PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

Doctorate in Informatics (Dr-Ing or Dr rer nat)

In cooperation with

• Max Planck Institute for Informatics (MPII)
• Max Planck Institute for Software Systems (MPI-SWS)
• German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI)
• CISPA – Helmholtz Center for Information Security
• Center for Bioinformatics (CBI)

Teaching language

• English

Languages

All courses are held in English. Candidates may write their dissertation either in English or German.

Programme duration

9 semesters or more

Beginning

Winter and summer semester

Additional information on beginning, duration and mode of study

The structure of our programme is described here:
https://www.graduateschool-computerscience.de/structure-2/ .
Preparatory phase candidates can begin either in October or April at the beginning of each winter or summer semester, respectively.
Candidates admitted without additional course requirements may start at any time.

Application deadline

The application deadlines are twice a year at the end of April and October for the following semester (October, April). Current information may always be found on the website: https://www.graduateschool-computerscience.de/ .

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

Yes

Joint degree / double degree programme

No

Description/content

The Saarbrücken Graduate School of Computer Science seeks to provide an ideal environment for pursuing doctoral studies in advanced computer science. We offer a stimulating, top-notch international research environment covering a wide variety of research areas, such as algorithms and data structures, machine learning, computer graphics and vision, database systems, artificial intelligence, logical methods, programming languages, computer architecture, and security, to name but a few of the more prominent areas. The graduate school is home to close to 450 doctoral candidates in the field of informatics in Saarbrücken.
Computer science established itself early on as a prominent field of research at Saarland University. It is now the core around which the following internationally renowned state-of-the-art research institutes in informatics are gathered:

• Max Planck Institute for Informatics (MPI-INF)
• Max Planck Institute for Software Systems (MPI-SWS)
• German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI)
• CISPA – Helmholtz Center for Information Security

All of these institutes are active partners in the graduate school.
In addition, there is a long-standing collaboration between related research units and departments on campus, such as computational linguistics, cognitive sciences, business information systems, computer science and law, and the Centre for Bioinformatics, opening countless research opportunities.
The Saarbrücken Graduate School of Computer Science incorporates the co-located International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS-TRUST). The same goes for the doctoral fellowship programme in software systems offered by MPI-SWS for those candidates in Saarbrücken. The Graduate School at Saarland University is also one of the possible home institutions for fellows in the cs@max planck doctoral programme.

Course organisation

The academic programme of the graduate school consists of a preparatory phase of coursework depending on each candidate's entrance qualifications, followed by a qualifying exam, before entering the research and dissertation phase. During the preparatory phase, part-time studies are possible. All graduate students benefit from excellent supervision by a dynamic team of faculty members throughout all phases of the programme.
Students may transition from the preparatory phase to the dissertation phase after successful completion of the qualifying exam; it is not necessary to obtain a Master's degree first.
A Master's degree will only be granted if all Master's regulations are fulfilled during the preparatory phase.
The Saarbrücken university campus offers a uniquely rich environment for research in computer science. More than 800 researchers covering almost all areas of computer science work at several co-located research institutes, among them two Max Planck Institutes and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence as well as the CISPA – Helmholtz Center for Information Security. The academic and research training of young researchers is of great importance to all. The graduate school provides the common basis for doctoral training.
The structured programme allows for early entry into doctoral studies, in keeping with international practice. During the preparatory phase, graduate students attend an extensive range of courses and participate in research projects, allowing them to explore the full breadth of computer science while delving more deeply into special topics according to their own interests.
For their dissertation theses, almost 450 doctoral candidates are pursuing their research in internationally recognised research groups on topics as diverse as computer science has to offer.
Particular emphasis is placed on common responsibility of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science at Saarland University for all doctoral students.

Special promotion / funding of the programme

• Other (e.g. state level)

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

No

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

No

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Semester contribution

Currently about 290 EUR per semester, including free local public transport in all of Saarland

Costs of living

Approx. 900 EUR / month taking advantage of all student benefits
The cost of living in Saarbrücken is modest for German standards.

Funding opportunities within the university

Yes

Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

All accepted candidates will receive full funding. The monthly stipend in the preparatory phase amounts to 934 EUR, or more if a student research assistantship can be offered from the beginning.
In the dissertation phase, doctoral candidates in informatics are generally paid according to the public pay scale (75-100% E13).

Academic admission requirements

A very strong Bachelor's degree or a top Master's in computer science or a related field is required. A CV, copies of all diplomas and transcripts, and a convincing statement of purpose must be submitted. Two letters of reference must be submitted directly by the referees.
Please note that this is a highly competitive programme. Only applicants who rank amongst the top students of their cohort are likely to succeed.

Language requirements

Proof of English proficiency is absolutely necessary in order to be successful in the programme.
German is not necessary for admission into the programme. It can be learned for everyday purposes after arrival. Language courses at all levels are offered as part of the programme.

Application deadline

The application deadlines are twice a year at the end of April and October for the following semester (October, April). Current information may always be found on the website: https://www.graduateschool-computerscience.de/ .

Submit application to

https://www.graduateschool-computerscience.de/online-application/

Possibility of finding part-time employment

Jobs as tutors and research assistants are available in the department and cooperating institutes each semester. Openings will be posted on bulletin boards and on respective websites.

Accommodation

In addition to the personal assistance offered by the graduate school structures, the International Office also helps students to find accommodation. Rooms and apartments are relatively affordable and easy to find. The cost of living in Saarbrücken is modest by German standards.

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Buddy programme
• Specialist counselling

General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

Welcome Centre at the International Office, full administrative support from the Graduate School Office, common working space with computing infrastructure

Supervisor-student ratio

Almost 100 potential supervisors for 400 PhD candidates, https://www.graduateschool-computerscience.de/advisors/

Saarland University, founded in 1948, is celebrating its 75th anniversary. It is a campus university offering an extensive range of taught courses and internationally networked state-of-the-art research. International students receive excellent supervision. They can enjoy a comprehensive range of sports and leisure activities while studying at Saarland University. Saarbrücken Computer Science was established over 50 years ago. It has grown to be an internationally recognised department that collaborates with numerous renowned research institutes for informatics on the Saarbrücken campus.

Saarbrücken is the capital of Saarland with a population of around 180,000. City life with that special Saarbrücken flair can be found on both sides of the Saar. An important element in Saarbrücken's diverse cultural life is the Saarland State Theatre Company, which performs at a number of different venues throughout the city. Student nightlife is predominantly centred in the bars and clubs of Saarbrücken's Nauwieser Viertel district.

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