Selection Process

How does the selection process work?

In order to identify the most promising candidates, faculty members of the research school and the coordination office participate in a multistep selection procedure as outlined below. In general, applicants will be evaluated based on their academic qualification, aptitude for research, achievements, motivation, scientific background and the letters of recommendation.

a) First round of selection:

Complete applications will be reviewed after the deadline of application and a first round of selection will be carried out. During the review process, we may give you a ring or arrange a skype interview to further discuss your application, your interests and your future plans.

b) Second round of selection:

Applicants that successfully have passed the first round of selection will be reviewed thoroughly and independently by three faculty members of the research school. Your application will likely be reviewed by faculty members that you have listed in your preference list or by faculty members working in your favorite research field. During the review process, we may give you a ring or arrange a skype interview to further discuss with you your application, your interests and your future plans.

c) Personal interviews in Munich:

The most promising candidates will be invited to Munich for personal interviews. Invited candidates will have a panel interview with the selection committee and individual 30-minute interviews with faculty members of the research school. Moreover, candidates will find ample of opportunities to meet with students and to learn more about our program and ongoing research projects in participating groups. To get accepted to the school candidates need to a) perform well in the panel interview and b) establish a match with a supervisor who will offer the candidate a position in his/her group.
Please note that IMPRS-LS will cover your travel expenses and accommodation in case you get an invitation for the interview week in Munich.

d) Final decision:

The selection committee will meet in a final session to determine the candidates that will be accepted to the research school. We will announce the results of the plenary session in the week after the interview week. Candidates recieveing an offer should accept the offer within three weeks. Accepted students may start their research project anytime between March 01 and October 01 (with prior consultation of the supervisor). Official start of the program is October 01.

e) Verification of international degrees:

Academic degrees issued in foreign countries will have to be approved by the admissions and registration office of the university that will award the doctoral degree (normally either Ludwig Maximilian University Munich or Technical University Munich). The coordination office will assist accepted students in these procedures.