International Max Planck Research School Scholarship for Ph.D. students in Germany 2023

Application is now open for the International Max Planck Research School Scholarship. Interested applicants are encouraged to send their applications in before the deadline date.

About International Max Planck Research School and Scholarship

German Institute for postgraduate education and Research in the life sciences is known as the International Max Planck Research School for Molecular Life Sciences (short: IMPRS-LS). It is one of more than 60 International Max Planck Research Schools in Germany. It was started in 2005 and is based in Munich. 

The International Max Planck Research School Ph.D. award is a fully financed award for international students. The contract covers health insurance, pension contributions, and other social benefits. After taxes and deductions, Ph.D. students’ monthly take-home compensation is at least 1,700 euros.

International students who plan to pursue doctorate studies at the International Max Planck Research School in Germany are welcome to apply to the IMPRS Ph.D. Program in Science. To address the question, “How do cells form tissues and organisms?,” the International Max Planck Research School for Cell, Developmental, and Systems Biology educates bright young doctoral researchers based in three different Dresden locations. The school integrates biology, physics, chemistry, and computer science. The Ph.D. students in the school are enthusiastic about interdisciplinary science and are pursuing novel academic interests.

Young researchers with expertise and originality who are naturally interested and eager for novel solutions are encouraged to apply to the International Max Planck Research School. Successful candidates have a strong desire to influence the direction of research and the ability to succeed in a highly competitive, multidisciplinary environment.

Details about International Max Planck Research School Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsor: International Max Planck Research School, Germany

Scholarship Value: Fully Funded

Number of awards: N/A

Study level: Doctoral (PhD)

Host Institution(s): International Max Planck Research School, Germany

Courses Offered: Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer science, Applied Mathematics, Life Sciences, Engineering

Benefits:

The benefits of receiving an international Max Planck Research School Scholarship include:

• The IMPRS-CellDevoSys promises complete financial assistance for the full four-year period of your Ph.D. studies. The maximum duration of a Ph.D. project in the IMPRS is four years.
• An employment contract is used to provide financial assistance to employees by the 65% TvöD E13 (German tariff for employees in public service).
• The contract includes health insurance, pension contributions, and other social benefits. After taxes and deductions, Ph.D. students’ monthly take-home compensation is at least 1,700 Euros.

International Max Planck Research School Scholarship – Eligibility Criteria

Applicants are advised to meet the following conditions to be eligible for the International Max Planck Research School Scholarship:

• English is a required language.
• If you have available TOEFL or IELTS scores, you are advised to present them with your application.
• All nations in the world are eligible.
• Admission is purely determined by past scientific training and potential. This guarantees the fair and transparent hiring of just the most eligible applicants.
• Before beginning your thesis work, you must be a university graduate or have a graduation date set.
• It is crucial to have an outstanding understanding of textbook science. Collegiality and enthusiasm are also essential.
• Before beginning their Ph.D. thesis, candidates must already have, or plan to get, a Master’s degree in one of the following fields: life sciences, biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, applied mathematics, or engineering. 
• Given that the program includes independent research and a written thesis, candidates with exceptional BSc degrees are also invited to apply.
• Applications should show a high level of spoken and written English competence because English is the program’s working language. If you can, submit your application together with your TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• “Internal candidates” are individuals who have been connected to an IMPRS group for more than three months. Candidates from inside are often admissible. If they had a prior association with the group for no longer than 12 months, they may join that group for their Ph.D. thesis work.
• In-house applicants must exhibit exceptional performance and the greatest potential to be invited for interviews.

Evaluation Process

• Applications that have been submitted and are eligible will be evaluated. The initial review is conducted by internal specialists of the relevant educational system and takes into account the applicants’ home country’s educational system.
• During the review process, the school may also conduct interviews over the phone or via Skype. Applications that meet the requirements are suggested to faculty members for additional review. The applicants who will be invited to Dresden for the interview week are jointly shortlisted by them.

Application Process for International Max Planck Research School Scholarship

To apply for this scholarship, please follow these instructions:

• Learn about the school’s research and featured open positions.
• Make sure you qualify and are enthusiastic about working on research with the school.
• Request two references to back up your application.
• Fill out the application form.
• If your references have provided their recommendation, you can submit it.

What Next?

• After submission, allow 8 to 12 weeks for your application to get its initial evaluation.
• If you succeed in this preliminary phase, the school will invite you to a meeting with the IMPRS Head and members of the Admission Committee for an interview. This is a broad eligibility assessment based on your scientific training.
• If the interview with the admissions committee goes well, you can apply to be a predoctoral researcher at the university.
• Then they’ll find a mate! To select the best project for your skill set, you’ll conduct one-on-one interviews with group leaders. These interviews are intended to help you locate a new scientific community. This procedure will benefit from the assistance of the IMPRS Head. Unfortunately, the school cannot keep your application if no match is made or if a match is not expected for six months.
• Depending on the project, your preferences, and those of your hosting group, the start time is adjustable.

Submission Deadline: Applications are accepted at any time.

Not interested in this particular scholarship? See other Germany scholarships here.