FAQ

Can I apply even if I have not received my degree yet?

Yes. However, you must hold a university degree or have a scheduled graduation date before starting your thesis work.

Is there an age limit?

We do not have a strict age limit. However, we would like to point out that most of our first year students are around 25 years old.

What is the working language within the IMPRS-CellDevoSys?

Our working language is English. You can completely pursue and complete our program without any knowledge of German. However, to fully engage with the advantages of our international environment, we strongly encourage learning German while you are here!

Can you tell me what are my chances of being accepted?

As a matter of policy, we cannot evaluate the qualifications of individual candidates in advance, nor can we advise regarding chances of success. That is the purpose of the application process.

Will taking additional examinations increase my chances of being accepted?

We evaluate the full educational & research background of each candidate. If you think your scores may improve your chances, you are welcome to take examinations, such as the IELTS or TOEFL to demonstrate English proficiency or the GRE to demonstrate scholarly aptitude - but the complete picture is what counts.

Can I modify my application?

You can modify your application at any time up until the point of your final submission. Thereafter, changes are not possible.

Can I add certificates or test results to my application later?

In order to be considered, all materials must be submitted via our online system by the Application Submission deadline. No materials can be accepted outside of this online system or after this deadline.

What should I upload to the application?

You need to upload official certificates and academic transcripts.

What should I not upload to the application?

Do not upload CVs, course certificates, language certificates, thesis, publications, or any other document that is not requested.

Do I need to provide TOEFL or IELTS results?

No, but we recommend uploading TOEFL or IELTS results to your application if available. A high level of English language proficiency is required.

Do I need to provide GRE results?

Taking the GRE examination is not required. If you have taken this test, feel free to include the results in the uploads section of your application.

I am having problems uploading my documents. What can I do?

If you experience problems with our online system, please contact the PhD Program Office at phd@mpi-cbg.de.

Do I need to have my certificates translated into English and authenticated?

No. However, please provide English documents when available.

Do you charge an application fee, and how much is it?

We do not charge an application fee.

How much does the program cost?

There are no tuition costs for this program. In fact, PhD Students are compensated through the duration of training. Should you wish to officially enroll at the TU-Dresden, there is a 280 Euro/Semester charge, which includes access to public transportation. View more about our Funding & Tuition details.

I have my own funding. Does this guarantee a place in the program?

No. All applicants must successfully pass the admission procedure in order to be eligible to join.

How many reference letters are required for my application?

Your application must be supported by a minimum of two academic reference letters (submitted online) before the application deadline.

Can my reference send a recommendation via email?

No. We only accept recommendations submitted in our online application system. Recommendations sent via other methods cannot be considered.

My referee did not receive your invitation to submit a reference letter. What can I do?

When you register in our system, we automatically send an invitation to your referees using the email address provided. Please ensure that you provide correct contact information. You may also wish to inform your referee when you register, to ensure that our email is not considered junk mail or caught in a spam filter.

What can I do if I provided faulty contact information for my referee?

Incorrect contact information cannot be changed once it is entered. Use extra care in entering these email addresses. The only option is to use the function “add referee” and give the correct information in this section.

How will I know that my referee submitted a recommendation letter?

The online application platform will allow you to view the status of the recommendation letters. You will receive an email upon receipt of a recommendation letter.

When will I be informed whether I will be invited for interview?

Admission Committee interview invitations are typically sent approximately 1 month after the close of the application period.

Can the Admission Committee interviews be shifted?

No, the Admission Committee interviews are fixed and cannot be moved.

How do the Admission Committee interviews work?

Invited candidates will receive an appointment time and a link to connect to our videoconferencing system. Further specific instructions regarding the contents of the Admission Committee interviews will be sent with the invitation.

When will I be informed about the result of the Admission Committee Interview and whether I will be invited to the Interview Week in Dresden?

Invitations to our Interview Week in Dresden will be shared no later than one week after the last Admission Committee interview, approximately one month before the Interview Week in Dresden.

Can the interview week be replaced by phone or Skype interviews?

We believe that applicants should not only interview with group leaders but that they should fully experience their potential future work environment. Getting to know the research atmosphere research and and the spirit of the center, the colleagues, and the city will help make an informed decision. Phone interviews cannot replace the personal interaction during the interview week.

Can I be admitted without attending the interview week?

No, the attendance at the interview week is indispensable.

Which group leaders are offering thesis projects in the current round?

Check the Join portion of our website for updated information on currently recruiting group leaders.