Admission committee and timeline

Admission committee

All complete applications will be reviewed in two stages by members of the Admission Committee (internal link to our page “Bodies and committees”). The Committee comprises members of the different disciplines represented in our graduate school, and parity of mind and brain scientists is integral for the composition of this committee.

Admission process timeline after submission of applications

The timeline below applies to the regular M&B application period with the deadline of 15 January.

(1) After 15 January 2024

All applications will be checked for completeness and general suitability.

(2) Between 16 January and end of February 2024

All complete applications will be reviewed and graded in two separate stages with two separate sets of reviewers. To this end, the head of the Admissions Committee, assisted by the Admissions officer, will request from members of the Faculty and selected associated researchers a number of reviews (usually four) for each application. Subsequently, all applications will be ranked, and the best ranked X number of applications (numbers depend on the suitability and quality of applications received) will proceeed to the next stage.

(3) End of February 2024

The Admissions Committee meets and assesses, evaluates, and discusses all applications and reviews. A ranking will be created and X number of shortlisted applicants will be selected for a project presentation and a personal interview.

(4) After end of February 2024

If an applicant's application was favorably reviewed, by the end of February candidates they will receive an invitation for an interview and project presentation before the Admissions Committee. Because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, this will take place via video (probably on Zoom). You will receive assistance from our IT manager beforehand.

Please note: This is also the stage at which we will ask the referees named by applicants for their letters of reference. Please also refer to point 9 in the Requirements and to the FAQ.

(5) Online Interviews: Friday 22 March 2024

For the online interview and the project presentation applicants must prepare a 10-minute power point presentation, covering briefly their academic brackground and education as well as their most recent academic work (e.g., Master's thesis) and focusing mainly on their doctoral research proposal. (If invited, applicants will receive detailed instructions on how to prepare for their presentation.) This presentation will be followed by a discussion with the members of the Admissions Committee.

(6) Results of interviews after 22 March 2024

After careful consideration, the Admissions Committee will rank all candidates and make a recommendation for the tentative acceptance of new doctoral candidates into the doctoral program. The number is usually around 10, but will vary from year to year depending on:

• the overall quality of applications (i.e., the suitability and feasibility of projects and the individual excellence of applicants),
• the availability of supervisors for potential applicants/projects,
• the availability of funding.

If accepted by the Admissions Committee

(7) Scholarships

The Admissions Committee distributes the available Mind & Brain scholarships as well as DAAD scholarships among the successful candidates (not applicable to students who apply with their own funding). Scholarships will be offered to the best candidates without already secured funding at the time of application and interview.

(8) Admission

A few days after the interview, applicants will be informed whether they were accepted into the school.

The results of the scholarship distribution will be made known to the applicant with the acceptance letter.

Please note: If applicants do not receive one of the Mind & Brain or DAAD scholarships, they may still be able to join the school but will be asked to apply for and secure funding by October. Applicants will be unable to join the school without funding. Read more about our scholarships and various other sources of funding here (internal webpage).

(9) Admission: Registration and matriculation as a doctoral candidate

Please see our webpage on Registration and matriculation

(10) End of September / 1 October 2024

Start of the structured doctoral program and curriculum.