FAQ
Application for doctoral projects
Q: Where do I get registered for the online application?
A: Starting from 1. October 2025, you can register to our application platform OpenCampus and submit your application there.
Q: My documents are not in German or English. Do I need certified translations of my documents or can I translate them myself?
A: We accept informal translations for the application process. However, if you are offered a position, the University of Konstanz will require certified translations of your documents. Please make sure you bring your original certificates with you when you start work.
Q: Is proof of English proficiency essential for all applicants?
A: English is the working language of the Institute and University Department of Biology for all research purposes, so it is essential that your English language skills are at a level that enables you to begin research and collaboration immediately. Please bear in mind that supporting staff may only speak German; however, support will be provided when necessary.
Q: I am not a native speaker, and I don't have an international certification as TOEFL
A: As stated in the application instructions, you need to convince us that your English proficiency is sufficient to start your research work immediately. The most reliable way to demonstrate this is to achieve an acceptable result in an internationally recognised test (e.g. TOEFL). Alternatively, verifiable higher education in English or a reasonably long stay in an English-speaking country or institution would also be convincing. Whatever method you choose to demonstrate your English skills, the documentation must be provided by a third party. There are no specific rules or guidelines regarding the type of documents required; these could include academic transcripts proving that your studies were taught in English, official confirmation of a reasonably long stay in an English-speaking country, or any other confirmation from a third party, such as a supervisor or a responsible person from your university or the institution at which you have worked.
Q: Which language score is enough to demonstrate my English proficiency?
A: We require at least an upper-intermediate level of language proficiency, corresponding to CEFR B2 (equivalent to IELTS >5.5 or TOEFL >87). However, these scores are only a guideline, not an absolute criterion. Our institute code is D259. We do not have a departmental code. The system may recommend 99 as an open code for this purpose. Please go ahead and use this recommendation.
Q: I wish to apply for a Doctoral position but I am still finishing my studies and haven't received the official certificate and academic transcripts of my Masters degree.
A: You do not need to hold the degree at the time of application. However, you must have been awarded your degree by the start of the programme. In the meantime, please submit all available documents (e.g. non-/official transcripts, certificates and transcripts from any further studies, BSc, etc.) to the online application portal. If the system asks for proof that you are unable to submit at this time, please upload a PDF. In the file, please explain your specific situation, e.g. 'My certificate will be available on: (date).
Q: I only have Bachelors degree, can I still apply for the announced PhD positions?
A: If you are applying with a Bachelor's degree, the doctoral regulations of U KN (§3) require that you have completed “(1) [...] A study programme at a university, a Pädagogische Hochschule (teacher training college), or an art academy, with a standard period of study of at least four years”, and state that “(3) Degrees earned at a state or state-accredited institution of higher education in another country shall be recognised, provided that the skills acquired are not significantly different to those of the study programmes or degrees for which they serve as a substitute. The Doctoral Committee decides whether the degree can be recognised.”
Thus, it is possible to apply with a Bachelor's degree, provided that the standard study period is at least four years and there is a written thesis; however, each case will be evaluated individually by the Doctoral Committee. As you do not meet the minimum admission requirements (BSc + MSc), the Doctoral Committee will admit you to doctoral studies by means of an aptitude test, thus proving that you are capable of working in accordance with scientific methods in the intended thesis field to the same extent as a master's programme graduate from a German university. The aptitude test generally includes successfully completing several courses defined by the Doctoral Committee. You will only be able to start your doctorate once you have completed the aptitude test(s). It is likely that this will take two semesters.
This is not a straightforward or 'fast-track' programme and is intended only for exceptional cases.
Q: Can I submit my application via email?
A: Please apply only via our online application process. Do not send any other type of application by post or e-mail, as these will be rejected. Ask your two referees to upload their reference letters. In order to upload these letters and evaluate your academic skills, you will need to enter their details into the online application form. Please note that your application will only be considered if the two reference letters reach us before the deadline of 8. November December 2025 at 23:59 CET. You will receive a confirmation email as soon as we receive the letters. Complete your application here and upload the required documents. Make sure you complete your application before the deadline on 31. October 2025! We will acknowledge receipt of your application by email. This email was automatically generated. Please do not use the reply function to respond to the sender. If you have any further questions about your application, please email us at IMPRS@uni-konstanz.de.
Q: I am interested in applying for multiple positions. How should I proceed?
A: Please submit only one application! In the application form, you will be asked to name one to three doctoral projects that interest you. These preferences will determine which interviewing team you are assigned to.
Q: What is the difference between the letter of motivation and the research statement?
A: A letter of motivation is required with each application. It should briefly state your reasons for applying to the IMPRS and the specific projects you have chosen, and your research interests. Please do not exceed one DIN A4 page. The research statement should provide more detail on your main research interests and relevant skill sets, how they developed and how they relate to the proposed research. You are also encouraged to describe any scientific ideas you have relating to the position(s) you have applied for. Please check whether a research statement is required for the position(s) you are interested in. Applicants applying for multiple positions may submit one research statement document only, but must address each project they have applied for. The exact structure of the research statement is at the applicant's discretion or according to instructions provided by potential supervisors. If you are applying for multiple projects, you may optionally extend the length of your research statement to three pages per project (or according to the potential supervisor's instructions, respectively).
Q: The doctoral application form does not require 'photographs' when uploading a CV. What do I do if any further document such as the TOEFL score report or a university certificate has a photograph on it?
A: We try to keep the applications as objective as possible, judging only the scientific experience and suitability for the positions. However, it's fine if there's still one picture – don't modify the respective file.
Q: What are the dates for the interviews and what is the latest possible date to start the doctoral project?
A: The online interviews will take place in November and December 2025. The on-site interviews and meetings with potential supervisors will take place in early 2026 in Konstanz, Germany. Shortlisted candidates will receive an invitation to an in-person meeting. We expect all new candidates to participate in our introductory week for new doctoral candidates, which takes place at the end of September/beginning of October each year. Thus, the latest possible starting date would be around 1 October 2026.
Q: Can one of my potential supervisors be one of my referees?
A: No, your referee has to be a different person than your prospective supervisor. Exceptions can be made if they have known you personally for longer than 6 months.
Q: What are the funding and benefits that a Doctoral student can expect?
A: Doctoral students are offered contracts based on the Collective Wage Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD; see http://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tvoed/bund/). Final compensation depends on position and respective research group, and varies between 65 per cent of Pay Group 13 (maximum level 1–2). If you remain in Germany for more than six months, you will be liable for tax and social security contributions. Your employer pays part of the contributions towards health, nursing care, pension and unemployment insurance. The employee contributions, for which you are liable, are automatically deducted from your salary alongside tax. You are also insured by your employer against work-related accidents and health issues.
Q: What are the average living costs and registration fees at the University?
A: As a doctoral student at Universität Konstanz, you don't have to pay any tuition fees. 209 euros every semester for re-registration (see here for updates). The cost of living for students in Konstanz is around 1000 euros per month (see here for updates).
Further information
You can find more information in the Max Planck booklet “Living and working in Germany” and on https://www.study-in.de/en/. The University of Konstanz offers comprehensive information on planning, preparing for and participating in a stay in Konstanz (https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/welcome-centre/) as well as study essentials pages to find out everything you need to know for a carefree and relaxed student experience (https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/study/study-essentials/).