A Masters and a PhD, fully funded in Germany, in one single programme. That is what the Max Planck School Matter to Life offers excellent graduates from around the world for its 2027 intake.
The programme is an integrated MSc and PhD. You start with a two year Masters at Heidelberg University or the University of Gottingen, depending on your specialisation, and then move into a three year PhD phase in one of more than 80 faculty laboratories. The research asks a big question: what is life, and can life like processes be described, predicted and created in the laboratory? The work crosses physics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, materials science and engineering, and the whole programme is taught in English.
Funding is built in from the start. During the Masters phase you receive a stipend of EUR 1,565 per month, with support for health insurance where applicable, and there are no tuition fees. In the PhD phase you move onto a paid research employment contract under the German public service agreement. That means you can concentrate on your studies and research instead of worrying about how to pay for them.
To apply, you need a strong Bachelors degree in a relevant natural science or engineering field, with solid coursework in the sciences and mathematics, and English language proficiency. Applicants educated in China, India or Vietnam also need an APS verification certificate, unless their qualification was earned in Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan. There is no application fee, and recommendation letters are not required.
Applications for the 2027 intake are open from 1 September to 1 December 2026 through the official Max Planck Schools application portal. Prepare your transcripts and certificates early, complete the online motivation form carefully, and submit well before the deadline.
Apply here: https://mattertolife.maxplanckschools.org/home
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