What if you could pursue a PhD in artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning or computer vision in Germany while receiving a paid employment contract?
The International Max Planck Research School for Intelligent Systems (IMPRS-IS) is inviting applications for its 2027 doctoral recruitment round. The programme brings together the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, the University of Stuttgart and the University of Tübingen to train researchers working at the forefront of intelligent systems.
Selected doctoral researchers receive an initial three-year employment contract with a salary of at least 65% of a TVöD E13 German employment contract, with possibilities for extensions after the initial contract.
The programme is particularly relevant for graduates interested in AI, machine learning, robotics, computer vision, natural language processing, data science and other areas of intelligent systems.
Application deadline: November 15, 2026.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity Type: Funded PhD / Doctoral Research Programme
- Host Institutions: Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, University of Stuttgart and University of Tübingen
- Location: Stuttgart and Tübingen, Germany
- Duration: Approximately 3 years initially
- Start Date: February 2027 or later
- Mode: On-site research in Germany
- Nationality: International applicants
- Minimum Degree Required: Master’s degree, completed or expected soon, in a relevant field
- Age Limit: No specific age limit stated
- Work Experience: No specific minimum work-experience requirement stated
- Salary / Financial Support: At least 65% of a TVöD E13 German employment contract
- Contract: Initial 3-year employment contract; extensions may be possible
- Tuition / Student Fees: Student registration is mandatory and student fees apply
- Application Fee: No application fee stated
- Application Deadline: November 15, 2026, End of Day Anywhere on Earth
- Earliest Start: February 2027
What Is IMPRS-IS?
The International Max Planck Research School for Intelligent Systems (IMPRS-IS) is an interdisciplinary doctoral programme jointly offered by the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, the University of Stuttgart and the University of Tübingen.
The programme focuses on understanding and developing intelligent systems that can perceive, learn and act in complex environments.
Research spans disciplines including computer science, engineering, mathematics, neuroscience, cognitive science and materials science.
IMPRS-IS is also part of Cyber Valley, a major European research initiative focused on artificial intelligence and related technologies.
Research Areas
Applicants can pursue doctoral research in a broad range of intelligent-systems fields, including:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Computer Vision
- Computer Graphics
- Robotics
- Natural Language Processing
- Data Science and Visualization
- Control Systems
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Haptics
- Neuroscience
- Computational Cognitive Science
- Perceptual Inference
- Biomedical Technology
- Micro- and Nano-Robotics
- Soft Robotics and Materials
This makes the programme particularly attractive for applicants who want to work at the intersection of AI, engineering and scientific research.
Who Can Apply?
IMPRS-IS is looking for applicants with a strong academic background and a Master’s degree, either already completed or expected soon.
Relevant backgrounds include:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Cognitive Science
- Mathematics
- Control Theory
- Neuroscience
- Materials Science
- Physics
- Related disciplines
Existing doctoral students who are already working under the supervision of an IMPRS-IS faculty member or associated faculty member may also apply during their first year of doctoral studies.
There is no specific minimum work-experience requirement listed by IMPRS-IS.
Is There an Age Limit?
No specific age limit is stated in the current IMPRS-IS eligibility requirements.
The programme focuses primarily on academic preparation, research interests and suitability for doctoral research.
Is the PhD Fully Funded?
The most important point is that this is not simply a scholarship.
If selected, doctoral researchers receive an employment contract.
IMPRS-IS states that every PhD scholar receives an initial three-year work contract and a salary of at least 65% of a TVöD E13 German employment contract. Extensions may be possible after the initial three-year contract.
This means successful candidates are employed as doctoral researchers rather than relying solely on a scholarship stipend.
What Does the Funding Mean?
The salary is intended to support doctoral researchers while they conduct their research in Germany.
The programme also provides extensive academic and administrative support throughout the doctoral journey.
IMPRS-IS helps international researchers with areas such as:
- Visa procedures
- Housing
- Health insurance
- Bank-account setup
- Administrative procedures
- Relocation-related questions
Are There Any Application Fees?
No application fee is stated by IMPRS-IS.
The application is submitted online through the official IMPRS-IS application system.
However, applicants should distinguish between applying and enrolling.
Once admitted, all scholars must enrol at either the University of Stuttgart or the University of Tübingen within their first year. For scholars holding MPI-IS contracts, student registration and payment of student fees are mandatory.
Does IMPRS-IS Cover Interview Travel?
Yes.
Applicants who are selected for the personal interview stage are invited to interviews in Stuttgart and Tübingen.
IMPRS-IS pays the interview travel costs, meaning applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of their financial circumstances.
This is particularly useful for international applicants who might otherwise face significant travel expenses.
What Documents Are Required?
Applicants must submit their application online with:
- Personal contact information
- Preferred IMPRS-IS faculty members
- Current CV/resumé
- Educational background
- Work experience
- Publications and research presentations, where applicable
- Awards, if applicable
- Unofficial university transcripts
- Two-page motivation letter
- Names and email addresses of three referees
- English-language proficiency evidence where applicable
Applicants may also optionally provide:
- GRE scores
- Thesis
- Published papers
- Project portfolio
- Other supporting documents
What Should the Motivation Letter Include?
The motivation letter should be two pages and address two main questions:
- Why do you want to pursue a doctorate at IMPRS-IS?
- Which research areas or specific projects interest you?
This means applicants should avoid submitting a generic PhD statement.
It is much stronger to demonstrate a clear connection between your previous academic or research experience and the specific IMPRS-IS research areas or faculty members you want to work with.
Can You Choose Your Research Area or Supervisor?
Yes.
Applicants are encouraged to identify their preferred research areas and supervisors during the application process.
IMPRS-IS faculty members can serve as full or co-supervisors.
Applicants interested in working with an associated faculty member must also have a member of the full IMPRS-IS faculty as a co-supervisor.
Is English Required?
Yes.
English is the working language of IMPRS-IS, and applicants who are not native English speakers may need to provide evidence of English proficiency.
Acceptable evidence can include:
- TOEFL scores
- Previous study in an English-speaking environment
- Work experience in an English-speaking environment
- A thesis or research paper written in English
What Happens After Applying?
IMPRS-IS uses a competitive selection process.
After the application deadline:
- Applications are checked for completeness.
- Applications undergo an initial review.
- Faculty review promising applications.
- Selected applicants are invited to the interview symposium.
- Final admission decisions are made after the selection process.
The programme states that applicants will receive a decision by email no later than mid-January.
IMPRS-IS 2027 Timeline
- Application portal: Opens annually in September
- Application deadline: November 15, 2026
- Decision: No later than mid-January
- Earliest programme start: February 2027
- Initial employment contract: 3 years
Applications submitted by the November 15 deadline will be considered for the 2027 hiring round.
How to Apply
To apply for the IMPRS-IS PhD programme:
- Review the available research areas and faculty.
- Identify the areas and supervisors that match your interests.
- Prepare your academic CV.
- Collect your university transcripts.
- Write the two-page motivation letter.
- Arrange three referees.
- Prepare evidence of English proficiency if required.
- Submit your application online.
- Ensure your referees submit their reference letters before the deadline.
The application must be completed by November 15, 2026, End of Day Anywhere on Earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IMPRS-IS a fully funded PhD?
It is a funded doctoral programme with salaried employment. Selected PhD researchers receive an initial three-year employment contract with a salary of at least 65% of a TVöD E13 German employment contract.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is stated by IMPRS-IS.
Are there any mandatory costs?
Yes. After admission, scholars must enrol at either the University of Stuttgart or University of Tübingen, and student fees are mandatory for scholars with MPI-IS contracts.
Can international students apply?
Yes. IMPRS-IS is an international doctoral programme and welcomes applicants from around the world.
Can I apply with a Bachelor’s degree?
The standard eligibility requirement is a Master’s degree, completed or expected soon, in a relevant field.
Can I apply if I am already doing a PhD?
Yes, but the current programme states that existing doctoral students must be in their first year and working under the supervision of an IMPRS-IS faculty or associated faculty member.
Does IMPRS-IS cover interview travel?
Yes. The programme states that interview travel costs are paid by IMPRS-IS.
Where is the PhD based?
The programme operates across Stuttgart and Tübingen, with research connected to the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and its university partners.
When can selected candidates start?
Accepted applicants can join the programme from February 2027 or later.
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