PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

Dr-Ing

Doctoral degree or degree awarded by

RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau or Saarland University

Course location

Kaiserslautern

In cooperation with

Max Planck Institute for Informatics, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Saarland University

Teaching language

• English

Languages

All courses are held in English. The working language at the participating institutions is English.

Programme duration

8 semesters

Beginning

Only for doctoral programmes: any time

Application deadline

The application deadline is flexible. Please check https://www.imprs-trust.mpg.de .

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

Yes

Joint degree / double degree programme

No

Description/content

The International Max Planck Research School on Trustworthy Computing (IMPRS-TRUST) is a graduate programme jointly run by the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems (MPI-SWS), Max Planck Institute for Informatics (MPI-INF), the Computer Science Department at RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, and the Computer Science Department at Saarland University.

Numerous research topics spanning all of Computer Science are available. Applicants are encouraged to look at covered topics at https://www.cis.mpg.de/ .

Course organisation

The programme leads to a doctoral degree from one of the participating universities and is open to students with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science (or an equivalent degree). Admitted students receive full funding to cover their living expenses and tuition fees. Students admitted to IMPRS-TRUST can enrol at either Saarland University or at RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau.

The PhD programme at IMPRS-TRUST is divided into an orientation phase, a preparation phase, and a dissertation phase.

International elements

• International guest lecturers
• Specialist literature in other languages
• Language training provided
• Training in intercultural skills
• Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
• International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context

Special promotion / funding of the programme

• IMPRS

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

No

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

No

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Semester contribution

The semester contribution amounts to approx. 280 EUR per semester. This includes a "Semesterticket", which allows free use of regional transportation in Saarland (for students enrolled at Saarland University) or parts of Rhineland-Palatinate (for students enrolled at RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau).

Funding opportunities within the university

Yes

Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

IMPRS-TRUST provides financial support to all admitted PhD students.

Academic admission requirements

A successful candidate must:

• hold or be about to receive a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science from a research-oriented institution of higher education
• have outstanding academic performance (rank at or near the top of their class)
• have engaged in research
• have excellent oral and written English language skills
• show aptitude for independent, creative work

The application must be supported by

• a Bachelor's or Master's certificate
• a school certificate
• academic transcripts
• a CV
• three names and e-mail addresses of professors or similar willing to give references for the candidate
• a personal statement explaining the candidate's motivation and reasons for pursuing a PhD in Computer Science at the IMPRS-TRUST

Additionally, submission of GRE general and GRE Computer Science subject test scores is strongly encouraged, but it is not compulsory.

Shortlisted applicants are typically asked to deliver a 15-minute (online) research presentation.

Language requirements

Successful candidates must have excellent oral and written English language skills. Submission of TOEFL scores, TSE scores or the Cambridge Certificate is strongly encouraged, but it is not compulsory.

Application deadline

The application deadline is flexible. Please check https://www.imprs-trust.mpg.de .

Submit application to

https://www.imprs-trust.mpg.de

Accommodation

IMPRS-TRUST usually assists its students in finding accommodation.

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Welcome event
• Buddy programme
• Tutors
• Accompanying programme
• Specialist counselling
• Visa matters
• Pick-up service

The International Max Planck Research School on Trustworthy Computing (IMPRS-TRUST) is a graduate programme jointly run by the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems (MPI-SWS), the Max Planck Institute for Informatics (MPI-INF), the Computer Science Department at RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, and the Computer Science Department at Saarland University.

The MPI-SWS and the MPI-INF are among the more than 80 institutes run by the Max Planck Society . The MPIs are Germany’s prime basic research facilities with world-class, basic research in the fields of medicine, biology, chemistry, physics, technology, and the humanities. Since 1948, MPI researchers have been awarded 20 Nobel prizes, which testifies to the quality and innovation of MPI research programmes.

Educating and training junior scientists is of primary importance for the future of science, research, and innovation. The Max Planck Society , in cooperation with German universities, has launched the International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) initiative. Admitted students receive a first rate, research-oriented education in their chosen area of concentration. They enjoy close supervision by world-renowned scientists in a competitive yet collaborative environment, rich in interaction with other students, post-docs, and scientists. The programme is fully funded.

Successful studies should always be accompanied by a pleasant social life. Kaiserslautern and Saarbrücken offer a wide variety of free time activities to enjoy all year. The opportunities range from short trips to a selection of museums, cinemas, theatres, and pubs. On our website, we also provide information on libraries, sports, and religious activities, to name a few.

To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.