International Max Planck Research School
for Maritime Affairs

The Research School permanently funds 12 scholarships.

Eligibility for applying for a position as Scholar

We welcome applications from students from a variety of backgrounds. Applicants must hold an excellent master (or similar) degree in Law, Economics or Natural Sciences. Applicants should be open for interdisciplinary work. Experience or specialization in a field of relevance is a plus.

Admission process for a position as Scholar

The admission for these places operates on a rolling-entry basis. As soon as one of our students is awarded a Ph.D. degree, a new student will be admitted to the program. Since the time required for completing a thesis varies, we regret that we cannot give precise information about these dates in advance. There are no general closing dates for applications.
Therefore, we would like to ask you to refrain from inquiring about new scholarships available if such places are not announced on our website.

As soon as we are sure that a place is available, we will announce this on our website. Usually the closing date for applications will be at least 4 weeks after the announcement. Please check our websites regularly for the announcement of new Scholar positions available

Usually there are one or more admission rounds every year on an irregular basis. The decisions are made at a conference of the Directors of the School. In general, we do not conduct interviews in Hamburg. However, we may get in touch with candidates via phone or email if we have further questions.

Your research project as a Scholar

Once you are admitted, one of the Directors will become your supervisor. The selection of the supervisor will be based on your main research interest.

You will then discuss your future research project with your supervisor. We do not require you to have a fixed research project before you begin your studies - and we do not unilaterally prescribe certain research projects. Instead, we aim to find a research project that suits your interest, your background and your abilities - and fits in with the existing research projects of the School and of the Directors.

Applying for a position as Associate

Please note that it is not possible to apply directly for an Associate position. If you are interested in an Associate position, you have to apply directly for a Ph.D. place with one of our Directors at his respective institution. Once you are accepted, your supervisor may nominate you for an Associate position. Therefore, please refrain from enquiring for Associate positions with us.