Graduate Studies
The institute provides a stimulating, competitive, yet
collaborative environment for research and graduate education.
Qualified candidates can pursue doctoral degrees under the supervision
of MPI-SWS Faculty.
Graduate students
work as members of one or more of the institute's research groups,
which perform internationally leading, highly visible research in
their respective fields of specialization. Graduate students receive
individual training and mentoring from MPI-SWS faculty, preparing them
for leadership in world-class academic or industrial research.
Application and Admission
Qualified candidates who wish to pursue a doctoral degree in a
research area covered by MPI-SWS faculty may apply using the application form. The review
of applications for Fall 2010 will begin on January 15, 2010.
Prospective students are strongly encouraged to submit applications by
that date; however, we will continue to accept applications throughout
the year for exceptionally strong candidates. Please expect a delay
of up to three months when applying outside the normal
schedule. Admitted applicants will have an opportunity to visit the
institute and interact with faculty and students before making their
decision.
Admission to the graduate program is highly competitive. A four-year
Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree from a top-tier,
research-oriented institution of higher education is required.
Applicants should have an outstanding academic record (at or near the
top of their class), excellent scores on the Graduate Record
Examination (GRE) general and computer science subject tests,
proficiency in spoken and written English, and strong letters of
recommendation from their academic advisors.
MPI-SWS maintains an open, international and diverse work environment
and seeks applications from outstanding students regardless of their
national origin or citizenship. The working language is English;
knowledge of the German language is not required for successful
studies at the institute. The institute is committed to increasing
the representation of women, minorities, and individuals with
disabilities in Computer Science.
Administrivia
Admitted
students are advised by MPI-SWS faculty and conduct their research at
the institute. Academically, the graduate program is administered in
cooperation with a degree-granting university, normally Saarland
University or the Technical University of Kaiserslautern. Graduation
at another university is also possible through special arrangements
with MPI-SWS faculty; however, students are expected to be in
residence and perform their research at the MPI-SWS.
The typical time required to obtain a doctorate is three to four years
for students entering with a Masters degree, four to five years for
students entering with a Bachelor's degree. All admitted students
receive a scholarship to cover fees, living expenses and health
insurance. Additional financial support is provided for students with
a dependent spouse or children.
Successful applicants from non-EU countries are sponsored for a
student visa. Students may seek gainful employment and apply for
permanent residency in Germany after their studies. MPI graduates are
highly sought after by academia and industry worldwide.
More information
For more information regarding the MPI-SWS graduate program, please
contact:
Bill Hogan
Secretary for graduate student affairs
sws-graduate-program@mpi-sws.org
+49 631 9303-9626 (telephone) / +49 631 9303-9699 (fax)
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