The Max Planck Schools take applications for their four PhD programs (Biomedical AI, Cognition, Matter to Life and Photonics) until 1 December 2026, for a start in autumn 2027. They invite candidates from around the world with a bachelor's or master's degree. Admission includes full funding for up to five years and no tuition fees.
Who can apply
Nationality
The Max Planck Schools invite candidates from around the world. Cognition recruits students of all nationalities and Matter to Life treats every applicant equally regardless of nationality, so Tunisians apply on the same terms.
Degree
Bachelor's and master's graduates can apply. Each school sets its own subject rules; Cognition, for example, asks for at least 60 ECTS credits in related fields.
Language
Non-native English speakers must prove their English level. Matter to Life accepts the test result until 15 July of the year the program starts.
Funding and what it does not cover
Admission includes full funding for up to five years and no tuition fees: a scholarship in the first phase, then a TVöD/TV-L E 13 contract. Matter to Life pays 1,565 euros a month in its two-year master's phase, plus up to 100 euros for health insurance.
Covered
Full funding for up to five years
No tuition fees
First-phase scholarship, with help for health insurance and material costs where needed
