An open 2026 call for multiple fully funded PhD positions across five Max Planck Institutes working on quantum materials — one of Europe's most prestigious basic-science environments. The programme is English-speaking, interdisciplinary, and connects more than 30 world-leading group leaders at four German locations.
Why it is notable: A single call that gives access to five Max Planck Institutes at once, with a rare joint-PhD track with Oxford University (degree awarded by Oxford) embedded in the same call. Posted on the Max Planck Society's own jobs portal rather than the university vacancy boards most applicants monitor.
Funding at a glance
What it covers
Fully funded PhD positions
no tuition costs
additional funding for scientific meetings and trainings. Individual supervision and mentoring by research scientists
Eligibility criteria
Qualification Required
Masters/MPhilfor PhD
This scholarship is offered for PhD programs.
Who can apply
all nationalities ("students from all over the world"); applicants should hold an MSc (or equivalent degree) with a strong background in physics, chemistry, mathematics or computer science, plus some knowledge of solid-state science. Outstanding candidates with a first-class four-year BSc degree (or equivalent) are eligible for the fast-track option.
Experience
No experience required
Language Certificate
excellent English language skills; the programme is English-speaking
Other Certificates
Degree certificates & transcripts
Age Limit
No Age Limit
Check your eligibility
Run all three quick checks before reviewing your chosen course's full entry requirements.
1
Country checker
all nationalities ("students from all over the world"); applicants should hold an MSc (or equivalent degree) with a strong background in physics, chemistry,…
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
excellent English language skills; the programme is English-speaking
02
Qualification
all nationalities ("students from all over the world"); applicants should hold an MSc (or equivalent degree) with a strong background in physics, chemistry, mathematics or computer science, plus some
03
Documents
per the official posting's FAQ — check the "Frequently Asked Questions" and "Details on the program, eligibility, and how to apply" links on the official posting before publishing (exact list unverifi
Document checklist
01per the official posting's FAQ — check the "Frequently Asked Questions" and "Details on the program, eligibility, and how to apply" links on the official posting before publishing (exact list unverifi
Application fee
No fee — completely free
No separate scholarship application fee is published; confirm on the official page.
Visa, kept concise: Doctoral candidates at Max Planck Institutes are normally employed on a work/doctoral contract, so the route is typically a residence permit for research/employment rather than a student visa; the institute's international office supports…
Application Procedure
4 steps — follow in order. Each stage prepares the next.
01
Read the eligibility criteria and programme details
on the official Max Planck Society job posting (link below).
→
02
Prepare the application documents per the official
instructions (check the FAQ page linked from the posting for the exact document list).
→
03
Submit ONLY through the online application portal —
applications by any other route cannot be considered.
↓
04
Submit by the deadline below.
Application milestones
8 Dec 2026
Application deadline
2026
Intake year
Ready to apply?
Continue on the official Max Planck Graduate Center for Quantum… platform.
8 Dec 2026 — (the official posting says "December 8th 2026"; no time of day or timezone given — assume end of day CET and…
Who can apply?
all nationalities ("students from all over the world"); applicants should hold an MSc (or equivalent degree) with a strong background in physics, chemistry, mathematics or computer science, plus some knowledge of solid-state science. Outstanding candidates with a first-class four-year BSc degree (or equivalent) are eligible for the fast-track option.
What does the scholarship cover?
Fully funded PhD positions; no tuition costs; additional funding for scientific meetings and trainings. Individual supervision and mentoring by research scientists
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.
Germany · Max Planck Graduate Center for Quantum…