The Max Planck School Matter to Life (MPS MtL) is accepting applications for its 2027 Integrated MSc/PhD Graduate Program in Germany. The fully funded programme provides an international five-year pathway combining a two-year Master’s phase with a three-year PhD phase. The interdisciplinary programme brings together research and education in biophysics, complex systems, synthetic chemistry, synthetic biology, biomaterials and related fields. It is designed for students interested in understanding life from quantitative and interdisciplinary perspectives while developing advanced research skills. Applications for the 2027 programme are open from 1 September to 1 December 2026. Fully Funded Five-Year MSc/PhD Programme The Matter to Life programme offers funding covering tuition and living costs throughout the programme. During the Master’s phase, students receive a stipend to support their studies and allow them to focus on their academic and research activities. The five-year programme is divided into two stages: Master’s phase – 2 years: A joint degree programme involving the University of Göttingen and Heidelberg University. PhD phase – 3 years: Doctoral research conducted in the laboratory of a Matter to Life faculty member. This integrated structure allows students to move from interdisciplinary Master’s-level training directly into doctoral research. Master’s Phase The two-year Master’s phase provides interdisciplinary training across biology, chemistry and physics. The curriculum is designed around fundamental questions concerning the nature of life and how biological systems can be quantitatively understood. Students explore areas including biophysics, complex systems, synthetic chemistry and synthetic biology, alongside related disciplines relevant to the Matter to Life research agenda. The programme is taught entirely in English and has an international student body. Students receive a stipend during the Master’s phase, providing financial support while they complete their studies and prepare for doctoral research. The Master’s degree is jointly connected to the University of Göttingen and Heidelberg University, giving students access to the academic and research environments of both institutions. PhD Phase After successfully completing the first phase, eligible students can continue into a three-year PhD research phase. During the doctoral phase, students develop their research interests further and work with a Matter to Life faculty member on a mutually agreed research project. The programme provides access to modern research facilities, cutting-edge scientific research and an interdisciplinary network of students, professors and research group leaders. Research opportunities span areas such as biophysics, biomaterials and active matter, depending on the faculty member and research group selected. Successful doctoral candidates graduate with the academic title Dr. rer. nat., the German equivalent of a PhD awarded in English-speaking academic systems. International Research Environment Matter to Life brings together researchers from universities and research institutes working across different scientific disciplines. The programme’s interdisciplinary structure allows students to develop expertise beyond the boundaries of a single scientific field. Students become part of a network involving researchers, professors, group leaders and fellow students. This environment can support scientific collaboration, interdisciplinary research and professional development. The programme is particularly suited to students who want to combine fundamental scientific questions with quantitative and experimental approaches to understanding biological systems. Who Can Apply? The Integrated MSc/PhD programme is intended for students interested in pursuing advanced interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biology, chemistry, physics and related scientific disciplines. Because the programme is structured as a Master’s-to-PhD pathway, prospective applicants should carefully review the current admission requirements and academic criteria on the official application website before submitting an application. The programme is international and is taught in English, making it accessible to qualified applicants from different countries, subject to the programme’s admission requirements. Application Deadline Applications for the 2027 Integrated MSc/PhD Program are open from: Opening date: 1 September 2026Application deadline: 1 December 2026Programme duration: 5 yearsMaster’s phase: 2 yearsPhD phase: 3 yearsLocation: GermanyLanguage: EnglishFunding: Tuition and living costs supported through programme funding and a Master’s stipend Applicants should not wait until the final day to prepare their application, as sufficient time may be needed to gather academic documents and complete the required online application. How to Strengthen an Application Applicants should first familiarise themselves with the Matter to Life research areas and identify how their academic background and interests align with the programme. A strong application should demonstrate genuine interest in interdisciplinary science rather than focusing exclusively on a single discipline. Relevant academic preparation in areas such as biology, chemistry, physics or related fields can help applicants explain their readiness for the programme. Applicants should also research the Matter to Life faculty and consider the types of research questions being pursued across participating laboratories. Clearly articulating scientific interests and potential research directions can help demonstrate preparation for the transition from Master’s-level study to doctoral research. Prospective students can also attend the programme’s online information sessions, which run during the application period. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about the programme and ask questions directly to coordinators and current Matter to Life students. Career Opportunities and Alumni Network Matter to Life graduates can pursue careers in a variety of academic and non-academic settings. Alumni career paths include postdoctoral research, staff scientist positions, group leadership, research management, industrial research, consulting and data analysis. Graduates automatically become members of the Matter to Life alumni network, connecting former students with current students and faculty members. The network spans academic and industry environments and can provide opportunities for professional networking and career development. Optional Undergraduate Research Opportunity Bachelor’s students who want to experience the Matter to Life research environment before applying for the direct Master’s track can also consider the Matter to Life Undergraduate Research Opportunity (MtL URO). The URO is a ten-week fully funded undergraduate research opportunity that allows students to travel to Germany and work in one of the programme’s faculty laboratories during a break in their Bachelor’s studies. The URO provides an opportunity to gain research experience, interact with Matter to Life researchers and experience the programme’s scientific environment before pursuing postgraduate study. How to Apply Interested applicants should visit the official Matter to Life application website to review the complete admission requirements and submit their applications for the 2027 Integrated MSc/PhD programme. Applicants should verify all eligibility criteria, required documents and application procedures directly with the Max Planck School Matter to Life before submitting an application. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.