A fully funded four-year doctoral programme in cognition run across Germany by the Max Planck Society. You start with a one-year orientation (courses, lab rotations) and then do three years of doctoral research — entering with either a Bachelor's (fast-track) or a Master's degree, and choosing among 46 scientific experts at 29 institutions in 16 cities.
Why it is notable: It is not one university's PhD — it is a Max Planck Schools initiative, so a single application gives access to supervisors at Max Planck Institutes, universities, Helmholtz and Fraunhofer institutes across Germany (and the Netherlands and England). The orientation-year + lab-rotation model and Bachelor's fast-track entry are unusual for European PhD programmes, and the school has a dedicated Applicant Support Program for candidates without easy access to academic support.
Funding at a glance
What it covers
Fully funded international doctoral program
"fully financed"
no tuition fees stated by the programme ("A fully funded international doctoral program in Germany")
This scholarship is offered for Undergraduate, Masters and PhD programs.
Who can apply
all nationalities — the school "aims to recruit excellent students from all genders, nationalities, ethnic and social backgrounds". Applicants should have strong academic experience in areas related to cognition (list above). Entry with a Bachelor's degree (fast-track route) or a Master's degree. See the official FAQs (1.3–1.5) for degree details.
Experience
No experience required
Language Certificate
non-native English-speaking applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency (see official FAQs 1.11–1.12 for accepted evidence). GRE scores are voluntary, not a requirement (the previous GRE requirement is now optional).
Other Certificates
Degree certificates & transcripts
Age Limit
No Age Limit
Tools that may help
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes which scholarships we list or how we describe them.
Run all three quick checks before reviewing your chosen course's full entry requirements.
1
Country checker
all nationalities — the school "aims to recruit excellent students from all genders, nationalities, ethnic and social backgrounds". Applicants should have…
2
Last degree checker
Choose your highest completed qualification to see which degree level may fit.
3
Course checker
Pick a course to see whether it falls inside this scholarship's scope.
Complete all three checks
Your combined result will appear here.
Based on published eligibility — always confirm on the official page before applying.
Application essentials
Requirements
Review each requirement before you begin the application.
01
Language
non-native English-speaking applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency (see official FAQs 1.11–1.12 for accepted evidence). GRE scores are voluntary, not a requirement (the previous GRE requirement is now optional).
02
Qualification
all nationalities — the school "aims to recruit excellent students from all genders, nationalities, ethnic and social backgrounds"
03
Documents
certificates or proof of current enrollment (B.S
Document checklist
01certificates or proof of current enrollment (B.S. and/or M.S.)
02copy of passport/identity card
03academic CV
04personal statement (see FAQ 2.2)
05names of three potential supervisors from the School Fellows
06contact details of two referees
07evidence of English proficiency for non-native speakers
08GRE scores (optional).
Application fee
No fee — completely free
No separate scholarship application fee is published; confirm on the official page.
Visa, kept concise: Admitted doctoral candidates apply for a German residence permit/student visa at the German mission in their home country after receiving the admission/funding confirmation.
Application Procedure
5 steps — follow in order. Each stage prepares the next.
01
Check eligibility and degree requirements in the
official FAQs (1.3–1.5 for degrees; 1.11–1.12 for English; 2.2 for the personal statement; 3.5–3.6 for referees).
→
02
Identify three potential supervisors from the Max
Planck School of Cognition Fellows list — names only, do NOT contact them before admission.
→
03
Arrange two referees —
the application deadline ALSO applies to the referees' letters, so brief them early.
↓
05
Shortlisted candidates are interviewed virtually (Feb 23–24
2027).
←
04
Prepare and submit the complete application through
the online application portal by the deadline.
Application milestones
1 Dec 2026
Application deadline
2027
Intake year
Ready to apply?
Continue on the official Max Planck School of Cognition platform.
1 Dec 2026 — ("You can now apply via the application portal until December 1st 2026" — no time of day or timezone given;…
Who can apply?
all nationalities — the school "aims to recruit excellent students from all genders, nationalities, ethnic and social backgrounds". Applicants should have strong academic experience in areas related to cognition (list above). Entry with a Bachelor's degree (fast-track route) or a Master's degree. See the official FAQs (1.3–1.5) for degree details.
What does the scholarship cover?
Fully funded international doctoral program; "fully financed"; no tuition fees stated by the programme ("A fully funded international doctoral program in Germany")
Where do I apply?
Through the official application portal linked in the Official links section on this page.
Need document or attestation help?
Detailed attestation guidance stays in Opplore's standalone Guides section, not inside this scholarship page.
Multiple countries · Max Planck School of Cognition