Apply to the ISS

What are the dates and deadlines of the ISS?

The ISS 2024 will take place on 12 August -  20 September in Mainz. Application will open later in February! Here are the important dates: 

• 24 April 2024 at 12:00 (noon) CEST: deadline for application & submission of reference letters

When will I know whether my application has been successful?

The final outcome of the ISS applications is usually known within 6 - 8 weeks of the application deadline.

Who can apply to the ISS?

We encourage applications from outstanding and enthusiastic undergraduate & Master's students who have been studying a life sciences subject at university for at least three years by the time of the ISS. Unfortunately, if you have already received a PhD or MD degree you are not eligible to apply.

Which nationalities are accepted for the ISS?

The ISS is an international programme and applications are encouraged from students from any nationality, including German students.

Can I apply for the ISS if I am studying in Germany?

Yes, we accept applications from students studying in any country.

Do I have to be currently enrolled as a student to apply for the ISS?

No, this is not a requirement. The ISS is particularly aimed at junior researchers who are between their last year of undergraduate study and the start of their PhD, and many participants take part in the ISS between their studies. If you are not currently enrolled as a student, you should have graduated recently (ca. 6 months before the start of the ISS).

Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit to apply to the ISS.

How much does it cost to join the ISS?

There is no participation fee. You will have to pay for your visa and any other living expenses, such as food, drinks and local travel (if required) during your stay.

Is there a fellowship or financial aid for ISS participants?

There is no fellowship or financial aid issued by the ISS to its participants. Costs for your accommodation, the social programme organized by ISS and training activities are covered by the ISS. We will also reimburse your travel costs up to the fixed rate provided by the DAAD as travel allowances. 

Where will I be staying? 

All ISS participants are offered free accommodation throughout the course of the programme. You will stay at fully furnished apartments, including a kitchen and access to a laundry room. Your accommodation will be within walking distance of your lab and will be well connected to the centre of Mainz (see Working & Living in Mainz).

Will I be sharing a room with other students?

You will most likely share the apartment with other ISS participants. However, please note that there won't be any mixed-gender accommodation. 

What is the working language of the ISS?

The official working language of the ISS and participating labs is English. 

Do I need to provide a certificate of my English abilities?

No, this is not a requirement. However, all activities throughout the ISS programme are carried out in English, so it is important that you are able to communicate in this language. We might check your English proficiency via online interviews a bit further into the application process, if it seems necessary.

Are there lab rotations during the ISS?

No, for your research project you will be in the same lab for the duration of the summer school. You can specify your preferred lab projects during the application process.  

How do I apply?

Step 1:  check which research groups are participating in the ISS this year.
Step 2: register via our online form.
Step 3: apply via your personalised application form that you will receive via email immediately after completing your registration.
Please visit our Registration & Application page for more information on the steps and documents required.

Where do I apply?

At our Registration & Application page you will find the link to the registration form. Just click on the "Apply Here" button. If there is no link, it means that the registration form is closed.

What do the registration and application forms look like?

You can find an example of the registration and application forms here.

I am a Master’s student. Do I have to provide a transcript from my previous degrees?

Yes, please submit your current transcript, as well as your diploma(s) and latest transcript(s) from your previous degrees in one PDF file.

Will I receive confirmation after registering online?

Yes. Once you have submitted your registration, you will receive an email with a personalised link to the application form.

Will I receive confirmation after applying?

You will receive an automated confirmation email after submitting your application online. If you do not receive a confirmation email upon completing the form, please remember to check in your spam folder.

Can I make changes to my application after submitting it?

It is possible to save your application and complete it at a later time point. However, you cannot make changes after submitting your application. We advise that you include all the necessary documents and information before submitting the online application.

If my application is unsuccessful, can I apply again for future ISS calls?

Yes, you are welcome to apply again. However, please note that we will not keep your application after the end of the selection of ISS participants, so you will have to fill out the application form again.  

What is the success rate for applications to the ISS?

The success rate for applications is approximately 5%.

How many reference letters do I need to support my application?

You need at least two reference letters.

Who can act as a referee?

Referees should be scientitsts who are able to judge your scientific knowledge and skills. This can be e.g. university teachers or supervisors from previous research positions. Please ask your referee(s) in advance whether they are willing to write a reference letter, since referees cannot be changed after registration.

How much time do the referees have to upload their reference letters?

Referees can upload their letters via the link they will receive via email until the deadline: 24 April 2024 at 12:00 (noon) CEST.

My referee has not received an email with the link and the request to submit the reference letter for me. What should I do?

Please contact your referee to check if perhaps her/his spam filter has blocked our email. If this is not the case, please contact the ISS Team.