International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) PhD Fellowship Eligibility Criteria 2026
Residency/Domicile Requirements
Must be a permanent resident of All India.
FAQs for International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) PhD Fellowship
Q.Is the IMPRS PhD Fellowship a scholarship or an employment contract?
The IMPRS PhD Fellowship is primarily an employment contract with the Max Planck Society or an affiliated university/institute. This means PhD students are considered employees and receive a gross monthly salary based on the Collective Wage Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD), which includes social benefits like health insurance, pension contributions, and unemployment insurance. In rare cases, a tax-free stipend might be offered depending on the funding source, but the general model is an employment contract.
Q.Are there tuition fees for the IMPRS PhD program?
No, there are generally no tuition fees for the IMPRS PhD program. However, students are usually required to pay a semester contribution (Sozialbeitrag/Semesterbeitrag) to the university where they are enrolled. This fee is typically around €350 per semester and often includes a public transportation ticket valid throughout Germany.
Q.Can I contact a potential supervisor directly before applying to an IMPRS?
It is generally not necessary or helpful to contact individual research group leaders or potential supervisors directly before submitting your application. Most IMPRS programs operate a centralized online application and recruitment process. All applications are evaluated through this system to ensure fairness. Any prior contact might even complicate the application process. You will typically indicate your preferred supervisors or research groups within the application form.
Q.Do I need to have my Master's degree completed before applying?
You do not necessarily need to have completed your Master's degree at the time of application. Many IMPRS programs allow candidates to apply if they are in the final stages of their Master's program. However, you must have successfully completed your studies and received your qualifying degree before you can officially start your doctoral studies with the IMPRS.