Advance your research career in Germany with excellent news — applications are now open for the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) PhD Scholarship. This guide outlines all the essential information about the program, the financial support offered, and the full application process.

The IMPRS PhD Scholarship 2025-2026 is a fully funded doctoral award available to outstanding international candidates. The funding package includes comprehensive health coverage, retirement contributions, and additional social benefits. Doctoral researchers receive a minimum monthly stipend of €1,700 net, after taxes and deductions.

The International Max Planck Research School for Cell, Developmental, and Systems Biology provides a world-class training environment for PhD candidates. Located in Dresden, the program is spread across three research institutes and integrates disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science. With faculty and collaborators from more than 50 countries, the school encourages cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary work on key scientific challenges, including fundamental questions like: How do cells assemble into tissues and organisms?

IMPRS actively seeks innovative and ambitious young scientists who are naturally inquisitive and motivated to explore new frontiers in research. Selected scholars demonstrate both academic excellence and leadership potential, with the ability to succeed in a competitive, collaborative, and interdisciplinary scientific setting.

Scholarship Summary

• Level of Study: Doctoral (PhD)

• Institution(s): International Max Planck Research School

• Study in: Germany

• Courses Offered:

  • Physics

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Computer science

  • Applied Mathematics

  • Life Sciences

  • Engineering

• Program Period: 4 Years

• Deadline: Applications are accepted at any time

Scholarship Coverage

International Max Planck Research School PhD Scholarship provide the recipient with the following benefits:

• The IMPRS-CellDevoSys guarantees full financial support for the entire duration of your PhD work, i.e, up to 4 years. PhD projects in the IMPRS cannot extend beyond 4 years.

• Financial support is granted via an employment contract according to 65% TvöD E13 (German tariff for employees in civil service).

• Health insurance, pension contribution, and other social benefits are included in the contract. The net take-home pay for PhD students (after taxes and deductions) is a minimum of 1,700 Euro per month.

Eligibility Criteria for International Max Planck Research School PhD Scholarship

To be eligible for International Max Planck Research School PhD Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Required Language: English.
  We recommend including TOEFL or IELTS results with your application if available.

• Eligible Countries: All World Countries

• Admission is based solely on prior scientific qualifications and future potential. This ensures the recruitment of only the highest qualified candidates in a fair and transparent manner.

• You must hold a university degree or have a scheduled graduation date before starting your thesis work.

• Distinctive proficiency in textbook scientific knowledge is essential. Enthusiasm and collegiality are also vital.

• Applicants must hold, or anticipate receiving, a Master’s Degree in Life Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or Engineering before taking up PhD thesis work. Applicants holding an excellent BSc degree are also welcome to apply, given that independent research and a written thesis is part of the curriculum.

• As English is the working language of the program, applicants should demonstrate a high level of spoken and written English proficiency. We recommend including TOEFL or IELTS results with your application if available.

• Candidates previously affiliated with an IMPRS group for more than 3 months are considered “internal candidates”. In general, internal candidates are eligible for admission. They may join a research group for PhD thesis work if the previous affiliation with this group did not exceed 12 months.

• Internal candidates must demonstrate outstanding performance and the highest potential in order to be invited for interviews.

• Evaluation Process

  • Completed eligible applications will proceed to evaluation. The first evaluation takes into account the applicants’ national education system, and is carried out by internal experts of the respective educational system.

  • Additionally, we may conduct phone or Skype interviews during the evaluation process. Qualified applications are recommended to faculty members for further assessment. They jointly short-list the candidates to be invited for the interview week in Dresden.

How to Apply for International Max Planck Research School PhD Scholarship?

Please follow the following steps to avail this scholarship:

• Acquaint yourself with our research and featured open positions

• Make sure that you qualify and are passionate about doing research with us

• Ask 2 referees to support your application

• Complete the application form

• Submit once your referees have contributed their recommendation

Website

To know more about International Max Planck Research School PhD Scholarship, please visit the  official website:

Official Website