The Saarbrücken Graduate School of Computer Science provides an optimal environment for pursuing doctoral studies in computer science at an internationally competitive level. As a student, you undergo research oriented training and experience a stimulating and scientifically challenging atmosphere. Advised by internationally renowned scientists, you can participate in one of the many research groups and find your way into top notch research.

Who can apply?

Talented students with strong interest in research who hold a Masters or an excellent Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or in a related field.
[At the time of application the degree need not be conferred yet.]

The working language?

All courses, exams, etc. are in English.

How does it work?

After your successful application, you first undergo (depending on your degree) a three semester preparatory phase which consists of research oriented, broad course work adjusted to personal interests. We provide common office space particularly to students in this phase. You have ample opportunity to acquaint yourself with the many computer science research groups inSaarbrücken and to choose a group and an advisor matching your interest.

After passing a qualifying exam, you enter the research and dissertation phase which you spend as a member of a research group. During the entire program there is a comprehensive offering of so-called Soft Skills seminars and courses.

In justified cases, you can be exempted from parts of or even the entire preparatory phase. Also, your courses taken in the preparatory phase can be used towards a Master’s degree, if this is desired.

Financial support?

We provide financial support during both phases (of course assuming adequate progress). During the preparatory phase starting after your BSc degree, this support comes in the form of scholarships (800 € per month) or teaching and research support contracts. During the research and dissertation phase, you are supported in the form of stipends (about 1400 € per month) or of research or teaching assistantships.

There are currently no tuition fees, only a student fee of 138 € per semester which gives you free access to public transportation and reduced student rates at the university cafeteria and for many other public services (museums, concerts).

Which are the participating research institutes?

  • Computer Science Department at Saarland University
  • Max Planck Institute for Informatics
  • Max Planck Institute for Software Systems
  • German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI)
  • Center for Bioinformatics

All these institutes are housed right next to each other on the Saarland University campus in Saarbrücken, an unparalleled concentration of computer science research expertise in Europe.

How can I apply?

We ask for the following materials

  • CV
  • transcript of all academic records, including high school diploma
  • a brief statement explaining your motivation for pursuing a doctorate in computer science
  • 2 letters of recommendation (to be sent to us directly by the referees, as prompted by the OAS * please note that only official affiliation e-mail addresses will be considered valid)
  • if available, TOEFL scores, or equivalent record of English proficiency (TSE, Cambridge Certificate scores), otherwise a short statement with respect to your English qualifications.
  • if available, GRE scores

To be considered for the next round of admissions, your complete application materials must reach us by April 26th, 2010.

Please use the online application system: OAS, and follow the instructions there.

*Only* in exceptional and pre-approved cases can they be sent by traditional mail to

Saarland University
Saarbrücken Graduate School
of Computer Science
Campus E1 3
D-66123 Saarbrücken
GERMANY

or via email as a single pdf-document (except for the letters of recommendation) to <strong>applications@gradschool.cs.uni-saarland.de

Which other support is available?

The graduate school cooperates closely with the

  • International Max Planck Research School for Computer Science (IMPRS-CS). In addition, it works in cooperation with the
  • Research Training Group Quality Guarantees for Computer Systems, as well as with
  • The European Post-Graduate College in Language Technology and Cognitive Systems

Please also have a look at the regulations for Ph.D Students.

For further questions contact: Dr. Michelle Carnell,

The Graduate School at a Glance
An integrated program from BSc or MSc to PhD
Top-notch academic and research training
in computer science
Unparalleled concentration of computer science
research expertise in Europe
International program run entirely in English
Scholarships and other support

Next application deadline:
26 April 2010

uptake Fall/Winter Semester 2010/11 (October)

Please use the online application system (OAS) at:
https://oas.cs.uni-sb.de/index.php?authorsInstructions=1

Please kindly mention Scholarshiponline.info when applying for this scholarship