The IMPRS-BAC PhD scholarship Germany is a fully funded doctoral opportunity jointly offered by the world-renowned Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Freie Universität Berlin. This prestigious program is designed for outstanding international candidates who wish to pursue cutting-edge research at the intersection of biology and computation. Only two awards are available for the 2026 intake, making this a highly competitive yet life-changing chance to earn a German PhD degree while receiving a generous monthly stipend, travel allowances, and full research support. The entire application process is conducted through an online portal, and the scholarship must be undertaken in Berlin, Germany. Non-German citizens who meet the strict eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply before the January 7th, 2026 deadline.
Brief Description
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University / Institute | Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics & Freie Universität Berlin |
| Program Name | IMPRS for Biology And Computation (IMPRS-BAC) |
| Course Level | Doctoral (PhD) |
| Number of Awards | 2 |
| Nationality | International (non-German citizens) |
| Study Location | Berlin, Germany |
| Application Mode | Online portal |
| Deadline | January 7th, 2026 |
Subjects Offered
The IMPRS-BAC PhD scholarship Germany covers interdisciplinary research topics that merge experimental biology with computational analysis. Scholars can choose from a wide spectrum of subjects, including but not limited to:
- Molecular genetics and epigenomics
- Systems biology and network inference
- Single-cell multi-omics data analysis
- Machine learning for biological sequence prediction
- Cancer genomics and precision medicine
- Evolutionary biology and comparative genomics
- Structural bioinformatics and protein modelling
Each project is supervised by at least two faculty members—one from the experimental side and one from the computational side—ensuring that students gain deep expertise in both domains. Access to state-of-the-art sequencing facilities, high-performance computing clusters, and international collaborations further enriches the training experience.
Degree Offered
Successful candidates will be enrolled at Freie Universität Berlin and will receive a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree upon completion of the program. The degree is fully recognised across the European Higher Education Area and carries the prestigious weight of both the Max Planck Society and Freie Universität Berlin on your academic record. The typical duration is three to four years, during which students follow a structured curriculum comprising:
- Seminars and workshops on transferable skills
- Annual retreats and international conferences
- Interdisciplinary courses in bioinformatics, statistics, and ethics
- The thesis committee meets every six months to monitor progress
Graduates of the IMPRS-BAC PhD scholarship Germany are highly sought after for post-doctoral positions in top-tier institutes worldwide, as well as for roles in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and data science industries.
Eligibility
To secure the IMPRS-BAC PhD scholarship Germany, applicants must satisfy all of the following criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a non-German citizen |
| Prior PhD | Must not have previously completed a PhD |
| Academic Degree | Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent with above-average grades in relevant fields |
| Discipline | Background in biology, molecular genetics, computational sciences, or related fields |
| English Proficiency | Very good command of English (TOEFL/IELTS recommended but not mandatory if proven otherwise) |
| German Language | Willingness to learn basic German; a preparatory course is provided |
| Residence in Germany | As of 30 April 2026, must not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months |
| Graduation Date | Must not have graduated more than six years before 30 April 2026 |
Only candidates who meet every single criterion will be considered. The selection committee places strong emphasis on research motivation, interdisciplinary mindset, and academic excellence.
How to Apply
Applying for the IMPRS-BAC PhD scholarship Germany is a straightforward yet demanding process. Follow these steps carefully to avoid disqualification:
- Prepare your documents in PDF format:
- Academic transcripts (Master’s & Bachelor’s)
- CV without photo (Europass format accepted)
- Motivation letter (max 2 pages, outlining research interests & fit with IMPRS-BAC)
- Two reference letters (submitted directly by referees via the portal)
- Create an account on the official IMPRS-BAC online portal:
- Fill in the application form and upload all documents before 18:00 CET on January 7th, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews in March 2026.
- Final decisions will be communicated by April 2026, with the program starting in September 2026.
Double-check that your motivation letter explicitly mentions why you are a perfect fit for the IMPRS-BAC PhD scholarship Germany and how your previous experience aligns with the biology-computation interface.
Apply Now
Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join one of Europe’s most competitive doctoral programs. Click the link below to start your application today:
Remember, only two international students will be selected, so polish your CV, craft a compelling motivation letter, and secure strong references before the January 7th, 2026 deadline. The IMPRS-BAC PhD scholarship Germany could be your gateway to a brilliant scientific career in the heart of Europe.
