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Max Planck Institute for Software Systems (MPI-SWS) · Max Planck Institute for Software Systems

Doctoral program at MPI-SWS (Germany)

Deadline
Rolling
Level
Doctorate
Country
Germany
Language
English

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This doctoral program at MPI-SWS is for candidates in computer science or a related field, for a doctorate in Germany. The position is paid and covers travel, health insurance, housing, visa fees, conferences, and German language courses. Applications are submitted only through the online system, and references may be requested after a first review round.

Verified on 25 October 2026

This doctoral program in computer science at MPI-SWS in Germany is open on a rolling basis to international students. The position includes a salary, coverage for travel, housing, insurance, visa fees, conferences, and German language courses. Applications are open on a rolling basis.

Next action

How to apply

Before preparing your application, check the blocking conditions.

Apply on the official site

Conditions

Blocking requirements

  • Required degree

    Drawn from the published conditions, to be confirmed with the organiser.

  • English proficiency

    “Applicants should have an outstanding academic record (at or near the top of their class), proficiency in spoken and written English, and strong letters of recommendation”

  • Candidature en ligne obligatoire

    “Applications are accepted only through our online application system”

Assets

  • Expérience de recherche appréciée

    Drawn from the published conditions, to be confirmed with the organiser.

Watch points

  • Références demandées après premier tour

    “We request references for those applicants that pass a first round of review; i.e. we do not request references automatically on application submission”

Dr Kafoutchoni’s reading

The key word here is “references”: they are not requested at the initial submission, but the file may be reviewed later with that filter. The right move is therefore to submit a clean academic application without waiting for the letters, then alert two referees who can respond quickly. If English is not your strongest point, have it checked before submitting, because the test is not just a formality. The concrete step: submit online as soon as your research narrative is solid, and keep your referees ready for the second round.

Dr Medard Kafoutchoni · PhD in Genetics & Bioinformatics · Scholarship Strategist.

Deadlines

Deadline: RollingOpen on a rolling basis

Candidatures acceptées tout au long de l'année, l'application reste active environ quatre mois ; décisions pour le programme MPI-SWS : basées sur les candidatures reçues jusqu'au 31 décembre, 31 mars, 30 juin et 30 septembre (récurrence annuelle indiquée sur la page)

What is actually funded

  • Financement completAll doctoral positions are fully funded, including social benefits
  • Financement pour conférences et événementsStudents also receive funding to attend conferences and other events related to their research
  • Visa feesAdmitted students from non-EU countries receive documentation to support their application for a student visa
  • AccommodationMPI-SWS offers assistance in locating accommodation for incoming students
  • Cours d'allemandYou have the option of taking free German language courses during your graduate studies

Also covered: Travel · Health insurance

Countries covered

Anyone may apply, regardless of nationality, if they are aiming for a doctorate in computer science or a related field and submit through the online application system. English test scores are strongly encouraged unless you are a native speaker. References are requested only after a first round, so the initial submission is mainly judged on the academic record and research proposal.

Application pathway

A short path from reading the brief to submitting a properly prepared application.

  1. Check the conditions

    Read the exclusions and blocking requirements before investing time in the application.

  2. Prepare the documents

    Gather the documents below and confirm what the programme actually requests.

  3. Submit on the official site

    Use the official application link and respect the deadline for the relevant cycle.

  4. Track the cycle

    Keep proof of submission and watch for follow-up requests from the provider.

Documents to prepare or confirm

This list helps you prepare; it does not replace the programme’s official checklist.

  • CV
  • transcripts
  • statement of purposea two-page document explaining your academic background, your research interests, and why you are applying to MPI-SWS
  • contact information of referencescontact information of two references providing recommendations
  • English test scoresTOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Test are strongly encouraged unless you are a native speaker
  • GREGRE score (optional)

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See also: Scholarships to study in Germany · Scholarships in data science, computing and AI

These briefs are drawn from official sources on the date shown. Programmes change their rules without notice: always check the provider’s own site before applying.

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