IMPRS-TRUST 2027: Fully Funded PhD in Trustworthy Computing (Saarbrücken and Kaiserslautern, Germany)

Deadline: End of December 2026 | Location: Saarland, Germany | Field: Computer Science | Funding: Fully funded

If your interests lie in security, verification, privacy or reliable systems, the International Max Planck Research School on Trustworthy Computing (IMPRS-TRUST) is one of the strongest funded routes into a computer science PhD in Europe. The next application deadline is at the end of December.

About the programme

IMPRS-TRUST is a graduate programme jointly run by the Max Planck Institute for Informatics, the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems, and the computer science departments of Saarland University and RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau. It leads to a doctoral degree from one of the participating universities, and admitted students can enrol at either Saarland University or the University of Kaiserslautern.

Research areas listed by one programme summary include algorithmic verification, network security, distributed and embedded systems, and AI in safety-critical environments. Check the school’s website for current research groups and supervisors.

Funding

Admitted students receive full funding to cover their living expenses and tuition fees. The school itself describes the programme as fully funded.

Who can apply?

The programme is open to students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or an equivalent degree. An earlier call described the typical successful candidate as having ranked at or near the top of their class, having engaged in research, and being highly proficient in spoken and written English.

Key dates

IMPRS-TRUST recruits twice a year. Application talks are held in February, with an application deadline at the end of December, and in August, with an application deadline at the end of June. The school’s front page currently lists a PhD application deadline in December 2026. Several listings give the exact date as 31 December, but confirm the date and time on the official page before you plan around it.

How to apply

Applications go through the IMPRS-TRUST online application system, and both partner universities are involved in the admissions process. The programme’s own page also notes that applications can be submitted all year, but applying before the December deadline puts you in the cohort invited to the February talks.

Apply and read more: www.imprs-trust.mpg.de

What to expect during the PhD

The programme is divided into an orientation phase, a preparation phase and a dissertation phase. The orientation phase lets students find the right group and project before committing.

Tips for a strong application

• Show research experience. Highlight a thesis, a paper, a research internship or a substantial project. Selection favours candidates who have already done research.

• Be specific about your interests. Name the subfields and groups at the two Max Planck Institutes that match your work.

• Give your referees plenty of notice. Late letters are a common reason applications stall.

• Prepare early for the English requirement. Strong written English matters for the statement and for any interviews.

Need a hand with your application?

Found a programme that fits? Your mentor can help you sharpen your research statement, CV and supervisor selection before you submit. Book a call to get started.

For more personalized tips or templates contact our team.

www.applywithmentors.com