Max Planck School Matter to Life Scholarship 2026 Open
Have you ever wondered what life really is—and if its mysteries could be recreated in the lab? The Max Planck School Matter to Life (MtL) in Germany is inviting international students to be part of a groundbreaking journey that fuses physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering to answer life’s deepest questions. With a fully funded track from Master’s to PhD, this program isn’t just a scholarship—it’s your chance to transform curiosity into cutting-edge science.
Funding Package
The MtL program offers one of the most generous and structured academic packages in Europe:
- Master’s Phase (2 years at Heidelberg University & University of Göttingen): €1,500 per month scholarship for living expenses.
- PhD Phase (3 years at Max Planck Institutes & partner universities): Full employment contract as a scientific researcher.
- Access to world-class labs, interdisciplinary training, and mentoring by leading German professors and researchers.
This is a 5-year direct track program—meaning you don’t need to apply separately for a PhD after your Master’s.
Eligibility Checks
Applications are welcome from motivated international students with a strong academic background. You must hold at least one of the following qualifications by the program start:
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Physics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Materials Science, Biotechnology.
- Bachelor of Engineering in Molecular Systems Engineering, Bioengineering, or related fields.
- Equivalent degree in a natural science or engineering discipline (minimum six semesters).
Above all, MtL looks for students with curiosity, passion for interdisciplinary research, and a drive to push boundaries in science.
Application Submission Timeline
The Max Planck School Matter to Life (MtL) Scholarship 2026 in Germany follows a well-defined application schedule that every international student must keep in mind. Applications officially open on 1 September 2025 and the final application deadline is 1 December 2025. The program will commence in October 2026, giving successful candidates plenty of time to prepare for relocation and academic planning.
Required Documents
To be considered for the Max Planck School Matter to Life Master’s to PhD program, applicants must prepare a complete set of documents. These include official academic transcripts from your Bachelor’s degree and a degree certificate (or provisional certificate if the final one is pending).
You must also provide a well-structured Curriculum Vitae (CV) showcasing your research experience, internships, skills, and achievements. A strong motivation letter explaining your passion for Matter to Life research is essential, along with proof of English language proficiency such as TOEFL, IELTS, or an equivalent test score (if required). In addition, you must submit two recommendation letters from professors, supervisors, or professional referees, and a valid passport copy for identification purposes.
Why Choose This Program?
The Max Planck School Matter to Life is not just a scholarship—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be trained in an environment where physics meets biology, and theory meets experiment. You’ll become part of a global research community, working on projects that may redefine how we understand life itself.
Apply: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/funding/max-planck-school-matter-life-masters-phd-germany.
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