Max Planck School Matter to Life Scholarship 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded
The Matter to Life scholarship in Germany offers a fully funded 5-year integrated Master’s and PhD programme with monthly financial support and a subsequent research employment contract.
Overview
The Max Planck School Matter to Life Scholarship supports an integrated five-year Master’s and PhD programme in Germany, focusing on the quantitative modelling of life processes and biological dynamics. The first two years comprise a master’s phase at Heidelberg University and the University of Göttingen, followed by a funded PhD phase. The initiative is hosted by the Max Planck School of Matter to Life alongside partner Max Planck Institutes and participating universities.
Benefits
- Monthly scholarship stipend ranging from approximately €1,500 to €1,565 during the master’s phase.
- Up to €100 monthly support for health insurance where applicable.
- Exemption from tuition fees.
- A fully funded research employment contract under German public-sector salary agreements, such as TV-L E13 or TVöD, during the PhD phase.
Eligibility
- Open to applicants of all nationalities.
- Requires a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, or equivalent natural science or engineering qualification spanning at least six semesters or three academic years.
- Targeted academic backgrounds include chemistry, physics, molecular biology, biochemistry, materials science, biotechnology, bioengineering, and related disciplines.
- Must demonstrate strong academic performance, relevant coursework in natural sciences and mathematics, and English language proficiency.
- Applicants from China, India, and Vietnam must provide an APS certificate unless their qualification was earned in Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan.
How to Apply
Candidates must register through the official application portal, select the Matter to Life graduate programme, choose their preferred study focus location in Heidelberg or Göttingen, upload required academic documents and certified translations, complete the online motivation form, and submit everything before the deadline.
Deadline
The application deadline for the 2027 intake is 1 December 2026.