The International Max Planck Research School for Solar System Science at the University of Göttingen (“Solar System School”) offers a research-oriented doctoral program covering the physical aspects of Solar system science. It is jointly run by the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) and the University of Göttingen.

Learn more about the International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) of the Max Planck Society.
Learn more about the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS).
Research at the MPS covers three main research areas:

Sun and heliosphere Planets and Comets Stellar and Solar Interiors
Solar System School students collaborate with leading scientists in these fields and graduates are awarded a doctoral degree from the renowned University of Göttingen or, if they choose, another university.

Learn more about the University of Göttingen:
Georg-August-University of Göttingen Brochure
Georg-August-University of Göttingen Short profile
The Solar System School is open to students from all countries and offers an international three-year PhD program in an exceptional research environment with state-of-the-art facilities on the Göttingen Research Campus. Successful applicants receive an attractive scholarship covering relocation support, housing and living expenses and are exempt from tuition fees.

Learn more about IMPRS PhD scholarships (grants).
The language of the structured graduate program is English, with complimentary German language courses offered (optional). The program includes an inspiring curriculum of scientific lectures and seminars as well as advanced training workshops and provides travel funds to attend international conferences.

Applicants to the Solar System School should have a keen interest in Solar system science and a record of academic excellence. They must have, or must be about to obtain, an M.Sc. degree or equivalent in physics or a related field, including a written Masters thesis (or a scientific publication), and must document a good command of the English language.

Review of applications for a starting date of September 2014 will begin on 15 November 2013, but other starting times are also negotiable. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis.

Applications should be prepared following the instructions below and must include:

a curriculum vitae;
a completed application form in PDF format, including a list of all courses with credits and grades;
a transcript of all academic records, including copies of High School Diploma, B.Sc., and M.Sc. or equivalent degree, with English or German translations.
Download the application form (PDF)
It is highly recommended to also send

GRE Physics test scores or equivalent for candidates who have obtained their Master’s degree at a university outside of Europe;
Certificate to prove proficiency in the English language, for candidates whose native language is not English or German (e.g. transcript of TOEFL / IELTS scores or equivalent).
Link to GRE subject tests
Link to TOEFL
Link to IELTS
The completed application must be sent by email in one single PDF file as an attachment to the address [email protected].

Two letters of recommendation prepared using the PDF form should be emailed to the same address by the referees.
For referees: Download the letter of recommendation form (PDF)
The Solar System School is committed to increase the diversity of its student body and particularly encourages applications from members of under-represented groups.

Further information:

Download the Call for applications (pdf).
Download the Solar System School Poster (pdf).
Browse answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Please direct any further inquiries to the IMPRS scientific coordinator, Dr. Sonja Schuh, at [email protected].