Application

The programme is open to students from Germany as well as students from abroad. Applicants must hold a Master of Science (MSc) degree, or equivalent, in biology, biochemistry, biogeochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, bioinformatics, chemistry, or related fields. Applications will be considered even if the degree is not conferred until the fall of 2009. The degree has to be conferred before the programme starts.

Applications for 2010 are accepted until January 15, 2010. The programme starts on October 1st each year. Students are admitted to the Research School once a year. However, early applications are encouraged, and offers may be extended to suitably qualified candidates before the application deadline.

Your application must include the following documents:

  1. A complete and signed application form (for a download, see below) including a portrait photo (passport size). Please fill out in English.
  2. The school-leaving certificate giving the right of entry to higher education in the applicant's home country
  3. All university certificates and transcripts (for all academic degrees)
  4. Copy of the original diploma / certificate of graduation
  5. Two letters of recommendation - the use of our reference request form (for a download, see below) is obligatory
  6. Non-native English speakers have to supply proof of English language competence by submitting a test score from an internationally acknowledged English language test (see the links below). Alternatively, proven studies conducted in English (for at least 2 years), or certificates demonstrating sufficient language ability and training, are acceptable.

Documents should be submitted as copies. Copies of the academic certificates must include the final grade(s) obtained, as well as an official detailed explanation of the grading system. Both, the maximum grade (points) that can be obtained, and the minimum grade (points) required to pass, must be clearly indicated. Originals will be requested before the final admission to the school.

Documents in languages other than English or German should be submitted with a certified English translation.

Further information regarding application and admission is summarized in the
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
In case of queries, please check this site first before contacting the coordination office.

Send the completed application form and all required documents by airmail or surface mail to the IMPRS coordination office:

IMPRS coordination office
Susanne Rommel (MPI for Terrestrial Microbiology)
International Max Planck Research School
Karl-von-Frisch-Straße
D-35043 Marburg

Please do not email application packages. We cannot guarantee that emails will pass through SPAM filters, and that attachments will open correctly. Therefore, only complete applications which have arrived by mail at the IMPRS office by January 15, 2010 will be considered for admission.


Application form:
RTF-file (3.6 MB)  Word 2003-file (303 kB)
Reference request form:
RTF-file (100 kB)  Word 2003-file (76 kB)
Proof of English language competence
The TOEFL Test
IELTS
Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)