Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute)

Do I need 3 references?

Yes, you will need three reference letters. Letters from course instructors and research personnel (e.g., Postdoctoral researcher) are acceptable, if you have not yet had three research supervisors.

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What should I write in my essay? Do I need to describe a specific research proposal? How long should it be?

The essay should describe your motivation why you want to come to our institute. You do not have to go far back in your past and motivate your choice from your childhood, but you can motivate it from the interests you developed during your studies and from the courses you took. You do not need to have a concrete research idea, we only want to get an impression of your general interests and motivations.

What kind of financial aids do you offer?

For all students (of any nationality) based at AEI we offer a working contract following the rules of the collective wage agreement “Tarifvertrag öffentlicher Dienst” that includes contributions to health insurance, pension funds and is taxable. Extra payment for children is possible.

Is there a tuition fee?

There are no fees at the Max Planck Institute. Depending on the university of the location (Hanover or Potsdam), semester fees must be paid – see comparison chart!

How do I apply for a visa, open a bank account, find a flat, etc?

The AEI has an international office to support incoming students with all administrative and organizational matters, such as finding apartments, opening a bank account, getting health insurance, organizing visas, etc. We will provide more information after you have been accepted into the IMPRS.

Does the Max Planck Institute award the doctoral degree?

In Germany, doctoral degrees can only be awarded by universities. If you are admitted in our graduate program, you will have to enrol in one of our partner universities – either the University of Potsdam or the Humboldt University in Berlin. You do not need to apply to a university at the time of applying to the IMPRS. You have to enrol at the university only after you have been accepted in the IMPRS.