Applications are to be submitted through the IMPRS-TRUST online application system; both partner universities are involved in the admissions process. Shortlisted applicants are typically asked to deliver a 15-minute (online) research presentation, followed by a question and answer session. Application Talks are held twice a year: in February (application deadline end-December) and in August (application deadline end-June). Please check our front page for information about the exact date of the current application deadline. Applications can be submitted all year.
Alternative PhD Program Options:
Depending on individual interest and background, students have various other options to chose from:
 | The Saarbrücken Graduate School of Computer Science
The Graduate School provides an optimal environment for pursuing doctoral studies in computer science at an internationally competitive level. The Department of Computer Science at Saarland University runs the Graduate School in close cooperation with the Max Planck Institute for Informatics and Max Planck Institute for Software Systems. |
 | PhD Program in Computer Science and RPTU Kaiserslautern
The Computer Science Department at RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau offers a full doctoral program in which students receive focused, research-oriented training in a scientifically challenging, inspiring and motivating surrounding. The program cooperates closely with the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems and IMPRS-TRUST. |
 | Max Planck Doctoral Program in Software Systems
The MPI for Software Systems offers a vibrant, dynamic, multi-cultural environment for research and graduate education. Qualified candidates can pursue doctoral degrees under the supervision of any Max Planck faculty, and in cooperation with a university. |
 | The Max Planck Graduate Center for Computer and Information Science
CS@max planck is a highly selective doctoral program that grants admitted students full financial support to pursue doctoral research in the broad area of computer and information science, with faculty at Max Planck Institutes and the best German universities. |
 | The Maryland Max Planck Ph.D. Program in Computer Science
This Maryland Max Planck Ph.D. Program in Computer Science offers students a unique opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. degree under the supervision of faculty from the University of Maryland, USA, and a Max Planck Institute in Germany. Students are co-advised, perform collaborative research, take advantage of the expertise, resources, and culture at both institutions, and spend time in both countries. |
Master’s programs:
The Computer Science Departments at RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau and Saarland University offer also international MSc programs:
Master’s Programs of the Computer Science Department of Saarland University
Master’s Programs at the Computer Science Department of RPTU Kaiserslautern