FAQ
Who can apply?
You need a master's degree after at least four years of studies in natural sciences or an engineering discipline with excellent marks. You have to apply within the first year of their PhD thesis.
Are you eligible for the MPGC?
The Max Planck Graduate Center (MPGC) is a joint graduate center of the two Max Planck Institutes in Mainz and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), in cooperation with the Max Planck Society (MPG). It provides a structured doctoral program under its own doctoral regulations, with an interdisciplinary doctoral degree awarded by JGU Mainz.
To pursue your doctoral studies within the MPGC, you must therefore meet both the admission requirements of the MPGC doctoral program and those of JGU Mainz, including approval by JGU International Services, where applicable.
You can download the MPGC doctoral regulations as pdf file.
When can you apply?
There is no fixed application deadline. Applications can be submitted at any time within the first year of your PhD. Prospective applicants need to contact the relevant MPGC Faculty member in advance to discuss supervision and project alignment.
How can you apply?
All application documents must be submitted as one combined PDF file to the MPGC office.
The application must include:
Curriculum Vitae
Exposé (max. 4 pages) outlining the planned PhD project and its interdisciplinary aspects
Academic certificates and transcripts
Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
Two letters of recommendation
Incomplete applications cannot be considered.
What is the language of the MPGC?
The working language in the labs, seminars and workshops in the MPGC is English. Therefore you must prove your language skills either with your German Abitur or a TOEFL test minimum of 60 points in the iBT (total score: 0 - 120 points) if you are not an English native speaker.
What is the application procedure?
After submission of your complete application (combined PDF), the MPGC reviews your documents and verifies supervision within the MPGC Faculty.
Eligible candidates are invited to an interview consisting of:
A 10-minute presentation (in English)
A short discussion session
Following the interview, applicants receive a recommendation (acceptance with or without reservations, or rejection).
Admission to the MPGC does not automatically include financial support. Funding may be provided through your supervisor, third-party funding, or institutional contracts.
Can you get financial support?
Doctoral researchers who are admitted and funded through the MPGC typically receive a contract according to the German public service system (E13 TvöD, 65% position). This includes social security contributions (health insurance, pension, unemployment insurance, etc.).
How high is the student fee?
There is no tuition fee in Mainz, however enrolling at JGU Mainz comes with a student fee (after your enrollment at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz twice a year). This fee includes free public transport, your student card, Mensa card and reduced entrance for several events. If you do not require the public transport ticket or the discount for Mensa food, you can also just register at the JGU as a PhD student without enrollment. Registration as a doctoral candidate at the University is, however, mandatory for all MPGC student members.
What is a thesis advisory committee?
Each MPGC doctoral researcher is supported by a Thesis Advisory Committee consisting of:
Two supervisors
Two mentors (optional)
At least one supervisor must be an MPGC Faculty member. The supervisors are responsible for scientific guidance, while mentors can support further interdisciplinary integration and project development. The Committee monitors scientific progress, reviews annual reports, and ensures structured supervision throughout the doctoral phase.
What is mandatory during your MPGC membership?
After admission, a supervision agreement is concluded between the doctoral researcher and the MPGC.
The doctoral phase includes:
Independent research and preparation of the thesis
Participation in the interdisciplinary MPGC curriculum
Completion of required credit points
Annual progress reports and meetings with the Thesis Advisory Committee
Defense of the doctoral thesis
The expected duration of the PhD is three years. Extensions require justification and approval by the Steering Committee Chair.
After successfully completing your PhD research, your PhD teaching curriculum, and preparing a PhD thesis, you will defend your PhD in front of a jury. After the successful defense, the doctoral students of the MPGC receive a PhD certificate of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz including the logo of the MPGC and the Max Planck Society.