Information for Applicants

The IMPRS admits up to seven students a year. Students are selected by the MPIfG and the University of Cologne in a joint process that takes into account the areas of expertise of available thesis supervisors.

 

Eligibility

To be admitted students must hold an MA, Magister or Diploma in a discipline relevant to the School's program (sociology, political science, economics, organization studies or related disciplines). Degrees must be received by September of the year starting the fellowship. Candidates must have a proven record of academic excellence.

 
The IMPRS aims to have a high share of international students. While students may write their thesis in German, they must be able to present their work at workshops and conferences in English. They must also be able to participate in courses during their first year that are taught in English and are based on literature that is only available in the English language. Special training in English writing is provided if required.  A list of successfull proposals of preceding years is published on our website.

 

Benefits

Students receive a monthly scholarship of 1100 EUR covering their living expenses that will increase by 150 Euro each year. The IMPRS aims to expand the program to four years. No tuitions will be charged. Upon acceptance into the second phase the scholarship will be extended for another two years. Doctoral students at the IMPRS have a fully equipped shared office, full access to the libraries and research facilities of the MPIfG and the Department of Economics and Social Sciences of the University of Cologne, and research funds to conduct their projects.
 

Degrees and Tuition

The IMPRS does not grant academic degrees. Students may submit their doctoral thesis in English or German to the Department of Economics and Social Sciences of the University of Cologne. They may also submit their thesis to their home universities. Tuition fees at home universities will not be covered by the IMPRS. Students with foreign degrees are admitted by the Department of Economics and Social Sciences if their degree is equivalent to a German Diploma, Magister or M.A.

 

Academic Advisors

During the program, doctoral students are advised by a member of the School's faculty. Applicants are asked to name one or two preferred advisors. For students submitting their thesis to the University of Cologne, their IMPRS advisor will be the chair of the PhD committee. Students may submit their thesis to another university if their advisor at the IMPRS can serve an external member of their thesis committee.

 

Application Schedule

Date	Event
Dec. 15 - March 15	Application period for fellowships starting in October of the same year.
March 15	Application Deadline
May	Interviews with preselected candidates
June	Notification of acceptance or rejection
October 1	Beginning of the fellowship