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.

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 140 € 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).

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:

28 October 2010

uptake Summer Semester 2011 (April)

Applications may be submitted anytime beforehand, but will be considered in a concerted selection process after the posted deadline. Results can be expected early in the New Year 2011.

The application deadline for uptake in the Winter Semester 2011/12 (October) is 29 April 2011.

Please use the online application system (OAS):

https://oas.cs.uni-sb.de/index.php?authorsInstructions=1

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.]

What is 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 in Saarbrücken 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.

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 all university and high school diplomas (please provide certified English, German or French translations, if your documents are in another language)

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. (Please keep in mind that very good understanding of English will be essential for your success.)

If available, GRE scores

To be considered for the next round of admissions, your complete application materials must reach us by 28 October 2010. Deadline closed!

Next deadline: 29 April 2011 for uptake in the Winter Semester 2011/12 (October).

Please use the online application system: OAS, and follow the instructions there. We cannot guarantee evaluation of applications not submitted via the OAS.

*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

applications “at” 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 PhD Students.

For further questions contact:

Dr. Michelle Carnell,

email: carnell at cs.uni-saarland.de, Tel.: +49 681 302 5523