Applying for PhD Studies

Interested in a PhD in Condensed Matter Science?
IMPRS-CMS offers you a structured PhD program in one of the world's leading solid state research institutes.
More than 40 distinguished and internationally recognized group leaders are actively involved in the IMPRS-CMS program and offer innovative PhD projects.

Join our community!

Application Procedure

Step 1. Check eligibility

IMPRS-CMS welcomes

Highly motivated students holding a Master's degree in physics, chemistry, or materials science.
Exceptional students with a Honors BSc degree (4 or 5 years of study). Students can be admitted to the PhD program via fast track.

Step 2. Register online

Register at our online application portal during the application period.
There are two application periods every year:

January 1st - February 28th
August 1st - September 30th
If you missed the deadline, please apply the next round.

Step 3. Login and name/ invite two Referees

NOTE:

Please inform your referees well in advance about your application and the deadline for the reference letters.
If it is necessary to change a referee during the application process, please contact us.

Step 4. Fill out the application form

Fill in all mandatory fields.
Save and continue for each section.

Step 5. Upload all supporting documents

Mandatory documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (PDF file, max. 2-3 pages)
- Transcript of Records and Degree Certificate for Bachelor’s degree

Upload your documents and certificates in PDF-format
Save each section

Step 6. Submit Application

Make any final corrections if necessary. No changes are possible after submission.
A successful submission of your application will be confirmed via email.

Only complete applications submitted through our online application portal are considered.
Please do not send applications to the coordination office via postal services or email. We are not able to accept those application and they will not be returned.

Selection Procedure

What happens here?

Applicants are evaluated based on their submitted documents.
Top candidates are invited (via online-video-conference) for a short presentation on a subject of her/his choice (e.g. MSc thesis), followed by personal interviews.
The board of the IMPRS-CMS then prepares a final shortlist (less than 3 % of all applicants will get an offer for PhD studies).
The final decision about admission will be communicated approximately 2 months after the application deadline. After receiving an offer for a PhD position, you should begin within 6 months.

Selection Criteria

Curriculum vitae, academic records
Recommendation letters, quality of the home university
Comparison of the applicant's education profile with the program's research profile, comparison with other applicants
Personal impression

Have questions? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)