Germany DAAD-GSSP Scholarships 2026 at IMPRS-BAC, Berlin (Fully Funded)
The International Max Planck Research School for Biology And Computation (IMPRS-BAC) at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Freie Universität Berlin is offering two fully funded DAAD-GSSP Scholarships for international doctoral candidates. These scholarships are funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) under the Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) and support outstanding PhD students for up to 4 years.
This program is ideal for highly motivated graduates aiming to work at the interface of biology, computation, molecular genetics, and advanced data science while receiving world-class supervision and training in Berlin—one of Europe’s most dynamic scientific hubs.
Degree Level
- PhD / Doctoral Studies
Available Subjects
The DAAD-GSSP scholarships at IMPRS-BAC support research in:
- Biology
- Computation & Algorithm Development
- Molecular Biology
- Genomic Sciences
- Statistics
- Artificial Intelligence for Molecular Genetics
- Bioinformatics
- Systems Biology
Doctoral candidates work on a research project aligned with the research group of their chosen supervisor.
Benefits
Successful candidates receive extensive financial and academic support, including:
Monthly Funding
- €1,400 per month scholarship stipend
Additional Financial Support
- Travel allowance
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage
- Annual research allowance:
- €460 (applicants from DAC-listed countries)
- €260 (applicants from other countries)
Possible Extra Benefits
- Monthly rent subsidy (€50–125 approx.)
- Family allowances:
- Approx. €200 per child
- Approx. €275 marriage allowance
- Additional funding for applicants with disabilities or chronic illness
- Preparatory German language course
- Annual material resources and supervision allowance (€1,000)
Academic & Research Benefits
- Full membership at IMPRS-BAC
- State-of-the-art labs at the MPI for Molecular Genetics
- PhD degree from Freie Universität Berlin
- Structured supervision via a thesis advisory committee
- Advanced scientific courses and professional development
- Funding for international conferences and workshops
- Access to a thriving, diverse research community in Berlin
Eligible Nationalities
- Open to all international (non-German) applicants
- Applicants must not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months by April 30, 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Academic Requirements
- Hold an excellent Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
- Must be highly motivated for PhD-level research.
- Must NOT have completed a PhD previously.
- Must have graduated within six years before April 30, 2026.
Language Requirements
- Very good English skills
- Willingness to learn basic German
Residency Requirements
- Must be a non-German citizen
- Must not have lived in Germany for over 15 months as of April 30, 2026
Program-Specific Requirements
- Must submit a research proposal aligned with IMPRS-BAC fields.
- Should be prepared for structured PhD training and advisory committees.
Application Procedure
Follow these steps to apply:
1. Apply via IMPRS-BAC Application Portal
- Prepare the required documents and submit them online.
2. IMPRS-BAC Admission Review
The school evaluates applications based on:
- Academic excellence
- Research fit and motivation
- References
- Research proposal quality
3. Nomination to DAAD
- Admitted candidates may be nominated for the DAAD-GSSP scholarship.
4. Submit Documents to DAAD
- Nominated candidates must submit a full DAAD application within 3 weeks.
5. Final DAAD Decision
- DAAD reviews the nomination and issues the final award decision.
6. Begin Your PhD in Berlin
- Start your program between July 1–November 1, 2026.
Application Timeline (2026 Cycle)
- Application Deadline: January 7, 2026 (18:00 CET)
- IMPRS-BAC nomination to DAAD: by April 30, 2026
- DAAD final decision: mid-June to mid-August 2026
- Scholarship Start: Between July 1 and November 1, 2026
Required Documents
- CV (without photo)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Master’s degree proof
- Research proposal
- Motivation letter
- Reference letters
- Proof of English proficiency (if required)
Any additional documents requested by IMPRS-BAC or DAAD
Selection Criteria
- Academic achievements
- Strong motivation for PhD research
- Quality of research proposal
- Relevant background in molecular or computational sciences
- References and recommendation letters
- Commitment to diversity, scientific excellence, and gender equality
