FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?
When can I apply?
What should I do before I apply?
What should I include with my application ?
How many students are accepted at the IMPRS every year?
What is the language of the program?
What should the topic of my doctoral project be to fit in the program?
How much financial support will I receive?
What university will be granting my doctoral degree?
What is the Franco-German Doctoral Program?
How can I apply for the Franco-German Doctoral Program?
What are the prerequisites for participating in the Franco-German Doctoral Program?
Where can I get my visa?
What about health insurance?
Who can be my referee?
Tuition Fees
Who will help me find housing?
I am already working on my dissertation which may fit into
the program. Can I apply?
Can I do my master's in this program? Are there postdoc positions in this program?
I would like to apply for a summer internship only.
I missed the deadline. What can I do?

Who can apply?

Candidates may apply if they have (or will have) a master's degree or equivalent in Sociology, especially Economic Sociology; Political Science, especially Comparative Political Economy; Organization Studies (Business Administration); or related disciplines. A BA degree alone does not fulfill the requirements. Students will be expected to live and work in Cologne. Applicants' interests must fit in the general topic of the SPCE program (see How to Apply and Research).

When can I apply?

SPCE Fellowships for October are usually announced in December of the preceding year. Please note the March 15 deadline! Applications arriving outside the period between late December and March 15 cannot be considered.

What should I do before I apply?

Before submitting any documents familiarize yourself with the application procedure (How to Apply). Further, take a look at the IMPRS' Faculty site for more information on the Professors' work and projects. In your letter of application, you should describe your research and career interests. On the online application form, identify one or two IMPRS Professors who could serve as your dissertation mentors.

What should I include with my application?

Your application should be in English or German. Please use the online application forms. Your complete application for admission to the IMPRS- SPCE contains:

Your filled out application form including your contact information, educational background, the naming of two recommenders and your choice of which faculty members you want to meet if invited for an interview
Cover letter including motivation for entry to the IMPRS-SPCE program
Curriculum Vitae (including academic training and professional experience)
One example of scholarly work, up to 20 pages (seminar paper, chapter of your master thesis, etc.).
A list of possible dissertation topics with a short explanation of each.
Official transcripts/records of studies of all colleges/universities you have attended (scan or photocopy)
Two letters of recommendation by mentors who know you well.

Your application must be submitted by March 15. The application procedure is online. For detailed information please see How to Apply.

How many students are accepted at the IMPRS every year?

Up to seven students per year are admitted, based on a joint selection process by the MPIfG and the University of Cologne.

What is the language of the program?

Courses are held in English or German. Knowledge of the German language is not mandatory for completing the program. However, IMPRS-SPCE students are strongly encouraged to learn some basic German before coming to Germany because it will enable them to participate more fully in life at the institute and the university.

What should the topic of my doctoral project be to fit in the program?

Object of the School is to develop an empirically based theory of the social and political foundations of modern economies. Using an institutional approach, work at the School examines how markets and business organizations relate to the historical-institutional, political and cultural framework in which they are embedded, and how institutional contexts change over time (see also Research). Also take a look at the IMPRS faculty's website for more information on their work and projects).

How much financial support will I receive?

Students admitted to IMPRS-SPCE will receive a monthly scholarship of 1,200 EUR in the first 15 months, 1,300 EUR in the second year, and 1,400 EUR in the third year to cover their living expenses. The stipend is tax-free. Students with dependent children accompanying them will receive 400 EUR per month.

From what university will I receive my doctoral degree?

Degrees may be received from the University of Cologne but doctoral students are free to turn to other universities. International students may also choose to have their degree awarded by a university of their home country. In any case, organizational and procedural issues will be the doctoral students' responsibility. Neither the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies nor the IMPRS are degree-granting institutions.

What is the Franco-German Doctoral Program?

The Franco-German Doctoral Program is a joint doctoral program which allows students from Sciences Po Paris and the IMPRS-SPCE in Cologne to pursue simultaneously a German and a French doctoral degree (co-tutelle). Students participating in this special program conduct their research and write their dissertation under the joint supervision of advisors from both institutions and spend at least three semesters at the partner institution. Students are held to the requirements of both participating insitutions, but the work done at the partner university is mutually recognized. The single defence of the dissertation takes place at the home institution (Cologne or Paris) and upon successful completion of the program requirements doctoral students obtain a bi-national doctoral degree (co-tutelle).

How can I apply for the Franco-German Doctoral Program?

Applicants enrolling through the IMPRS-SPCE follow the online application procedures for the IMPRS and indicate their interest in the joint Franco-German doctoral program by checking the box in the application form.
Furthermore, students interested in participating in this program need to provide a three to five pages research proposal which is necessary for the enrolment at Sciences Po.
The interest in the joint program has no consequences for the chances to be accepted into the IMPRS.

What are the prerequisites for participating in the Franco-German Doctoral Program?

Students entering the program must hold an M.A. degree or equivalent. PhD theses can be written in English, French or German. An excellent command of at least two of these languages is mandatory, as well as at least good knowledge of the third. Franco-German doctoral program by checking the box in the application form.

Where can I get my visa?

Upon acceptance into the program, you will get an official letter of invitation (in English) and a letter for the German embassy of your country, to be submitted to the German embassy or a German consulate. Provided your visa application is complete, you will obtain your visa within a few days. If problems arise, please inform the coordination office.

What about health insurance?

Every student must have health insurance. This is also a prerequisite for enrollment at a German university. The Max Planck Society has concluded agreements with numerous insurance companies offering reasonable conditions and adequate coverage. The Max Planck Society does not pay any subsidies towards health insurance payments. You may also consider staying insured in your home country if the health insurance company covers you during studies in Germany.

Tuition fees

Most German universities do not charge tuition. However, they may require payment of a small enrollment fee entitling students to certain services. Presently, the University of Cologne charges roughly 200 EUR per semester (6 months). Enrollment as a student is not essential for participants in the SPCE program but it is recommended. Enrollment entitles students to a public transportation ticket good on all local trains and buses in Cologne, Bonn and vicinity (Semesterticket) and also to many student discounts for cultural events and travel.

Who can be my referee?

We request references from at least two scholars familiar with your academic work (one letter should be from your M. A. thesis research advisor) who can judge your potential as a PhD student. If your first language is not English, your referees should comment on your ability to read, write, and speak English. It is your responsibility to contact your referees and make sure they submit the relevant information before the deadline of application. For more information see How to Apply.

Who will help me to find housing?

The Visitors' Liaison at the MPIfG will help you find suitable housing in Cologne.

I am already working on my dissertation which may fit into the program. Can I apply?

Typically, this is not possible since dissertations are developed under the supervision of a team of SPCE faculty members and should reflect the conceptual framework of SPCE. It is, however, possible to stay and work at the MPIfG as a visitor for up to twelve months. For more information, please refer to the MPIFG's program for visiting researchers.