FAQs concerning application procedures
Below is a collection of a few questions you may have as an IMPRS-HD applicant. Please check, and if you don’t find your qustion, please ask us for an answer.
Filling in the application form
1. Can I refill the application form again, or can I upload a CV with the XY_material.pdf together?
A: Yes you may upload your own CV.
2. In the application form, the student has to fill in “Studies for the first degree (e.g. Bachelor)” as well as “Studies for the second degree (e.g. Master)”. I have not got any degree in between. Since I have only one degree, how should I suppose to fill the form? Should I just replicate same details in both places?
A: Please ONLY fill one place of the form, probably the first one as it will be your 1st degree.
Uploading / Referees
1. Does IMPRS allow me to attach a compressed pdf copy of my application with complete information about my research experience?
A: Yes, please attach additional pdf material, if you wish to.
2. I just submitted my PhD application and realized that I uploaded the wrong file on the server.
A: It is a quite impossible for us to upload a file as we do not run that server. Unfortunately, you need to re-apply.
3. Is it possible to apply without a "final university certificate"?
A: Sure, you should apply without having a final degree yet. This is in fact typical for most applicants. But please add all transcripts.
4. The requirements for application are to submit a BSc and a MSc theses. However, my BSc thesis is in Russian and has never been translated while my MSc thesis has not been written yet, though it will be in English.
A: Please upload the BSc thesis anyway. We may be able to see how extensive it was in spite of the Russian text. Also we have Russian colleagues. Please add an English abstract of the MSc thesis. Since you might not yet have results yet, describe what you are going to do. Thus, entitle the abstract better as "MSc thesis project abstract".
5. What's the exactly meaning of "actual version of my transcripts", do I need to post the paper version instead of uploading the file? And is it ok if I upload my report for my project, it's almost over but it's not exactly a paper yet, I still need to revise a lot.
A: About the transcript: please scan the latest version from which we could identify all courses you have taken so far. Yes, please upload the report; It will be very helpful.
6. I am taking part on an Astrophysics Master in XY University of XZ (I am XY citizenship), so, should all the documents that I have to send for application be translated officially into English, or with the original copies in xy language would be enough?
A: We need the copies of the originals, but an ("unofficial”) translation by you would be OK for the evaluation of your application. Please also provide information about the grading system. The XY grading system used to vary over the years (and the place) and is sometimes difficult to judge.
7. I have submitted my IMPRS application yesterday, but my referees have not received an email for the letter yet.Will you send an email to them or do I have to send them the IMPRS link to submit letters?
A: You have to send your referees your registration code to submit the letter. Reference letters must be submitted by your referees to the same Max Planck online application system.The online system will inform applicants when a reference letter is received. We do not contact the referees.
General Matters
1. When are applications due and when does the program start?
A: The program starts usually in September, but an earlier arrival is possible (depending on the project funding). Also late arrivals are in principle possible.
2. I am a MSc student from XY country and I am very interested in applying to a PhD position in the IMPRS-HD. I have a question about the starting date: The application webpage states that the school program starts each year beginning of September, and an earlier start is possible. Is a later start also possible? The academic year in XY country starts in March, and, as a consequence, students finish the MSc course in December. Is it possible to start the PhD in January/February or do I need to wait a year later to apply?
A: You may indeed start later, but this has then to be discussed with the project leaders. Depending on the start you may be considered as member of the generation of students of the earlier one.
3. Are any of the PhD positions funded, and, if so, how much is provided?
A: All positions/offers come with funding. Funding is about 1700-1900 Euro net salary, and, according to experience, it is enough money to live on.
4. Would you recommend contacting potential PhD supervisors directly?
A: This is a good point. It can be beneficial in order to attract interest in your application. Some supervisors will, however, refer to the IMPRS application procedures and might not like to discuss the project in advance. Overall, it will not be a disadvantage to contact them. But stay brief and refer to your application.
5. Do IMPRS and the Max Planck Institute of Radio Astronomy are considered as one institute?
A: No, these are independent institutes, leading independent IMPRS schools.
6. I am A.J., pursuing Masters in Applied Mathematics from XY University, YZ India. I read that the requirements for applying for this field of research is a Masters in Physics or an equivalent degree. May I know if I am eligible to apply? At this point, I would also like to mention that my Master's thesis is in the field of Astronomy.
A:If you do not have an university education in Physics it will be difficult to get accepted. The university department expects a broad and deep physics education comparable to about 10 lectures in experimental physics and theoretical physics. If you have attended a lot of physics lectures, even a math degree might work out, but then a conditional acceptance will be granted, requiring a few additional (physics) courses to take during the PhD.