International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) PhD Positions

Max Planck Society (Max-Planck-Gesellschaft) & Partner German Universities

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

A master's degree with strong results and good English, in the subject of the school (for example physics needs a master's thesis of at least six months). Open to all nationalities, including Bangladeshi applicants. You apply to each IMPRS school separately.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Operating 65+ specialized graduate schools across Germany in partnership with leading German universities (such as LMU Munich, TU Munich, Heidelberg, Göttingen, Leipzig, and ETH/EPFL partners), the International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) provide world-class structured PhD training entirely in English. Admitted doctoral researchers receive standard German public-sector employment contracts (TVöD E13) or generous tax-free fellowships for 3 to 4 years.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. A master's degree with strong results and good English, in the subject of the school (for example physics needs a master's thesis of at least six months). Open to all nationalities, including Bangladeshi applicants. You apply to each IMPRS school separately.
2. Note the deadline. Sep – Jan (main calls; many schools have one to three calls a year - for example the physics school closes in late January, May and September) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Academic Transcripts & Certificates: Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts and degree certificates.; Letter of Motivation & Lab Preferences: Statement detailing your scientific background and ranking your top 3 prospective Max Planck Principal Investigators (PIs).; Master’s Thesis Abstract & CV: 1–2 page summary of your Master’s research project and full academic CV.; Confidential Reference Letters: 2 to 3 letters uploaded directly by referees to the IMPRS portal..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Scientific Committee Screening of Academic Record & Research Experience → Online Pre-Interview → 2-to-3-Day Selection Symposium (Research Talk, 1-on-1 Interviews with Max Planck Directors/PIs, and Lab Rotations/Discussions).

Profile of past winners

Hands-on experimental and computational Master’s graduates who articulate a deep understanding of the specific Max Planck lab's recent papers and excel during the interactive selection symposium.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
4. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
5. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
6. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) PhD Positions?

A master's degree with strong results and good English, in the subject of the school (for example physics needs a master's thesis of at least six months). Open to all nationalities, including Bangladeshi applicants. You apply to each IMPRS school separately.

What does International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) PhD Positions cover?

Funded PhD positions (a three-year contract that can be extended by a year) with no tuition fees; salary or stipend differs by school

When is the deadline for International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) PhD Positions?

Sep – Jan (main calls; many schools have one to three calls a year - for example the physics school closes in late January, May and September) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) PhD Positions?

Host countries: Germany.

What documents do I need for International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) PhD Positions?

Academic Transcripts & Certificates: Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts and degree certificates.; Letter of Motivation & Lab Preferences: Statement detailing your scientific background and ranking your top 3 prospective Max Planck Principal Investigators (PIs).; Master’s Thesis Abstract & CV: 1–2 page summary of your Master’s research project and full academic CV.; Confidential Reference Letters: 2 to 3 letters uploaded directly by referees to the IMPRS portal..

How are applicants selected for International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) PhD Positions?

Scientific Committee Screening of Academic Record & Research Experience → Online Pre-Interview → 2-to-3-Day Selection Symposium (Research Talk, 1-on-1 Interviews with Max Planck Directors/PIs, and Lab Rotations/Discussions).

How much work is the International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) PhD Positions application?

High: Online IMPRS Portal Application + Motivation Letter + Master’s Thesis Summary + 2–3 Referee Reports + Multi-Stage Symposium Interview