IMPRS CoNI PhD 2027 in Germany: €3,400 Gross Monthly

Applications are open for the IMPRS CoNI PhD 2027 intake in Leipzig, Germany. The structured three-year programme covers cognitive, clinical and computational neuroimaging. A limited number of selected doctoral researchers receive employment contracts worth approximately €3,400 gross per month; applicants without supervisor funding may need external support. Apply by 2 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.

Host
IMPRS on Cognitive NeuroImaging

Location
Leipzig, Germany

Level
Three-year PhD programme

Funding
Limited TVöD E13 65% contracts

Application deadline
2 November 2026, 23:59 CET

Programme start
October 2027

Illustrative cognitive neuroimaging researchers for IMPRS CoNI PhD 2027 — AI-generated illustrative cognitive neuroimaging research scene; not a photograph of IMPRS CoNI facilities.

Funding and benefits

The official call states that a limited number of doctoral researchers will receive German public-service contracts at 65% of TVöD pay group 13, currently about €40,600 gross annually. The programme’s funding page gives the 2026 equivalent as approximately €3,400 gross per month. Taxes, health insurance and other social-insurance contributions are deducted.

IMPRS CoNI and Leipzig University funding is normally provided for three years; any extension must come from the supervisor. All admitted doctoral researchers can receive conference support, and international students may receive help with German-language classes during their first year. Research stays of up to three months at partner institutions may also be supported.

Funding is competitive and not automatic for every admitted applicant. The call says positively evaluated candidates without supervisor funding may seek external funding.

Eligibility

A very good master’s degree or equivalent from an internationally recognised institution, normally following at least four years of academic training.
Relevant fields include cognitive, computational, clinical or translational neuroscience; psychology; medicine; neurobiology; computer science; engineering; mathematics; physics; neuroimaging; biochemistry; and related disciplines.
Substantial original research and a written thesis are expected. Relevant research experience is essential.
Students finishing a master’s may apply, but the degree must be awarded before the programme begins.
Bachelor-only admission is possible only in exceptional cases.

English-language requirements

Teaching and supervision are in English; German is not required. Published minimums are TOEFL 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based or 79–80 internet-based; IELTS 6.5; or DAAD language certificate level C/4 stars in all skills. English-taught coursework may be accepted with an official university letter. The FAQ says language evidence should be no more than four years old.

Required documents

Completed online registration form.
Cover letter of about 1–1.5 pages covering motivation, qualifications, research interests, academic goals and preferred supervisors/topic.
Curriculum vitae.
Contact details for two academic referees.
Master’s thesis title and one-page abstract; if not started, a bachelor’s thesis abstract or brief master’s thesis plan.
Bachelor’s and master’s transcripts, bachelor’s degree certificate and completed master’s certificate where available.
Other relevant certificates, English evidence for non-native speakers and publication list if applicable.

Documents not issued in English or German require an officially approved translation. The programme accepts only complete English-language applications.

How to apply

Review the 2026/27 recruiting faculty and choose only supervisors shown as recruiting in the portal.
Create an account in the official OpenCampus application portal.
Prepare the cover letter and attachments in the order specified on the required-documents page.
Enter two referees after obtaining their permission.
Submit the complete online application by 2 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Monitor referee confirmation emails and follow the portal’s current reference deadline. The documents page and FAQ still display older reference-deadline examples, so applicants should not reuse those dates for the 2027 round.

Applications cannot be edited after submission. Late applications and usually late documents are not accepted.

Deadline and selection process

The 2027 application deadline is 2 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. Virtual panel interviews are planned for late January 2027, and the programme begins in October 2027.

Selection begins with completeness and programme-fit screening. Three faculty members assess each preselected application against predefined criteria and rank candidates. Shortlisted applicants give a 12-minute virtual presentation followed by 13 minutes of panel discussion. Successful interviewees then enter a supervisor-matching phase, normally completed by mid-March, before final Board approval. The programme aims to recruit approximately 20–25 doctoral researchers annually, but the number of salaried contracts is limited.

Practical applicant tips

Connect your prior methods and research questions to one of the programme’s three modules and named recruiting supervisors.
Make the cover letter specific; show why cognitive neuroimaging methods are essential to your proposed work.
Ask referees early and verify their automated invitations, including spam folders.
Do not describe the €3,400 figure as net pay; it is an approximate 2026 gross amount.

Frequently asked questions

Is every IMPRS CoNI place fully funded?

No. The programme advertises a limited number of salaried contracts. Other positively evaluated candidates may need supervisor or external funding.

Can current master’s students apply?

Yes, if the degree is completed before the October 2027 programme start.

Is German required?

No. English is the teaching and supervision language.

Can I apply after the deadline?

No. The programme says post-deadline applications are not accepted.

Can I change my application after submission?

No. Review all fields and attachments before final submission.

Related funded opportunities

Official sources

Official information checked on 6 October 2026. Applicants should follow any newer instructions displayed inside the application portal, especially for referee deadlines.

Apply Now — Official IMPRS CoNI Portal