Overview
PhD / Doctoral Studies
Description
PhD / Doctoral Studies
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Academic Requirements
Hold an excellent Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
Must be highly motivated for PhD-level research.
Must NOT have completed a PhD previously.
Must have graduated within six years before April 30, 2026.
Language Requirements
Very good English skills
Willingness to learn basic German
Residency Requirements
Must be a non-German citizen
Must not have lived in Germany for over 15 months as of April 30, 2026
Program-Specific Requirements
Must submit a research proposal aligned with IMPRS-BAC fields.
Should be prepared for structured PhD training and advisory committees.
Additional Information
Degree Level
PhD / Doctoral Studies
Available Subjects
The DAAD-GSSP scholarships at IMPRS-BAC support research in:
Biology
Computation & Algorithm Development
Molecular Biology
Genomic Sciences
Statistics
Artificial Intelligence for Molecular Genetics
Bioinformatics
Systems Biology
Doctoral candidates work on a research project aligned with the research group of their chosen supervisor.
Benefits
Successful candidates receive extensive financial and academic support, including:
Monthly Funding
€1,400 per month scholarship stipend
Additional Financial Support
Travel allowance
Health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage
Annual research allowance:
€460 (applicants from DAC-listed countries)
€260 (applicants from other countries)
Possible Extra Benefits
Monthly rent subsidy (€50–125 approx.)
Family allowances:
Approx. €200 per child
Approx. €275 marriage allowance
Additional funding for applicants with disabilities or chronic illness
Preparatory German language course
Annual material resources and supervision allowance (€1,000)
Academic & Research Benefits
Full membership at IMPRS-BAC
State-of-the-art labs at the MPI for Molecular Genetics
PhD degree from Freie Universität Berlin
Structured supervision via a thesis advisory committee
Advanced scientific courses and professional development
Funding for international conferences and workshops
Access to a thriving, diverse research community in Berlin
Eligible Nationalities
Open to all international (non-German) applicants
Applicants must not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months by April 30, 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Academic Requirements
Hold an excellent Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
Must be highly motivated for PhD-level research.
Must NOT have completed a PhD previously.
Must have graduated within six years before April 30, 2026.
Language Requirements
Very good English skills
Willingness to learn basic German
Residency Requirements
Must be a non-German citizen
Must not have lived in Germany for over 15 months as of April 30, 2026
Program-Specific Requirements
Must submit a research proposal aligned with IMPRS-BAC fields.
Should be prepared for structured PhD training and advisory committees.
Application Procedure
Follow these steps to apply:
1. Apply via IMPRS-BAC Application Portal
Prepare the required documents and submit them online.
2. IMPRS-BAC Admission Review
The school evaluates applications based on:
Academic excellence
Research fit and motivation
References
Research proposal quality
3. Nomination to DAAD
Admitted candidates may be nominated for the DAAD-GSSP scholarship.
4. Submit Documents to DAAD
Nominated candidates must submit a full DAAD application within 3 weeks.
5. Final DAAD Decision
DAAD reviews the nomination and issues the final award decision.
6. Begin Your PhD in Berlin
Start your program between July 1–November 1, 2026.
Application Timeline 2026 Cycle
Application Deadline: January 7, 2026 (18:00 CET)
IMPRS-BAC nomination to DAAD: by April 30, 2026
DAAD final decision: mid-June to mid-August 2026
Scholarship Start: Between July 1 and November 1, 2026
Required Documents
CV (without photo)
Academic transcripts and certificates
Master’s degree proof
Research proposal
Motivation letter
Reference letters
Proof of English proficiency (if required)
Any additional documents requested by IMPRS-BAC or DAAD
Selection Criteria
Academic achievements
Strong motivation for PhD research
Quality of research proposal
Relevant background in molecular or computational sciences
References and recommendation letters
Commitment to diversity, scientific excellence, and gender equality
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
Who can apply for the DAAD-GSSP scholarships at IMPRS-BAC? Any international (non-German) student with an excellent Master’s degree in biology, computation, molecular genetics, or related fields who meets DAAD residency rules.
Do I need previous research experience? Yes, applicants should have strong academic preparation and research experience relevant to their proposed PhD topic.
Can I apply if I already live in Germany? Only if you have not lived in Germany for more than 15 months by April 30, 2026.
Is knowledge of German required? No, but candidates should be willing to learn basic German. English proficiency is essential.
How competitive is the program? Highly competitive. Selection is based strictly on academic excellence, research potential, and suitability for the IMPRS-BAC research environment.
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Card
Funding
Fully Funded
Organization
Max Planck Research School for Biology And Computation (IMPRS-BAC)
Degree
PhD
Subjects
Biology, Computational Biology
Nationality
International Students
Country
Germany
Source
Information provided by scholarships_ads.