International Programmes 2026/2027

Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München • München

Degree
PhD
Course location
München
In cooperation with

Find out about our network of collaborating research institutions at https://www.gsn.uni-muenchen.de/research/network/index.html.

Teaching language
  • English
Languages

The course language is English.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
6 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
1 December - 15 February
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
Yes
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The GSN-LMU offers a research-oriented, well-structured, and carefully supervised training programme in systemic neurosciences and related fields. The following typical research topics serve as interdisciplinary links between the various fields of systemic neurosciences:

  • single cells to complex systems
  • system analysis to mathematical modelling
  • perception and cognition to mind and neurophilosophy
  • biology to technical solutions

Additional support is offered by the GraduateCenter.

Course organisation

The GSN-LMU will help in educating a new generation of neuroscientists not only to have the ability to develop new approaches and methods, but also to possess a broad understanding of the complexity of the scientific subject and a profound knowledge of the theory of science.

Each doctoral student has an individually assigned thesis committee with whom training measures are discussed and defined. Regular meetings and continuous supervision support doctoral students in mastering their challenging research projects. In addition, the training concept of the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences also incorporates the development of valuable transferable skills.

Scientific and social networking, enhanced by the contacts offered through the international research network of the Munich Center for Neurosciences - Brain & Mind, round off the research training within the GSN-LMU.

A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Training in intercultural skills
  • Courses are led with foreign partners
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester
None
Semester contribution

Basic fee of 97 EUR + additional fee for the Deutschland-Ticket

https://www.lmu.de/en/workspace-for-students/abc-study-guide/semester-ticket/index.html

Costs of living

See our "Life in Munich" webpage for more information: https://www.gsn.uni-muenchen.de/apply/living_in_munich/index.html.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

In general, PhD students receive funding from their supervising research group. More details are available at https://www.gsn.uni-muenchen.de/apply/funding/index.html.

Academic admission requirements

Applicants must hold an MSc or equivalent degree in biology, psychology, medicine, physics, or related fields. Exceptionally qualified students holding a Bachelor's degree can apply for the PhD fast-track programme.

German language skills
No minimum language level required
English language skills
C1 required/recommended, no proof required
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
1 December - 15 February
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Submit application via
Please check this website.
Accommodation

The International Office helps visiting academics, PhD students, and postdocs who are travelling to Munich for a set period of time to find accommodation.

For further information, please visit the following link: https://www.lmu.de/en/study/important-contacts/international-office/index.html

Rooms in shared flats are popular on the private market and reasonably priced at 400-600 EUR per month if located in central parts of Munich.

https://www.lmu.de/en/about-lmu/working-at-lmu/additional-services/lmu-gateway/new-international-doctoral-candidates/phase-1-preparing-your-move-to-munich/index.html

Structured research and supervision
Yes
Research training / discussion
Yes
Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals

Individual counselling, regular talks from representatives in academia and industry on career-related topics, alumni support of graduating students, etc.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Tutors
  • Accompanying programme
  • Specialist counselling
  • Cultural and linguistic preparation
  • Visa matters
  • Buddy programme
  • Support with registration procedures
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

Supervision by individual thesis advisory committees (TAC) as well as regular meetings and documentation of milestones and thesis objectives are complemented by administrative assistance and dedicated support from the GSN staff.

Support available to students with disabilities

https://www.lmu.de/en/workspace-for-students/student-support-services/studying-with-a-disability/

Support available to students with dependants or children

https://www.lmu.de/en/workspace-for-students/student-support-services/studying-with-a-child/

Support available to students with a refugee background

https://www.lmu.de/en/study/all-degrees-and-programs/programs-for-international-visiting-students/lmu-program-for-refugees/

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Content Bild
LMU Biocenter © Jan Greune

The essential question in modern neurosciences is to understand how the human brain is functioning on all levels, from molecules to cognition. In order to approach these questions, neuroscience researchers develop and use a wide spectrum of experimental and analytical methods from a broad variety of disciplines. As the techniques and analyses are becoming more interdisciplinary, the increasing demand for graduates with an interdisciplinary and integrative educational background is not surprising. Based on its strong history and today's proficient expertise in neurosciences, Munich is by all measures worldwide one of the most important centres for neurosciences and, thus, an important international site for interdisciplinary research and education in the field. The programme at the GSN provides basic and individual teaching concepts for graduates with an educational background not only in neurosciences, but also from other related fields, such as life sciences, mathematics, physics, computational sciences, and engineering as well as philosophy.

For more information, please visit https://www.en.uni-muenchen.de/about_lmu/index.html.

70 Percentage of international students and alumni
320 Number of current students

University location

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München forms part of a unique network of research institutions, foundations, and corporations in and around the city. Its campuses and a lively international student community constitute an integral part of the urban landscape. Home to approximately 1.5 million people, Munich is not only an important hub for higher education, research, technology, and the media. With its renowned museums, galleries, theatres, and festivals, the capital of Bavaria also ranks among the major European cultural centres. Its proximity to the surrounding lakes and the Bavarian Alps adds to Munich's inimitable appeal.

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