Application Documents

Thank you for your interest in applying to our Research Training Group's PhD program!

Your application should include the completed Application Form and one pdf-file containing all of the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Certificate of your Bachelor's degree.
• Grade transcripts of your Bachelor's degree.
• Certificate of your Master's degree (If you have not finished your Master's degree yet, you may alternatively provide a certificate from your university confirming that you will complete your Masters degree before 1 October 2023).
• Grade transcripts of your Master's degree (If you have not finished your Master's degree yet, you should alternatively provide your most recent transcript).
• If you hold further diploma, please also provide a certificate of your degree.
• If you mention extra-curricular courses you attended, interships you did, or work experience you have, please provide a confirmation of participation (for extra-curricular courses) or a reference issued by your employer.
• Letter of motivation explaining your current goals, career plans and reasons for your interest in a structured Ph.D. program at the Research Training Group SMiP. Elaborate on your study plans and your research interests. It is very important to show that your research interests meet closely with the current research of the respective  faculty member(s) you would be interested in working with.The motivation letter should be in English and not exceed two pages (not more than 700 words).
• Proof of your language proficiency in oral and written English, if your native language is not English (e.g., TOEFL certificate or other English language certificate, a certificate confirming a stay abroad in an English-speaking country of at least 3 months, or a certificate confirming participation in an academic study program taught in English). 
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty or scholars who are able to assess your ability and potential for academic research and teaching.
• Writing sample of up to 10 pages in English or German language (not more than 3500 words, bibliography excluded), e.g. a paper you have written during your studies, a representative excerpt from your thesis, or an essay on a topic related to your research interests.