Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Doctoral researchers at Fraunhofer IMS experience a professional research environment distinct from traditional university settings. The institute provides modern laboratory facilities, office space, and research equipment while offering a collegial atmosphere among researchers. Regular colloquia and seminars bring together researchers from across the institute and visiting scientists, creating intellectual community despite the applied focus. Work-life balance reflects German professional culture, with reasonable working hours and generous vacation allowances. The institute supports conference attendance, professional development, and career planning. Social events and team activities build relationships across research groups. The relatively small size of research teams fosters close mentoring relationships between doctoral students and senior researchers. Duisburg is an industrial city in Germany's Ruhr region, offering affordable living and good transportation connections. The city's history as a steel and manufacturing center has given way to more diversified economy including higher education and research. Cultural amenities may be less extensive than larger German cities, but the broader Ruhr region, including nearby Düsseldorf and Cologne, provides urban entertainment and cultural opportunities. The cost of living is moderate by German standards.
Location & Surroundings
Fraunhofer IMS is located in Duisburg, in the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region of western Germany. This region represents one of Europe's largest urban areas, with approximately 11 million people across interconnected cities including Düsseldorf, Cologne, Essen, and Dortmund. The industrial heritage of the region has transformed into a diversified economy emphasizing services, technology, and education. Duisburg itself has a population of approximately 500,000 and is known for its large inland port and industrial history. The city offers affordable housing, good public transportation, and access to cultural amenities within the broader region. The Ruhr area's excellent rail connections place major German cities within easy reach, while nearby Düsseldorf Airport provides international flight connections. The concentration of universities and research institutes in the region creates a vibrant academic environment. RWTH Aachen University, one of Germany's leading technical universities, is approximately 90 kilometers away. The University of Duisburg-Essen, the primary partner for IMS doctoral students, is located locally. Industry presence in the region, including automotive, chemical, and electronics companies, creates opportunities for collaboration and career development.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Doctoral researchers at Fraunhofer IMS receive employment contracts providing salary rather than student stipends. Compensation follows German public sector research scales, typically providing gross salary of 55,000-65,000 euros annually depending on experience and position classification. This salary level supports comfortable living in the Ruhr region, where housing and general costs are moderate compared to Munich or Frankfurt. University tuition in Germany is minimal, with only small semester fees (approximately 300 euros) charged for enrolled students. The combination of employment salary and minimal educational costs makes doctoral study financially advantageous compared to many international alternatives. Health insurance and social benefits are included through the employment relationship. Career outcomes for IMS doctoral graduates span industry research, academia, and technology entrepreneurship. The applied research experience and industry connections developed during doctoral work facilitate transitions to major electronics companies including Infineon, Bosch, and automotive manufacturers. Academic careers in electrical engineering and related fields are also possible, though the applied orientation may require additional academic research experience. The Fraunhofer network provides connections throughout German industry, while the strong reputation of German engineering training supports international career mobility.
Campus Location
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