University of Göttingen, University of Bayreuth, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, RWTH Aachen University, Saarland University, Technical University of Munich, Technical University of Dresden, Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials at RWTH Aachen, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), and various Max Planck Institutes
The daily scientific communication at the institutions is in English. All courses are taught in English.
1 December 2024 for a study start on 1 September 2025
The Max Planck School Matter to Life offers an MSc to PhD direct track programme. Students receive their joint Master's degree in Matter to Life by regularly studying at the two teaching universities (University of Göttingen or Heidelberg University). Subsequently, the students pursue their own research in the PhD phase of the programme under the supervision of a fellow within the Matter to Life Faculty with a matching research interest.
The joint degree Master's programme will be spent at one of the following two teaching universities, depending on your choice of focus:
The universities share a core curriculum with classes taught in connected classrooms. Laboratory rotations at associated institutions during the Master's phase of the programme are encouraged and the students are supported in building their own research networks in this highly interdisciplinary area. All students are given a buddy and a mentor to guide them through the programme.
After you have successfully completed your Master's, you can continue with a three-year PhD programme under the supervision of one of the school's fellows.
Voluntary preparatory courses in mathematics, chemistry and physical chemistry are offered prior to the start of the Master's programme.
Six-month internship in collaboration with the fellows of the Max Planck School Matter to Life as part of the Master's programme
The semester contribution for Göttingen University is approx. 350 EUR (including a semester ticket) and approx. 170 EUR for Heidelberg University.
Between 800 EUR and 1,200 EUR, depending on the chosen living situation
The Max Planck School Matter to Life offers full funding in form of a generous scholarship that covers costs of living (including tuition and fees) as well as, if applicable, a subsidy for health insurance and material costs in the Master's phase and a contract according to the local wage agreement for public service in the PhD phase.
This will allow you to fully concentrate on the research and develop your scientific and personal skills.
Applicants with
are welcome to apply for the five-year Master's to PhD Direct Track programme of the Max Planck School Matter to Life. Applicants who already have a Master's degree are eligible to apply as well.
Very good English language skills are required. Proof of a successfully completed test is required when applying (must be submitted no later than 15 July of the year in which the programme begins).
The accepted tests are:
1 December 2024 for a study start on 1 September 2025
The link to our application portal will be available on our website.
The two teaching universities try to make it easier for students to find part-time jobs. As a result, students can benefit from job postings in information centres as well as an online job exchange.
The Max Planck School Matter to Life offers assistance with finding accommodation for the first semester.
A career service is provided at the universities.
The Max Planck School Matter to Life brings together internationally renowned scientists from different locations across Germany under one scientific topic. The school offers an interdisciplinary and unique study programme within an excellent research environment to outstanding undergraduate students from all over the world.
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