Apply to Integrated MSc/PhD Program of the Max Planck School Matter to Life

Young female scientist looking through a microscope with promotional text about starting a scientific career, including research opportunities, global scientist network, full financial support, and a yellow 'Apply now!' button.

Your journey begins here

Are you an undergraduate student majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, bioengineering, or related subjects? Are you looking to further your studies in an interdisciplinary program, that combines these research fields?

Then the Max Planck School Matter to Life (MPS MtL) is your perfect choice!

We offer an integrated Master's/PhD program that takes you from your Master’s studies directly into a PhD. In your first two years, you’ll explore interdisciplinary science during your Master’s studies. After that, you’ll move directly into a 3-year PhD, continuing the research ideas you’ve begun to develop.

Infographic showing the stages of the Integrated Graduate Program at Max Planck School Matter to Life: Onboarding with virtual kickoff and peer support, Master's phase at the Universities of Göttingen and Heidelberg, PhD research in Matter to Life labs, and Alumni engagement for collaboration and career development.

What can you expect?

🧬 Interdisciplinarity and Internationality

Get on board with interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research! Our entirely English program connects you with peers from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds.

👥 Professionality and Efficiency

As part of Germany’s innovative graduate education network you will participate in a wide range of courses related to your research field during your Master’s. Small cohort sizes ensure close contact with other researchers and individualized feedback from your supervisor.

🔬 Frontier Infrastructure

Our labs are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, to which you have access at any time. In addition, we hold numerous symposia, scientific events, and international conferences around the year giving you a first-hand view of emerging research trends.

💸 Financial Support

Being enrolled in the MPS MtL program you will receive full funding during your Master as well as PhD studies so that you can freely choose your desired direction and focus entirely on your research project.

🏛️ Excellent Faculty

Learn from world-renowned scientists and take part in pioneering research at leading German research institutions

How to join us?

For detailed information regarding the admission requirements, application procedure and deadline, please click here.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Motivation letter
Transcript of records
English language certificate (until the start of the program)
APS for candidates from China and Vietnam
Application: Via our application portal
Deadline: 1^st of December 2025