The Max Planck DAAD GSSP Scholarship 2026 offers a prestigious and fully-funded opportunity for outstanding international students aiming to pursue a PhD degree in the field of biology and computation in Germany. Hosted by the International Max Planck Research School for Biology and Computation (IMPRS-BAC) in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Freie Universität Berlin, this scholarship supports cutting-edge, interdisciplinary doctoral research at one of Europe’s most vibrant scientific hubs. Applications for the 2026 cohort are open until January 7, 2026, 18:00 CET.
University and Institution Details
The scholarship is awarded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) as part of the Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP). The doctoral studies are conducted through the IMPRS-BAC, a partnership between the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Freie Universität Berlin, one of Germany’s top universities renowned for innovative scientific education and research. Recipients will obtain their PhD degree from Freie Universität Berlin, a globally recognized academic institution.
Fields of Study and Available Programs
The scholarship supports doctoral research at the intersection of molecular life sciences and computational sciences. Programs are primarily in biology and computation with specialized research areas including genomics, molecular biology techniques, algorithms, statistics, and artificial intelligence applications in molecular genetics. The research projects are individually tailored under the supervision of expert faculty members from both institutions.
Max Planck DAAD GSSP Scholarship Benefits
This fully-funded scholarship provides comprehensive financial support and academic benefits including:
- A monthly stipend of €1,400 to cover living expenses.
- Travel allowance for international mobility.
- Comprehensive health, accident, and liability insurance.
- An annual research allowance (€460 for DAC-listed countries and €260 for others).
- Eligible individuals can receive additional advantages such as
- Rent subsidy ranging from €50 to €125 per month.
- Family allowance (€200 per child and €275 for married couples).
- Support for scholars with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
- Free German language courses to facilitate cultural integration.
- Material and supervision allowance of €1,000 per year.
- Full membership in the IMPRS-BAC for the entire doctoral period (up to four years).
- Full IMPRS-BAC membership for the PhD duration
- Cutting-edge research in biology and computation (genomics, AI, algorithms, statistics, etc.)
- PhD degree from Freie Universität Berlin
- Structured supervision via a thesis advisory committee
- Diverse and international research community
- Flexible curriculum with scientific and transferable skill courses
- Funding to attend conferences
- German language classes
Benefits Not Included
The scholarship does not cover tuition fees separately (as most German public universities do not charge them for PhD candidates) nor personal expenses beyond the provided stipend and allowances. Candidates should budget for some personal expenses such as leisure or additional travel not related to academic purposes.
Eligibility Criteria for Max Planck DAAD GSSP Scholarship
To apply for the Max Planck DAAD GSSP Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Must be international doctoral candidates (no German citizenship).
- Must have resided in Germany for no more than 15 months as of April 30, 2026.
- Highly motivated for PhD studies (no prior PhD)
- Strong Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field
- Excellent English; willing to learn basic German
- Non-German citizen
- Not resident in Germany for more than 15 months as of 30 April 2026
- Master’s degree earned within 6 years before April 2026
- Demonstrate motivation for interdisciplinary doctoral research and academic excellence.
Selection Process
- Competitive, based on:
- Qualifications
- Motivation & research proposal
- References
- Promotes diversity, gender equality, and inclusion
- No photo in CV (to avoid bias)
- Encourages applications from women and people with disabilities
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents through the official online portal:
- Completed online application form.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates from previous education.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume.
- Research proposal aligned with the IMPRS-BAC research themes.
- Passport copy.
- Reference letters/supporting recommendations.
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable).
Max Planck DAAD GSSP Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Review the eligibility criteria and confirm fit for the program.
- Prepare all necessary application documents, especially a compelling research proposal.
- Submit the application online via the IMPRS-BAC application portal before the deadline (January 7, 2026, 18:00 CET).
- The IMPRS-BAC selection committee reviews applications and nominates successful candidates to DAAD by April 30, 2026.
- Nominated applicants must complete their application to DAAD within three weeks of nomination.
- Final selection by DAAD is expected between mid-June and mid-August 2026.
- Successful candidates can start their scholarship between July 1 and November 1, 2026.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Craft a focused, innovative, and feasible research proposal tailored to IMPRS-BAC’s research areas.
- Highlight interdisciplinary skills bridging molecular biology and computational methods.
- Obtain strong academic references emphasizing research potential.
- Demonstrate motivation and awareness of the program’s goals.
- Proofread your application thoroughly, ensuring clarity and precision.
- Apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
While the scholarship provides a monthly stipend of approximately €1,400, international students in Berlin typically require:
- Rent: $600 to $900 (depending on accommodation type)
- Food & groceries: $250 to $350
- Transport: $80 to $100
- Health insurance: covered by scholarship, otherwise $100 to $150
- Miscellaneous (leisure, books, phone): $150 to $200
Estimated total monthly expenses: approximately $1,200 to $1,500 (covered by the stipend).
Why Choose This Scholarship?
- Fully-funded financial package covering stipend, travel, insurance, and research costs.
- Study and research at one of Europe’s leading research hubs in Berlin.
- Obtain a PhD degree from Freie Universität Berlin, internationally recognized.
- Access to world-class supervision in interdisciplinary cutting-edge fields.
- Opportunities for networking through conferences, workshops, and international collaborations.
- German language support to ease cultural adaptation.
- Inclusive program encouraging diversity, gender balance, and support for disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the application deadline?
A: January 7, 2026, 18:00 CET.
Q: Can EU citizens apply?
A: Yes, but German citizens are not eligible.
Q: Is the scholarship renewable?
A: Yes, it covers up to four years of doctoral studies.
Q: What degree will I receive?
A: A PhD degree from Freie Universität Berlin.
Q: Are tuition fees included?
A: No, public PhD programs typically do not charge tuition in Germany.
Official Link:
The Max Planck DAAD GSSP Scholarship 2026 is an exceptional platform for international doctoral candidates aspiring to excel in biological and computational sciences. The program couples comprehensive financial support with superb academic resources, making it one of the top choices for PhD education in Germany. Interested candidates should prepare early and apply before the January 7, 2026 deadline to take a step forward in their scientific careers.