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 starts here – from your Master’s directly to a PhD

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?

Join a global network of leading scientists, gain access to world-class research facilities, and receive full funding for up to five years.

During your first two years, you’ll explore interdisciplinary science at top German universities. Then, you’ll move directly into a three-year PhD within our excellent Fellow network, developing the research ideas you began in your Master’s phase.

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START YOUR APPLICATION

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.

👥 Unique and Innovative Network

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.

💸 Full Funding - no Tuition Fees

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.

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.

Ready to apply? Here’s how you can join us:

Application Deadline: December 1^st, 2026

1. Gather your necessary certificates

2. Prepare your motivation letter (using the template in the application portal)

3. Submit your application via our portal

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CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY

Get to know our Integrated Master/PhD Program

Watch a presentation about the MPS MtL and our Integrated Master/PhD Program

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yRQ0Fu4mJ4

Any further questions?

Join us at our info sessions!

From 1 September to 1 December 2026, you can apply for the Integrated MSc/PhD Program 2027. Join one of our free info sessions on Zoom to get an overview, to connect with coordinators and MtL students and to directly ask us any questions you may still have!