Frequently Asked Questions

How can I apply?

We are only able to consider applications sent via this LimeSurvey: Click here to apply

Three months seems like a long time for this program. Is there anyway to shorten it?

Unfortunately, not. However, we have heard from many students that they had wished that the program was actually longer!

I made a mistake in the documents uploaded. Can I send corrected documents as email attachments to you? Also, can I submit application materials after the deadline?

Unfortunately, we can only consider applications submitted via the link provided in the call for applications. Also, we will be able to consider only application materials received by the deadline for applications. If however, you do need to submit a second survey, please let us know so we can only include the updated version.

I know about the topics described in the call for applications, but the methods and research background I have are different. Should I apply?

Yes, and please consider the wide diversity of previous years’ students’ skills, profiles and backgrounds. Check here.

I am a student of…. am I eligible for this program?

We encourage all students to apply! Competition is high, but that should not discourage you from applying anyway. We consider applications from all types of students, so do not be shy to send in your application!

I am an IMPRS-PHDS core or affiliate student, can I apply?

There are no restrictions for IMPRS-PHDS students. However, in the likely event that there are more qualified applicants than spots available, preference would be given to students who would otherwise not have an opportunity to visit the institute.

I will not be enrolled in any degree program at the time of the incubator program, can I apply?

Unfortunately not. In order to take part, you need to be enrolled in a degree program (master’s or doctoral level). However, if you are in between programs (e.g., you just finished a master’s and are about to start your doctoral program, but have nor started yet), you may apply. If you have finished your doctoral studies, you are not eligible for the incubator program. However, if you are a senior scientist who is working on a research project that fits the Institute’s portfolio and are interested in visiting the Institute, you can consider our Guest Program.

Do we get to choose our topic and group, or are they assigned by mentors?

While each team’s research area is defined in advance, there will be some freedom for deciding on the specific research questions, data and methods to be used in the program.Teams are selected based on the complementarity of skills, profiles and interests. We cannot guarantee assignment to a specific group. However, if you do have a preference, please express it in your cover letter/application and we will consider it to the extent that it is possible.

Will I need a visa?

As the program is under 90 days, members of the Schengen States would not typically need a visa. This does, however, depend on other factors. Citizens of the list of countries below can visit the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period:

Albania (biometric passport required), Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina (biometric passport required), Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia (biometric passport required), Grenada, Guatemala, Holy See (Vatican City State), Honduras, Hong Kong SAR (passport holders only), Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao SAR (passport holders only), Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova (biometric passport required), Monaco, Montenegro (biometric passport required), New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia (biometric passport required), Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia (biometric passport required, excluding those issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate), Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan (passport containing identity card number), Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine (biometric passport required), United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (British citizens and certain British nationals), United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Some other important things to consider are:

1. The duration of any stays within the Schengen area before and after the program (it must not exceed 90 days in total)
2. A valid passport (must be generally valid for at least 3 months (6 months in some countries) beyond the date of departure from the Schengen area) that has been issued within the last 10 years
3. Visa-free travelers are generally not allowed to take up gainful employment during their stay
4. And starting from mid-2025, most travelers from the above listed countries must obtain an approved travel authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before the trip

For further information, here is the the Federal Foreign Office website.

Our international office would be happy to help you determine which visa might be right for you, but this is not a substitute for legal advice. To ensure the proper visa is applied for, we suggest you contact your local embassy. You may reach our international office at internationaloffice@demogr.mpg.de.

Do I need to pay tuition?

No! This program is completely tuition-free! You will receive a maintenance grant to offset the financial burden of the program.

Will I receive any stipend, remuneration and accommodation during the program?

Yes, you will receive a maintenance grant that is enough to cover your living expenses while in Rostock. If you have further questions, please feel free to reach out.

Will I be reimbursed for travel expenses?

Yes! All participants will be reimbursed for their travel expenses according to the regulations of the Max Planck Society. It is important to first receive confirmation to proceed with booking any travel arrangements. This will ensure that the institute will be able to reimburse you (there are very strict regulations). Please keep in mind that only public transportation costs can be reimbursed (unlike taxi or Uber expenses) unless the taxi ride takes place before 6 am or after 10 pm. It is also very important to keep all original, physical copies of every ticket and boarding passes. The originals will need to be sent to the institute at the end of the program.

When will I receive the stipend, remuneration, reimbursement, etc.?

Reimbursements take place *after* the program has been completed, and it is important for candidates to take that into consideration before applying to the program. The maintenance grant is also not paid at the beginning of the program, but on the 15th of each month.

How long do I have to wait to get my reimbursement for the program?

Reimbursements take a bit of time due to administrative requirements, and do not take place instantaneously. While there is a dedicated team responsible for processing reimbursements, it can take a few weeks or even more until a reimbursement is fully processed. Other factors that can delay a reimbursement include improper documentation, not keeping physical tickets/receipts, or lack of prompt communication of the participants of the Summer Incubator Program with the Institute.

Will I need insurance during the program?

Yes, you will need to have insurance during your stay in Rostock. If you are unable to secure traveler’s insurance through your insurance company at home, we do recommend you explore other options. One company that is popular with many people who have temporary stays in Rostock is Mawista. However, this is not legal advice, and we recommend you consult with a professional before you decide upon which insurance is right for you.

Does the institute provide insurance for me?

No, the institute does not provide insurance to guests.

Am I allowed to not have insurance during my stay?

No, legally you must have health insurance in Germany, even for short stays. It is a requirement for obtaining a visa and for entering the country, and authorities will verify it at entry points. For stays longer than three months, health insurance is compulsory for all residents. Requirements for short-term visitors:

• Travel health insurance:
  For stays shorter than three months, you must have a travel health insurance policy that is valid for Germany and the Schengen area.
• Visa requirement:
  This insurance is a prerequisite for applying for a Schengen visa and for entry, especially for non-EU citizens.
• Proof of coverage:
  You will need to present proof of this coverage when you apply for your visa and when you enter Germany.

Where will I stay during the program?

The Max-Planck-Institute has two apartment buildings with rooms for rent for the duration of the program. Both apartments are less than 10 minutes walking distance from the institute. The apartments are fully-furnished, and in the heart of one of the nicest neighborhoods in Rostock - the KTV (Kröperliner-Tor-Vorstadt). More information about the guest apartments can be found on the website of the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research.

Am I required to stay in the guest apartments, or may I also find other accommodation?

Summer Incubator students are not required to stay at the guest apartments and may seek accommodations elsewhere. Please be aware though, that during summer is peak tourism season in Rostock, and other accommodation may be hard to come by. Additionally, if you are not interested in renting an apartment from us, please let us know as soon as possible, so that we can offer the apartments to other scientists.

Am I able to choose which apartment I will rent from the MPIDR?

As not all apartments are available at all times, it is difficult to consider all requests from all students. When it is possible, individual requests will be honored, but it is not a guarantee.

Can I bring my family/significant other?

Yes, of course you may! It can be difficult to organize one of the MPIDR apartments that is big enough to accommodate more than one person, so it is recommended to inquire about availability as soon as possible. That being said, if you wish to find other accommodation outside of the institute, you are more than welcome to bring other people.

What other kinds of accommodation are there in Rostock?

There are hotels, hostels, Airbnb’s, as well as taking over another person’s lease for a shorter-term. These options however, are not controlled by the MPIDR, and you would be responsible for finding alternate accommodation on your own. Students have also stayed with friends in Rostock during their stay, so even this is a possibility. Please be aware, that these options do tend to fill up quite quickly, so if you are looking at an alternative to the guest apartments, this is recommended to be done long in advance.

I will not have a car… How can I get around the city?

Rostock has a wonderful public transportation system, that is possible to use unlimitedly for 63€ a month (Deutschland Ticket). This train ticket will also get you to larger cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, etc. if you are looking for nice travel destinations while you are here. Alternatively, there are also bikes for rent here at the MPIDR that you can rent for 1€ a day (there is a limit of 7 days a month), and Rostock is a very bike-friendly city. If you wish to have your own bike while here, many students also sell their bikes at reasonable prices. It is rather inconvenient to have a car here, as parking is somewhat limited. However, even this is still possible!

I see there is a train ticket called a “Deutschland Ticket” that can be used to travel from the airport to Rostock and vise versa. Can I be reimbursed for the costs accrued through this ticket?

Unfortunately, costs associated with the Deutschland Ticket can *not* be reimbursed. Only one-way tickets for a specific journey may be reimbursed.

If I stay in the guest house, how will I get to the MPIDR?

Both of our guest apartment buildings are within walking distance of the institute! What is walking distance? Both apartment buildings are less than 10 minutes away from the institute by foot.

How far is the MPIDR from the beach?

It would take you around 25 minutes to get to the beach from the institute. There are several beaches in the area, but the most accessible with public transportation is Warnemünde beach. The train can be accessed from Holbeinplatz (one station with the tram), then it is a 15-minute train ride.

Are there any other ways to travel between cities?

Yes of course! While there are trains that go quite often between large cities (that are often included in the Deutschland ticket), another popular way to travel is with a bus company called FlixBus. They travel between large cities as well, and it is also a relatively inexpensive way to travel to other cities or other countries easily. Some countries accessible via FlixBus are Denmark, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Poland, etc. These popular travel destinations (Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Prague, Szczecin) are all destinations that are easily travelled in a weekend!

Do I need to have a German bank account?

No, you do not need to have a German bank account, and all reimbursements can be sent to your foreign bank account.

What does the shopping life look like in Rostock?

There is a supermarket located right around the corner from the MPIDR, and for those staying in the guest apartments, there is a supermarket within walking distance. Stores are generally closed on Sundays (with a few Sundays as exceptions, and even then, there is a grocery store open on Sundays in Warnemünde). There are a few malls in the area, as well as a street dedicated to shopping (Lange Straße).

Are there any social activities planned?

Yes, some social gatherings with mentors are planned over the course of the summer. In addition, students organize many other social gatherings on their own. More broadly, we have a highly collegial culture and a strong sense of community at the institute: we typically have lunches together at the institute and get together for informal activities like playing table tennis, etc.

What are some of the activities that we can do in an around Rostock?

Rostock is still a growing city. While it may not be as large as cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, etc. it is still the largest city in the state of Mecklenburg Western-Pomerania. Rostock is a safe city, and it is rather quiet (with of course exceptions for certain large events that take place here). During your stay there is a special event that takes place called Hanse Sail, where over 250 ships will come from all over the world.

Also during your stay, there will be a music festival called Pangea that will take place just outside of Rostock, and it is a highlight for many people across Germany.

Rostock has a lively night life with many bars and clubs that stay open late. What many students like to do in summer is sit on the harbor with friends and grill or play a game called Viking Chess that is very fun and easy to learn. There is of course also the beach on the Baltic Sea with refreshing temperatures to fend off the heat in summer. Summer is the ideal time to be here in Rostock, and this beautiful hanseatic city has a lot to offer at this time of year. For any questions about what life in Rostock is like, please feel free to contact incubator@demogr.mpg.de

One of the goals of this program is to not only focus on work, but to also form social connections. There will be many social events hosted at the MPIDR, but we also encourage you to seek out connections privately. This is why the program is in person and not online.

Can you tell me more about the MPIDR? What is it like to work there? How about the city of Rostock?

Yes, all you need to know about the MPIDR you can read here.
All you need to know about life in the city of you can find out here.

Can I work on my MSc or PhD thesis during the work hours of the program?

Students are expected to devote approximately three quarters of their working time to the collaborative research project during the summer. They may have other responsibilities. However, given the intensive and collaborative nature of the program, priority during the summer should be given to the project of the incubator program.

Will I have a personal office during the program?

All Incubator students will have a personal desk and computer in our library. These desks are located close to other team members to enhance communication and teamwork. In addition, there are dedicated meeting rooms to provide space and more privacy for team meetings.

How is a typical day of work like during the summer incubator program?

A typical workday at the MPIDR can vary, and it never gets boring! With many resources available to you, it is possible to attend many different workshops, tutorials, or lectures, but it is also possible to work together collaboratively with your group/independently. With very clear deadlines/expectations, it allows students to allot their time effectively and with flexibility. Having an in-person program is also a wonderful opportunity to network with other scientists.

What kind of resources to conduct research will be available to me during my time at the MPIDR?

The Max Planck Institute has many resources for you to use while conducting research. With your own desk/workspace in the library, you will have access to a wide array of literature, as well as a cohesive working environment where your peers will be in the area to help promote productive teamwork. You will also be provided with a computer to use during your stay, as well as access to our powerful computing servers. You will have access to a large database with free software for you to download, and you will also be able to attend some of the talks that will take place during your stay here at the MPIDR. Your workspace will overlook the serene landscape view of the Warnow river, one of the most beautiful views in this part of Germany. If you have any questions regarding what will be provided, please feel free to contact us.

Will I be entitled to any days of vacation and holidays during the program?

Technically, you are not entitled to vacation days as a visitor. But organizers grant up to 5 working days of leave, which can be used anytime (but possibly outside some key milestone dates such as team presentations) over the course of 3 months. Students usually coordinate their vacation days not to collide with their teamwork and peak of the research project.

May I work from home during the program?

The Incubator is an in-person summer program, and students will be expected to be in residence at the MPIDR in Rostock. One of the goals is to favor interaction and learning from each other. Nonetheless, occasional remote work up to a half-day inside Germany for good reasons (such as administrative tasks in other cities inside Germany, tests or examinations, etc.) will be discussed on an individual and case-by-case basis (you need to inform your team’s mentors beforehand to discuss and receive their permission).