you fulfill the criteria mentioned in our eligibility section (excellent German MSc, Diploma or international equivalents in a discipline related to our research) then you are eligible to apply. You do not have to have completed your degree at the time of application but before starting with us (we cannot give you a work contract before you finish your degree). If you hold an MD, DVM or other related degrees, you will need to demonstrate extensive laboratory skills, epidemiological experience or bioinformatics knowledge in order for us to consider your application. Our recommendation is to always go for an application if in doubt! Please accept our sincere apologies that we cannot analyze individual situations at this stage.
My referee is not around – can they submit their reference letter later?
Submission of reference letters is possible until January 3rd. If your referee cannot provide the reference letter until this date, this will lead to your application being automatically discarded (only applications with 2 submitted references will pass to the assessment stage). So please make sure to advise your referees on time and make sure from your end, they submit your reference on time.
When will I learn about the results of the application process?
We will keep you up to date with the application process. Assessment will only start after the call has closed. You can expect a first individual feedback on your application by the end of January 2022. The final results of the selection procedure – candidates progressing further through the selection process will be kept informed, a final decision will be made in the week starting March 07, 2022 shortly after the online selection week.
I already have a doctorate. Can I apply to the IMPRS?
The vast majority of students join the IMPRS-IDI for their first doctorate. We do not exclude applications from candidates with a PhD in a different discipline, but please explain your situation clearly in the motivation statement. If in doubt, contact the coordinator.
I missed the deadline, can I still apply?
No, after midnight CET on January 2nd, 2022 our application system will automatically close. No further application is possible. We have one to two central admission rounds per year. If a call is closed, we will normally not recruit until the next central call.