Max Planck School Graduate Scholarships Fall 2025

About the program

The Max Planck Schools offer a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research in fields such as Cognition, Matter to Life, and Photonics. Application portals for the Fall 2025 intake are now open, inviting ambitious and promising candidates from all over the world to apply. Discover what makes the Max Planck Schools the perfect environment for pursuing PhD studies in Germany. As a member of the Max Planck Schools, you will become part of a distinguished scientific network comprising 27 top-tier universities and 35 institutes from non-university research organizations across Germany. This joint graduate program brings together some of the country’s leading scientists, providing the chance to pursue topics at the forefront of both fundamental and applied research.

Available Subjects

Photonics
Matter to life
Cognition

Benefits

For Selected individual:

Funding Opportunities

The Max Planck Schools provide a comprehensive full funding package for up to five years, making it possible for students to dedicate themselves fully to research. During the first program phase, typically suited for those with a Bachelor’s degree, students receive a generous scholarship and, if eligible, a subsidy for health insurance and material costs. Upon successful completion of this phase, candidates move into the second phase, where they are offered a contract according to the local Public Service Wage Agreement (TVöD/TV-L, E 13).

Eligible Nationalities

This scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply?

Applications are welcomed from highly motivated and talented individuals from all over the globe. The Max Planck Schools offer an inclusive environment that nurtures the next generation of scientists. The programs are open not only to Master's graduates but also to exceptional Bachelor's graduates looking to establish their scientific careers.

Diverse Applicant Pool: Students from varied academic backgrounds in the sciences are encouraged to apply.
International Opportunities: Join a globally competitive program that emphasizes diversity and excellence.

Application Procedure

How to Apply

Applications for the Fall 2025 intake must be submitted by December 1, 2024, through the exclusive online APPLICATION PORTAL. Each Max Planck School—Cognition, Matter to Life, and Photonics—has a competitive, multi-stage selection process.

Details on the recruitment process for each School can be found here:

Max Planck School of Cognition

Max Planck School Matter to Life

Max Planck School of Photonics

Please make sure to check the individual FAQ sections as well.

follow its instructions to finish all the required application procedures.

Applicants must apply the system as requested within the application period

Note: applications via email are not accepted.