Overview
The DAAD-GSSP Scholarships 2026 offered by the International Max Planck Research School for Biology And Computation (IMPRS-BAC) at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Freie Universität Berlin provide two fully funded PhD scholarships in Germany for outstanding international students.
This highly competitive Germany PhD Scholarship for international students is funded under the DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme, supporting top researchers pursuing doctoral studies in biology, computation, molecular genetics, bioinformatics, genomic sciences, and systems biology.
The IMPRS-BAC PhD program is ideal for candidates seeking world-class scientific training at one of Europe’s leading research centers in Berlin.
Degree Level
- PhD / Doctoral Studies
Available Research Fields
This IMPRS-BAC PhD program supports doctoral research in:
- Biology
- Computational Biology & Algorithm Development
- Molecular Biology
- Genomic Sciences
- Statistics
- Artificial Intelligence in Molecular Genetics
- Bioinformatics
- Systems Biology
These areas align with leading trends in AI-driven molecular research, computational sciences, and biological sciences doctoral training.
Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly Funding
- €1,400 monthly stipend (fully funded)
- Additional Financial Support
- Travel allowance
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- Annual research allowance:
- €460 (DAC-listed countries)
- €260 (non-DAC countries)
- Possible Extra Benefits
- Monthly rent subsidy (€50–125)
- Family allowances (child & marriage allowance)
- Additional support for applicants with disabilities or chronic illness
- German language course
- Annual €1,000 supervision and research resources
- Academic & Research Benefits
- Full membership at International Max Planck Research School Berlin
- Access to state-of-the-art labs at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics
- PhD degree from Freie Universität Berlin
- Structured advisory committee supervision
- Funding for international workshops and conferences
- Integration into Berlin’s thriving research ecosystem
This makes it one of the most prestigious fully funded PhD opportunities in Europe.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to all international (non-German) students who meet residency restrictions.
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Requirements
- Excellent Master’s degree in a relevant field
- Strong motivation for research
- No prior PhD
- Graduation within six years before April 30, 2026
Language Requirements
- Very good English skills
- Willingness to learn basic German
Residency Restrictions
Must not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months by April 30, 2026
Program-Specific Requirements
- Research proposal aligned with IMPRS-BAC fields
- Interest in computational biology, molecular genetics, or bioinformatics
- Commitment to structured doctoral training
Application Procedure
- Apply via IMPRS-BAC Application Portal
- Prepare your documents and submit online.I
- MPRS-BAC Review, Evaluated based on:
- Academic excellence
- Research motivation
- Proposal strength
- Letters of recommendation
- Nomination to DAAD
- Selected applicants are forwarded to DAAD.
- Submit Documents to DAAD
- Nominated candidates must complete the full DAAD application.
- Final DAAD Decision
- DAAD issues the final award confirmation.
- Start Your PhD in Berlin
- Begin between July 1 and November 1, 2026.
- Application Timeline (2026 Cycle)
- Deadline: January 7, 2026 (18:00 CET)
- Nomination to DAAD: By April 30, 2026
- Final Decision: Mid-June to mid-August 2026
- Start Date: July–November 2026
Required Documents
- CV (without photo)
- Academic transcripts
- Master’s degree certificate
- Research proposal
- Motivation letter
- Two recommendation letters
- Proof of English proficiency
- Additional documents if requested
Selection Criteria
- Academic achievements
- Strength of research proposal
- Motivation for PhD research
- Relevant background in biology, molecular genetics, genomic sciences, AI, or computational sciences
- Quality of references
- Commitment to diversity and scientific excellence
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply for the DAAD-GSSP Scholarship 2026?
International students with a strong academic background in biology, computation, molecular genetics, or related fields.
- Is research experience required?
Yes. Experience in bioinformatics, systems biology, computational biology, or molecular genetics significantly strengthens your application.
- Can I apply if I live in Germany?
Only applicants who have lived in Germany for less than 15 months by April 30, 2026 are eligible.
- Is knowledge of German required?
Not required at the time of application, but learning basic German is encouraged.
- How competitive is the program?
Highly competitive due to its reputation as one of the leading fully funded PhD scholarships in Germany.
- What degree will I receive?
A PhD degree from Freie Universität Berlin.
- What fields are most in demand?
Bioinformatics, genomic sciences, computational biology, molecular genetics, and AI-driven research.
- Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers stipend, insurance, research funding, travel, and additional allowances.
