Opportunity Detail
The DAAD GSSP Scholarships 2027 at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics offer international students an opportunity to pursue a funded doctoral degree in Germany through the International Max Planck Research School for Biology and Computation (IMPRS-BAC).
The programme brings together research in molecular life sciences and computational sciences, with opportunities in areas such as molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, statistics, artificial intelligence, and related fields.
For the 2027 intake, the application deadline is December 7, 2026, at 23:59 CET, while recommendation letters must be submitted by December 14, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
Quick Overview
- Scholarship: DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP)
- Programme: International Max Planck Research School for Biology and Computation (IMPRS-BAC)
- Host: Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Freie Universität Berlin
- Country: Germany
- Study level: PhD / Doctorate
- Duration: At least 3 years
- Eligible applicants: International students
- Fields: Biology, molecular life sciences, computational sciences and related disciplines
- Application opens: October 2026
- Application deadline: December 7, 2026
- Reference deadline: December 14, 2026
- Application fee: None
- Degree: Freie Universität Berlin
What Does the Scholarship Offer?
The 2027 programme provides doctoral funding for successful candidates for a minimum of three years. The exact funding arrangement can depend on the research group and programme conditions.
The previous official IMPRS-BAC GSSP call listed DAAD scholarship benefits including a monthly scholarship payment, travel allowance, insurance support, research allowance, and possible additional allowances. Because the 2027 call does not publish one universal monthly amount in the same way, applicants should check the final DAAD award conditions if nominated.
In addition to financial support, doctoral researchers can benefit from:
- Structured doctoral training
- Supervision through a thesis advisory committee
- Scientific and transferable-skills courses
- Conference participation support
- German-language learning opportunities
- An international research environment
- Access to research facilities at the Max Planck Institute and Freie Universität Berlin
Research Areas
The IMPRS-BAC programme connects biological research with computational methods.
Potential research areas include:
- Molecular genetics
- Genome biology
- Genomics
- Epigenetics
- Gene regulation
- RNA biology
- Developmental biology
- Protein biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Artificial intelligence
- Statistics
- Molecular evolution
- Computational biology
Applicants should select research projects that closely match their academic background and interests.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is primarily intended for international applicants who want to pursue doctoral research at the interface of molecular life sciences and computational sciences.
Applicants should normally have:
- An above-average Master’s degree or equivalent qualification
- A relevant academic background
- Research experience appropriate to the selected project
- Strong English-language skills
- Interest in interdisciplinary research
- No previously completed PhD
Relevant backgrounds can include molecular biology, biochemistry, mathematics, bioinformatics, computational biology and related disciplines.
Also check:
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships 2027–2028 – Fully Funded |
Can Students With a Bachelor’s Degree Apply?
A Master’s degree or equivalent is normally expected.
However, the 2027 programme information indicates that exceptionally strong applicants from computational or mathematical backgrounds may be considered for a preparatory route involving additional coursework and an examination.
Applicants should therefore carefully check the requirements of the specific research track before applying.
Age Requirement
The 2027 programme does not list a general age limit.
Applicants are assessed primarily on their academic qualifications, research background, motivation, and suitability for the proposed doctoral research.
Nationality and International Applicants
The programme is intended for international doctoral candidates.
Applicants should also check the residence requirements associated with the DAAD GSSP scholarship. In the previous IMPRS-BAC GSSP call, applicants had to be non-German citizens and could not have been resident in Germany for more than 15 months before the specified reference date. The precise conditions for the 2027 DAAD nomination should be checked when the scholarship nomination stage begins.
English Language Requirements
Applicants need strong English skills.
The 2027 programme information indicates that applicants should normally demonstrate at least B2-level English. Accepted evidence can include recognised English-language tests or qualifying proof of previous English-medium education, depending on the programme’s requirements.
Examples of accepted evidence listed for the 2027 call include:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- Cambridge English qualifications
- UNIcert
- telc
- PTE Academic
- TOEIC
- Qualifying confirmation of English-medium university education
Applicants should check the current programme instructions before submitting their application because language-document requirements can change.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare their documents before the application portal opens.
The application normally requires:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Master’s degree certificate or expected completion information
- Academic transcripts
- Evidence of English proficiency
- Research-related information
- Motivation and programme-related information
- Contact details of two referees
- Other supporting documents requested by the online application form
Academic documents that are not in English or German may require translations according to the application instructions.
Do I Need to Contact a Professor Before Applying?
Prior contact with a potential supervisor is not compulsory for the 2027 IMPRS-BAC application.
Applicants should nevertheless study the available research projects and identify faculty members whose research matches their interests. The application asks candidates to indicate the faculty member or members with whom they would like to work.
This makes it important to prepare a focused application rather than sending the same research interests to every supervisor.
How to Apply
The application is submitted online through the IMPRS-BAC application system.
The process is generally:
- Review the available 2027 doctoral research projects.
- Identify projects that match your academic and research background.
- Review the participating faculty and potential supervisors.
- Prepare your CV, academic records, language evidence and other documents.
- Register through the online application portal when the 2027 call opens.
- Complete the online application form.
- Provide details of two suitable referees.
- Submit the application before December 7, 2026.
- Make sure your referees submit their recommendations by December 14, 2026.
Applications submitted by email or post are not accepted.
Application Opening Date
The 2027 IMPRS-BAC application portal is scheduled to open in October 2026.
The exact opening date should be checked on the official programme application page once the portal is activated.
Application Deadline
The main application deadline is:
December 7, 2026, at 23:59 CET
The deadline for recommendation letters is:
December 14, 2026, at 23:59 CET
Applicants should contact their referees early because a missing recommendation can make an application incomplete.
Selection Process
The selection process is competitive and involves several stages.
After the initial application, candidates may be invited to continue through further evaluation stages, including research presentations, online discussions and interviews.
For the 2027 cycle, the published timeline indicates:
- December 7, 2026: Main application deadline
- December 14, 2026: Reference deadline
- End of January 2027: Initial results
- February 2027: Further evaluation and online sessions
- March 15–17, 2027: Final interviews in Berlin for shortlisted candidates
- April 2027: Expected final decisions
- May–November 2027: Potential start period for accepted doctoral researchers
The exact schedule may vary during the selection process.
Is This a Fully Funded PhD?
The programme offers funded doctoral positions, and candidates nominated for the DAAD GSSP route can receive DAAD scholarship support.
However, the financial conditions should be distinguished between the IMPRS doctoral funding and the DAAD GSSP scholarship. The programme’s current 2027 information does not publish one universal monthly amount for every selected doctoral researcher.
For applicants specifically nominated for the DAAD GSSP scholarship, the final scholarship benefits are determined under DAAD’s applicable funding regulations.
University and Degree
The doctoral programme is jointly connected with the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Freie Universität Berlin.
The doctoral degree is awarded by Freie Universität Berlin, while doctoral research is carried out within the participating research environment.
It is important to understand that Max Planck Institutes themselves do not independently award doctoral degrees in Germany. Doctoral training is conducted through cooperation with universities such as Freie Universität Berlin.
Important Note About the DAAD GSSP Process
The DAAD GSSP route is different from simply applying directly to DAAD for this specific scholarship.
First, candidates apply to the participating graduate school or doctoral programme. The programme then selects eligible candidates for nomination to DAAD.
Nominated candidates subsequently complete the DAAD scholarship application within the required period. The previous IMPRS-BAC call specified that nominated candidates had three weeks to submit their DAAD application after receiving the nomination.
Therefore, applicants should focus first on preparing a strong IMPRS-BAC doctoral application.
Also check:
Doha Institute Graduate Studies Scholarships 2027 – Fully Funded Opportunity |
Important Notes for Applicants
Before applying, keep the following points in mind:
- This is a PhD-level opportunity, not a Master’s scholarship.
- A relevant Master’s degree is normally expected.
- Your research interests should match an advertised project or participating research group.
- Two referees are required.
- The main application deadline and reference deadline are different.
- The application is submitted online.
- The programme is interdisciplinary, so applicants should be comfortable working across biological and computational fields.
- Final DAAD funding is subject to the applicable DAAD selection and scholarship requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DAAD GSSP Scholarship at Max Planck?
It is a doctoral funding route through the DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme for eligible candidates selected by participating graduate schools. The 2027 opportunity discussed here is connected with the IMPRS for Biology and Computation at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Freie Universität Berlin.
What degree does the programme offer?
It is a doctoral/PhD programme, with the degree awarded by Freie Universität Berlin.
How long is the funding?
The programme advertises doctoral funding for a minimum of three years.
What is the application deadline?
The main application deadline is December 7, 2026, at 23:59 CET. References must be submitted by December 14, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
When does the application open?
The 2027 application portal is scheduled to open in October 2026.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The programme is designed for international doctoral candidates, subject to the applicable programme and DAAD eligibility requirements.
Is there an age limit?
No general age limit is published for the 2027 IMPRS-BAC programme.
Do I need IELTS?
You need to demonstrate the required level of English, but IELTS is not the only accepted form of evidence. The programme lists several accepted alternatives and may accept qualifying proof of English-medium education.
Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying?
No. Prior contact is not compulsory, although applicants should carefully review the available research projects and identify suitable faculty members.
Can I apply with a Bachelor’s degree only?
A Master’s degree or equivalent is normally expected. Exceptional applicants from certain computational or mathematical backgrounds may be considered for a preparatory route, subject to the programme’s conditions.
Official Website and Application
IMPRS-BAC official programme:
Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics – IMPRS-BAC
Official 2027 application information:
IMPRS-BAC Application Portal
DAAD Scholarship Database:
DAAD Scholarship Database
