How does the admission process work?

Applicants will be evaluated based on their academic qualification, aptitude for research, achievements, motivation, scientific background and the letters of recommendation.

a) First round of selection:

Complete applications will be reviewed after the deadline of application and a first round of selection will be carried out.

b) Second round of selection:

Applicants that successfully have passed the first round of selection will be reviewed thoroughly and independently by three faculty members of the research school. Your application will likely be reviewed by faculty members that you have listed in your preference list or by faculty members working in your favorite research field. During the review process, we may give you a call or arrange an online interview to further discuss with you your application, your interests and your future plans.

c) Subsequent selection steps:

The most promising candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview with the selection committee which will take place online. Applicants give a short presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. Candidates who pass the panel interviews will be invited to Munich, including individual interviews with faculty members of the research school (i.e. potential supervisors). Travel expenses and accommodation for the trip to Munich will be covered by IMPRS-BI.

d) Final decision:

Based on one-on-one meetings (also online) and mutual interest, matches will be established between candidates and prospective supervisors, which will require final approval by the IMPRS-BI steering board. Accepted students may start their research project anytime between March and October (after consultation with the supervisor).

e) Verification of international degrees:

Academic degrees issued in foreign countries will have to be approved by the admissions and registration office of the university that will award the doctoral degree (normally either Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) or Technische Universität München (TUM)). The coordination office will assist accepted students in these procedures.