Max Planck School Matter to Life Scholarship 2027 Application Method Simplified
Applications are now open worldwide for the fully funded Max Planck School Matter to Life Integrated MSc/PhD Program 2027-2028 in Germany. Selected students enter a two-year joint Master’s degree at Heidelberg University and the University of Göttingen before progressing to a three-year funded PhD research phase.
What Does the Max Planck Matter to Life Funding Cover?
The program provides financial support throughout both the Master’s and doctoral phases. During the two-year Master’s phase, scholars receive a monthly stipend of €1,565 and, where applicable, up to €100 toward health insurance. The program reports no tuition fees, while the stipend is intended to cover living costs and study-related fees.
After successfully completing the Master’s phase, candidates entering the three-year PhD phase receive a researcher employment contract under the applicable German public-service wage agreement, normally TVöD or TV-L E13.
Who Can Apply for the 2027 Intake?
Applicants from any country may apply if they hold, or will complete before enrolment, a suitable undergraduate degree. Relevant qualifications include:
- A Bachelor of Science in chemistry, physics, molecular biology, biochemistry, materials science, biotechnology or a related field;
- A Bachelor of Engineering in bioengineering, molecular systems engineering or another relevant discipline; or
- A related natural-science or engineering qualification comprising at least six semesters or three academic years.
Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree are also eligible, but they cannot enter directly into the PhD phase. Every admitted candidate begins with the Matter to Life Master’s phase.
Academic eligibility normally requires a German-equivalent grade of at least 1.7 or official evidence that the applicant ranked within the top five percent of the graduating class. At least 50 percent of completed credits must relate to natural sciences, including mathematics, and one-third of those natural-science credits should be in physics, chemistry or mathematics.
Is IELTS Required for the Matter to Life Scholarship?
Non-native English speakers need English proof for admission, but they may submit the scholarship application before taking the test. Accepted evidence includes TOEFL paper-based 570, TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS 6.5, UNIcert II with at least grade 2.3, NULTE B2+ or Cambridge Advanced English at C1 level.
The test may be waived for applicants who completed an English-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s program, or at least two years of relevant study or professional activity in an English-speaking country, subject to official documentary proof. For the 2027 intake, outstanding English evidence must be submitted by July 15, 2027.
How Can International Students Apply?
Only one online application is required through the official Max Planck Schools portal.
- Open the official application page and register in the portal.
- Select “Max Planck School Matter to Life – Graduate Program.”
- Choose the preferred study focus in Göttingen or Heidelberg.
- Upload official degree certificates, transcripts and certified translations where required.
- Complete the portal’s motivation-letter form; separately prepared motivation letters are not accepted.
- Submit the complete application before the deadline. Recommendation letters are neither required nor accepted.
Applicants educated in China, India or Vietnam must also provide an APS verification certificate, except for qualifications obtained in Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan.
How Late You Can Submit an Application?
The last date to apply for the Max Planck School Matter to Life Integrated MSc/PhD Program 2027 is December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Applications opened on September 1, 2026, and must be submitted through the official Max Planck Schools application portal.