Max Planck Doctoral Program in Software Systems

Are doctoral positions paid?
All doctoral positions are fully funded, including social benefits. Students also receive funding to attend conferences and other events related to their research, and have access to outstanding facilities.

Do I need to know English?
Yes, English is the institute’s working language. Test scores are strongly encouraged for the application unless you are a native speaker.

Do I need to know German?
No, knowledge of German is not required, but you have the option of taking free German language courses during your graduate studies.

How long does a doctoral program usually take?
Graduate studies at MPI-SWS usually last for 4-5 years.

Can students travel to conferences/summer schools?
MPI-SWS provides funding for travel, and students regularly attend conferences or summer schools related to their research.

Can students go on research/industry internships?
Yes, internships are encouraged. For example, our students have recently done internships at Amazon Web Services, at Facebook, at Google, and at Microsoft Research, just to name a few.

When can I start?
Graduate students typically arrive at MPI-SWS between the end of August and mid-September. However, students may start their graduate studies at any time, provided that there is a mutual agreement between the student and their initial advisor.

Which graduate program should I apply to?
There are several ways to join MPI-SWS as a doctoral student . If you know that you want to work with MPI-SWS faculty, you should apply directly to the MPI-SWS program. If you are unsure, especially about the research area you would like to work in, we encourage you to also apply to CS@Max Planck and IMPRS-TRUST.

Do I get a degree from MPI-SWS?
MPI-SWS is not a degree granting institution. So while students’ primary affiliation is MPI-SWS (or MPI-SWS and the University of Maryland for the joint program), students obtain a doctoral degree from one of our cooperating universities as well as a certificate of doctoral research from MPI-SWS.

Do you provide help with visa proceedings?
Yes, admitted students from non-EU countries receive documentation to support their application for a student visa.

Do you provide help with finding accommodation?
Yes, MPI-SWS offers assistance in locating accommodation for incoming students.

What additional support is provided for those with families, or for members of groups that are underrepresented in computer science?
Additional support for families and underrepresented groups is described on our Equal Opportunity Resources page .

Your question wasn’t answered?
For more information regarding the MPI-SWS graduate program, please contact the graduate program coordinator: sws-graduate-program@mpi-sws.org