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

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 'Click here to apply!' 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?
Are you passionate about science and excited to meet people around the world who share your interests? Do you want to work together to drive scientific advancement and innovation?
Would you like to pursue an English-taught program, which is led by world-renowned scientists where you can put your brilliant ideas into practice at Germany’s top universities and research institutions?

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

About us

We are a highly interdisciplinary program that connects chemistry, physics, and biology to fundamentally understand life.

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.

All lectures, seminars, and events are conducted in English, so German language skills are not required.

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.

We offer

🧬 INTERDISCIPLINARITY AND INTERNATIONALITY

One of the highlights of our program is to lead you to get on board with interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research. You’ll collaborate with peers from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds which will not only help you to stimulate new ideas, but also make your research journey successful.

👥 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 RESEARCH

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 LOCATIONS

Our two Master locations, Göttigen and Heidelberg University have a long tradition of its excellent academic performance and have the most Nobel Prize winners in Germany. The traditional but also vivid cities will let you fully engage in your daily life and carry out your research project.

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