FAQ
Abbreviations used:
RS = Research School
CCO = Central Coordination Office
RUB = Ruhr-Universität Bochum
RUB-Internal Application
Personal Situation
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When can I apply to become a member of the Ruhr-University Research School by the RUB-Internal Application?
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You can apply if you are accepted as PhD students at one of the faculties of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum and will submit your PhD thesis at our university.
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Can I apply a second time in case my first RUB-Internal Application has been denied?
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Yes – in case your scientific qualification has significantly advanced e.g. by an accepted publication with you as first author. Please take into consideration that the date of your diploma or degree must – as a rule - not exceed a period of time of 12 months when applying.
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Does the Research School membership provide me financial aid for my PhD project?
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Your membership within the Research School does not provide you with a full funding for your PhD project (for funding opportunities of your PhD project check the website with the applications for RUB Grants and the Research School Scholarships). Until the end of the year 2011 - the Research School assures every fellow of the Research School a 1000- € lump sum/ per year for consumables and travels (for the years 2010 and 2011). For further details check the following website: www.research-school.rub.de/application.html
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Can I become a fellow of the Research School in case my application for a RUB Grant or a Research School Scholarship has been denied?
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Yes – you can apply to become a member of the Research School by the RUB-Internal Application if you meet the formal requirements.
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Is the form of financing of my PhD project relevant for the RUB-Internal Application to the Research School?
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The RUB-Internal Application to the Research School is independent from the form of funding of your PhD project.
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Can I apply by the RUB-Internal Application to the Research School even if I do not have my master certificate yet, e.g. because my master thesis has not been completed?
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No – you have to submit a copy of your final degree with the RUB-Internal Application to the Research School – your final notes are relevant for the decision-making process by the Executive Board. Please add also the information about the ranking of your final marks of your study degree. In case you started a fast-track PhD you can apply after finishing your preparatory year successfully. In this case you also have to submit the confirmation of your faculty that you are accepted as PhD student.
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Can I apply to become a member of the Research School in case I already started my PhD project?
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Yes, you can apply for the Research School if you already started your PhD project. The date of your diploma or degree must – as a rule - not exceed a period of time of 12 months when applying.
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Do I have to submit my PhD thesis at Ruhr-Universität Bochum to become a member of the Research School or can I also apply when I submit my PhD thesis at another university?
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You can only apply for the Research School if you submit your PhD thesis at one of the faculties of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum.
RUB-Internal Application
First and Second Supervisor
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What are the responsibilities of my second supervisor?
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Your second supervisor should support your PhD project with additional scientific advice. You should meet with your second supervisor at least once a year to discuss the state of affairs of your PhD project. In addition your second supervisor has to accept the Individual Training and Supervision Plan by signing the Letter of Acceptance.
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Has my second supervisor to be the second reviewer of my PhD thesis?
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No – your second supervisor can but does not have to be the second reviewer of your PhD thesis.
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When do I have to inform you about the second supervisor?
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You have to name your second supervisor at the latest 6 months after your admission to the Research School by handing in the Letter of Acceptance of the Individual Training and Supervision Plan signed by your second supervisor.
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Do the first and second supervisors have to belong to different disciplines?
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Our interdisciplinary concept states that your first and second supervisor should belong to different chairs or working groups, but a close thematic supervision is also possible.
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Can I apply to the Research School in case I have no second supervisor?
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Yes – you can apply without having a second supervisor. You can name the second supervisor at the latest 6 months after your admission to the Research School.
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Has my first supervisor actively to support my RUB-Internal Application to the Research School?
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Yes – your first supervisor has to support your RUB-Internal Application by a letter of reference.
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Can I apply to the Ruhr-University Research School in case I have no first supervisor at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum?
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No – you can only apply to the Research School if you have a first supervisor at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum.
RUB-Internal Application
Application Process
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Which forms do I have to use to apply for a RUB Grant?
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The Application Form Grant Programme (please read the notes for guidance at the end of the application form carefull
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Do I have to submit my doctoral degree at Ruhr-Universität Bochum to apply for a RUB Grant or a Research School Scholarship or can I also apply when I submit my PhD thesis at another university?
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Only doctoral students willing and ready to submit their PhD at one of the faculties of Ruhr-Universität Bochum can apply for a RUB Grant or a Research School Scholarship. You cannot be funded if you submit your PhD project at another university.
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Do I have to submit an authenticated copy of my final degree for the RUB-Internal Application?
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In case you finished your study courses at the RUB you do not have to submit an authenticated copy of your certificate. If you finished your study courses at another German university or at a university abroad please hand in an authenticated copy of your final degree.
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Do I have to submit an exposé of my research project with my RUB-Internal Application?
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No.
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Is it possible to apply in English as well as in German?
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Yes, both languages are acceptable.
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Is it possible to send my application without filling in the application form?
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No – we will not accept your application without the application form.
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Which form do I have to use to apply for the RUB-Internal Application to the Research School?
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Please use the RUB-Internal Application Form (please read the notes for guidance at the end of the application form carefully).
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When can I apply to become a member of the Research School by a RUB-Internal Application? Are there any deadlines for the RUB-Internal Application?
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You can apply for the RUB-Internal Application four times a year – please check the application website for detailed information.
RUB Grant Programme and Research School Scholarship
Personal Situation
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Can I apply for a RUB Grant or a Research School Scholarship in case my RUB-Internal Application to the Research School has been denied?
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Yes – in case your scientific qualification has advanced e.g. by an accepted publication with you as first author. Please check the formal requirements you have to meet for the application for a RUB Grant and a Research School Scholarship. Please notice that all doctoral candidates awarded with a Research School Scholarship or a RUB Grant have to meet the formal requirements of a RUB-Internal Application to the Research School.
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Can I apply for a RUB Grant or a Research School Scholarship in case my application has been denied in one of the former application processes?
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Yes – please check the formal requirements you have to meet for the application for a RUB Grant and a Research School Scholarship. Please notice that the date of your diploma or degree must not exceed – as a rule – the period of time of 12 months when applying for a RUB Grant and 6 months when applying for a Research School Scholarship. Please notice that doctoral candidates in all application processes have to meet the same basic formal requirements.
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Can I apply for a Research School Scholarship in case my application for a RUB Grant has been denied?
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Yes – please check the formal requirements you have to meet for the application for a Research School Scholarship. Please notice that the date of your diploma or degree must – as a rule - not exceed a period of time of 6 months when applying. Please notice that doctoral candidates in all application processes have to meet the same basic formal requirements.
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Can I apply for a RUB Grant in case my application for a Research School Scholarship has been denied?
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Yes – please check the formal requirements you have to meet for the application for a RUB-Grant. Please notice that the date of your diploma or degree must – as a rule - not exceed a period of time of 12 months when applying. Please notice that doctoral candidates in all application processes have to meet the same formal requirements.
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I cannot find a clear association between the thematic priorities or the announced research projects for the Research School Scholarships and my PhD subject?
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For a Research School Scholarship you can only apply for the research projects offered on our website – they are already linked to the thematic priorities of the Research School.
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Can I apply with my own research project for a RUB Grant or a Research School Scholarship?
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You have to apply for a RUB Grant with your own research project which has to be outlined in a research exposé. For a Research School Scholarship you can only apply for the research projects offered on our website (exception: Section Humanities and Social Sciences; please check the respective website).
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Can I apply for a RUB Grant or a Research School Scholarship in case I already started my PhD project at Ruhr-Universität Bochum?
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Yes, you can apply for a RUB Grant and a Research School Scholarship even if you already started your PhD project. The date of your diploma or degree must – as a rule - not exceed a period of time of 12 months when applying for a RUB Grant and of 6 months when applying for a Research School Scholarship.
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Can I apply for a RUB Grant or a Research School Scholarship without obtaining my final diploma or degree?
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You can apply for a RUB Grant or a Research School Scholarship when you are in the last semester of your course of studies. In this case include a documentation of grades and notes obtained until the date of your application. Please check the announced deadlines for the submission of your final study degree on the application website of the RUB Grant and the Research School Scholarship.
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Can I apply for a RUB Grant or a Research School Scholarship in case I’m already a fellow of the Research School?
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Yes – you can apply for both funding programmes if you are already a Research School fellow.
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Is it possible to apply for both funding programmes – a RUB Grant and a Research School Scholarship?
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Yes – you can apply for both funding programmes; they are announced at different times of the year.
RUB Grant Programme and Research School Scholarship
First and Second Supervisor
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Can I only apply when I have a second supervisor?
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No – you can apply for a RUB Grant and a Research School Scholarship without having a second supervisor. The second supervisor has to be named at the latest 6 months after your admission to the Research School.
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Will the supervisor named in the announced research projects of the Research School Scholarship be my final supervisor?
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Yes, the supervisor named in the research projects will be your final supervisor.
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Can letters of reference be submitted by scientists who are no members of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum?
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Yes – the letters of reference can also be submitted by scientists who are no members of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum. Please notice that you need a confirmation of supervision by one of the scientists of Ruhr-Universität Bochum when applying for a RUB Grant.
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Can my first supervisor support my application for a RUB Grant or a Research School Scholarship by submitting a letter of reference?
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Yes – your first supervisor can support your application by submitting one of the two letters of reference.
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Do I need a confirmation of supervision from a scientist of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum to apply for a RUB Grant or a Research School Scholarship?
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For the application for a RUB Grant you need a confirmation of supervision by a scientist of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum in which she or he states to support your PhD project as first supervisor. When you apply for a Research School Scholarship the supervisor is always the RUB scientist named in the announced research project you apply for. In this case you need no additional confirmation.
RUB Grant Programme and Research School Scholarship
Application Process
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Which forms do I have to use to apply for a RUB Grant?
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The Application Form Grant Programme (please read the notes for guidance at the end of the application form carefully).
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Do you acknowledge maternity leave?
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Yes, we acknowledge maternity leave in all application processes.
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Would it be possible to fax or e-mail the application form to meet the deadline?
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In urgent cases it is possible, however, it must be agreed by the CCO. Original documents must be submitted, duly signed and sent as soon as possible.
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Do I still need authenticated certificates for my application for a RUB Grant or a Research School Scholarship when I am already registered as a doctoral student at Ruhr-Universität Bochum?
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No, it is enough to submit the confirmation stating that you have been accepted (“Zulassung zur Promotion”) as PhD student or that you are already registered as a doctoral student from your faculty. In this case you can submit normal copies of your certificates.
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Are there any places other than embassies and consulates to authenticate credentials/certificates?
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Yes, you can authenticate these documents using either a notary’s act or at the “Asta Office” at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (“Studentenhaus”).
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Do I have to submit a research exposé with my application?
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A research exposé has to be submitted if you apply for a RUB Grant. If you apply for a Research School Scholarship you only have to submit a research exposé in the Section Humanities and Social Science.
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Is it possible to send more than two reference letters to increase my chances of being accepted?
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You can send more than two letters of reference but they will not increase your chances of being accepted. Please send only current letters of reference supporting your application to one of the funding programmes of the Research School.
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Is it possible to send my application without filling in the application form?
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No – we don’t accept applications without the application form. Please take care that the application form is filled in completely and correctly.
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Is it possible to apply in English as well as in German?
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Yes, both languages are acceptable – but please take into consideration that you may be asked to present your research project or your research qualification in English if you are invited to the second stage of the application process for the RUB Grants and Research School Scholarships. Candidates applying for a Research School Scholarship in the Section Humanities and Social Sciences are asked to check possible language information provided in the project descriptions.
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Which forms do I have to use to apply for a Research School Scholarship?
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The Application Form Research School Scholarship (please read the notes for guidance at the end of the application form carefully).
Membership within the Research School
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How can I resign from the RS?
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Please submit a formal letter to the Dean of the Research School.
Category: Membership within the Research School -
When does my membership end?
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Your membership ends when you get your PhD certificate. Afterwards you can become an Alumni of the Research School.
Category: Membership within the Research School -
How many years can I be a member of the Research School?
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We stipulate a maximum time of 5 years membership to the RS. Your membership ends when you finish your doctorate. After a successful doctoral degree the former members are regarded as Alumni.
Category: Membership within the Research School -
Do I require a minimum membership time period in the Research School?
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The Research School expects a minimum membership of 12 months.
Category: Membership within the Research School
1.000,- € Allowance per annum
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Can I apply only for the 1.000,- Euro Allowance?
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No – you can apply for a full membership of the Research School, which means first of all to follow the structured doctoral training programme of the Research School and become a member of the highly interdisciplinary community of doctoral fellows. The 1.000,- Euro Allowance is awarded on top to support your PhD project.
Category: 1.000,- € Allowance per annum -
Who is the “owner” of the materials that have been bought using the 1000 € allowance?
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All materials that have been bought using the allowance, formally belong to the Ruhr-Universität Bochum („Inventarisierung nach dem Landeshaushaltsgsetz“) – but you are privileged to use these materials, books, equipment etc.
Category: 1.000,- € Allowance per annum -
Is it possible to transfer the 1000 € allowance from one year to another in order to use it for a bigger conference in the following year?
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Please check the information on the respective website of the Research School.
Category: 1.000,- € Allowance per annum -
How do you award the 1000 € allowance?
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Until the end of the year 2011 - the Research School assures every fellow of the Research School a 1000- € lump sum/ per year for consumables and travels (for the years 2010 and 2011). The allowance will be awarded with the formal admission to the Research School. For further details check the following website: www.research-school.rub.de/application.html
Category: 1.000,- € Allowance per annum
Individual Training and Supervision Plan
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Will the yearly report be examined by the Research School?
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No – only in cases of severe problems in finishing the PhD the Executive Board will take into account the yearly reports.
Category: Individual Training and Supervision Plan -
Do I have to hand in the yearly report every year?
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Yes – please hand in the yearly report at the beginning of December of each year while you are a member of the Research School. You can fill in the short version in case you regularly discuss your results with your supervisor in a colloquia or submit a written research report.
Category: Individual Training and Supervision Plan -
How should I fill in the Individual Training Plan?
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Please fill in the Individual Training Plan those activities which should be acknowledged within the structured research training programme of the Research School. In case you are a member of another structured training programme you just have to fill in the activities you specially realise within the Research School and all activities in Generic Skills. You can send the Individual Training Plan to the Central Coordination Office in advance to get your activities acknowledged with the respective Credit Points.
Category: Individual Training and Supervision Plan -
Do I have to hand in the Letter of Acceptance?
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Please hand in the Letter of Accpetance at least 4 weeks after your admission to the Research School.
Category: Individual Training and Supervision Plan -
Do all fellows have to follow the ITSP?
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Yes
Category: Individual Training and Supervision Plan