Funding of doctoral fellowships

Together with the offer of a PhD project, financial support is offered. However, in general it is also possible for a doctoral fellow to bring their own funding (for example via DAAD).

IMPRS students holding a MSc degree equivalent will receive a fellowship for a  period of three-four years with a net income of EUR 1800-2000 per month.

The amount of the income may depend on family status, research experience, or funding source. The funding is typically by an employment work contract, but may also be given as a tax-free stipend  (also depending on the funding source). Also the duration of the funding period  of up to 4 years may depend on the funding source.

Applicants are encouraged to clarify these issues with the supervisor during the interview or after, at least before they decide for an offer. IMPRS-HD has no overview over the funding schemes of all projects offered. However, if there is an “official” offer, it comes with funding.

Note that allocation of a grant for the full period may depend on performance (that will be supervised by the candidate's thesis committee). Thus, typically, a 3+1 contract is provided.

The fellowship is usually paid by a funding contract that provides the status of an institute employee, includes social benefits, and certain duties (working hours, working place, vacation). In rare cases, a tax free stipend is paid (mainly depending on funding source).

Note that a PhD contract aims for the completion of a PhD degree. Should that not be possible anymore for a student by some reason (e.g. failing to pass an acceptance condition) the contract must be canceled.