Overview
The Max Planck School of Matter to Life is a collaborative graduate programme in Germany, emphasising the quantitative modelling of life processes and biological dynamics. The 5-year programme includes a master’s phase at Heidelberg University and the University of Goettingen, with a scholarship of 1500 EUR/month for the first two years, followed by a PhD … Read more
Complete scholarship details
The Max Planck School of Matter to Life is a collaborative graduate programme in Germany, emphasising the quantitative modelling of life processes and biological dynamics. The 5-year programme includes a master’s phase at Heidelberg University and the University of Goettingen, with a scholarship of 1500 EUR/month for the first two years, followed by a PhD phase. It invites applications from motivated students worldwide.
Application Deadline:
1 December 2026 (11:59 p.m.) . Applications for the 2027 intake opened on 1 September 2026 and must be submitted through the official Max Planck Schools application portal.
Tell Me About The Award:
The Max Planck School of Matter to Life is a fully funded integrated master’s to PhD programme in Germany. The programme is jointly offered by leading German universities and research institutions and focuses on understanding the fundamental principles of life through physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering.
Students begin with a two-year joint Master’s programme at Heidelberg University and the University of Göttingen , followed by a funded three-year PhD phase. The programme addresses questions such as, ‘What is life?’ And can life-like processes be described, predicted, and created in the laboratory?
Which Fields are Eligible?
Eligible academic backgrounds include:
Chemistry
Physics
Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Materials Science
Biotechnology
Molecular Systems Engineering
Bioengineering
Related Natural Sciences
Related Engineering Disciplines
Type:
Fully Funded Integrated Master’s and PhD Programme.
Who can apply?
Applicants must have, or obtain before enrolment:
A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field, or
A Bachelor of Engineering degree in a relevant field, or
An equivalent natural science or engineering qualification comprising at least six semesters (three academic years).
Additional requirements include:
Strong academic performance.
Significant coursework in natural sciences and mathematics.
English language proficiency.
Students who already hold a master’s degree may apply but must still begin in the master’s phase.
How are applicants selected?
Selection is based on:
Academic excellence.
Relevance of previous studies.
Motivation and research potential.
Academic transcripts and qualifications.
Fulfilment of programme requirements.
Recommendation letters are not required and not accepted .
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Applicants of all nationalities are eligible to apply.
Where will the award be taken?
Germany, primarily at:
Heidelberg University
University of Göttingen
Partner Max Planck Institutes and research organisations
How Many Awards?
The number of awards is not specified in the programme information.
What is the benefit of the award?
During the master’s phase (2 years), students receive:
Monthly scholarship of approximately €1,500 to €1,565
Up to €100 monthly health insurance support where applicable
No tuition fees
During the PhD phase (3 years), students receive:
A fully funded research employment contract under German public-sector salary agreements (typically TV-L E13 or TVöD)
How Long Will the Award Last?
The programme lasts five years :
2-year master’s phase
3-year PhD phase
How to Apply:
Register through the official Max Planck Schools application portal.
Select “Max Planck School Matter to Life – Graduate Program”.
Choose your preferred study focus in Heidelberg or Göttingen.
Upload academic certificates, transcripts, and certified translations where required.
Complete the online motivation form.
Submit the application before the deadline.
Applicants from China, India, and Vietnam must also provide an APS certificate unless their qualification was obtained in Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan.
Host Country: Germany
English Language Requirements: Accepted proofs include:
IELTS: 6.5
TOEFL iBT: 90
TOEFL Paper-Based: 570
Cambridge Advanced (C1)
Other recognised equivalents
English requirements may be waived for applicants who completed eligible English-taught studies or qualifying professional experience in an English-speaking country.
Visit the Application Webpage for Details
Tips for this scholarship
Practical JobOpportunity guidance. These tips do not replace official rules or create new eligibility requirements.
- Check eligibility, funding coverage, study/project level and every required document before investing time in the application.
- Prepare transcripts, references, language tests, proposal/motivation statement and proof documents early.
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