FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions - and Finances

FAQ – concerning application:

How can I apply?
Application to the program is a two step online procedure: First you will be asked to register online.  After successful registration you will receive a confirmation link via email that allows you to log in and to submit your online application. For further information please visit "Application" on our website.

Can I apply for a summer internship only?
Sorry, we do not offer such a possibility. Our program is designed for graduate students only.

I missed the deadline. What can I do?
IMPRS-LS recruits students only once a year. Deadline for your application is January, 15. If you have missed the deadline, all you can do is apply next year.

Do I need my MSc when I submit my application?
You don't need your MSc at the time of application. But you must have completed your studies and have received your MSc degree at the time when you start your PhD studies at IMPRS-LS.

Can I apply without a TOEFL?
TOEFL is not an absolute requirement but you need to convincingly explain that you are fluent in written and spoken English.

Is there an age limit for applicants?
No, there is no age limit, but most students are under 26 when they start their doctoral studies and very few are over 30.

FAQ – concerning the program:

Are the lectures in English or in German?
The medium of all instruction is English. Standard language of communication in laboratories is English, too. 

Which institution will award my doctoral degree?
Typically, our partner universities, the Ludwig Maximilian University or the Technical University Munich will award the doctoral degree. International doctoral students may also choose to have their doctoral degree awarded by a university of their home country.

FAQ – concerning visa:

What kind of visa do I need?
For the interview week you need to apply for a "Schengen Vias Type C (Bussiness) ". For your doctoral studies you will have to apply for a specific visa that entitles you to conduct your doctoral studies in Germany ("National Visa Type D").

How to handle visa formalities?
Invited or accepted candidates will receive an official invitation letter and a cover letter for the German embassy from the coordination office. This letter must be submitted to the German embassy or a German consulate in your home country together with your visa application. Issuing a visa may take anything between a few days up to 2 months, dependent on country of origin and circumstances. In case problems arise the coordination office will assist. For further details, please visit the website of the Federal Foreign Office. Visas for doctoral studies are originally issued for a duration of three months after which they will be converted into a temporary residence permit.

Do I need a Resident Permit / Visa ?
To stay in Germany every foreign student needs a residence permit (for details see German academic Exchange Service). This is not a requirement for candidates of member states of the European Union. The coordination office will provide administrative support in visa formalities to students from non-EU countries.

Where can I find the International offices?
The offices of International Affairs provide some general information and advice to foreign students about studying and living in Munich. Likewise the offices organize a number of social activities for international students.
Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich,
Office of International Affairs
Technical University Munich,
Office of International Affairs

FAQ – concerning general issues:

Who will help me to find accommodation?
Incoming doctoral students can stay at the guesthouse of the institute for the first three months. The coordination office will also assist students in finding suitable accommodation. Munich has a reputation of beeing difficult regarding accommodation. However, our students normally find suitable accommodation within a few weeks after arrival in Munich.

Where is Munich / Martinsried?
The city of Munich is the state capital of Bavaria in Southern Germany and has a population of 1.3 million. Martinsried is a suburb at the south-west border of Munich about 25 minutes from the city centre by subway (U-Bahn) and bus.

Finances

Stipends
The net stipend for accepted IMPRS-LS fellows ranges from 1100 - 1450 Euro and will cover living expenses in the Munich area.

Tuition
There are no tuition fees for doctoral students of IMPRS-LS. The only fee required is a registration fee at the Ludwig Maximilian University Munich or the Technical University Munich that amounts to around 100 Euro per year.

Housing
Rent for an apartment or a flat for a single person starts at approx. 300-400 Euro per month. On average our students pay between 400 and 500 Euro for rent (including utilities). The coordination office will provide assistance in finding suitable housing.

Health Insurance
Health insurance coverage for doctoral students is obligatory. Special insurance contracts for international students start at approximately 50 Euro per month.

Living costs in Munich / Martinsried
The estimated costs of living in Munich/Martinsried are approx. 800-1000 Euro minimum per month for a single person (living expenses and health insurance).