Max Planck Astrophysics Scholarships at Heidelberg University 2027

The International Max Planck Research School for Astronomy and Cosmic Physics (IMPRS-HD) at Heidelberg University offers a doctoral programme in astrophysics for qualified students from around the world.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineNovember 3, 2026
• Study LevelMasters , PhD
• SponsorHeidelberg University
• City to studyBaden-Württemberg
• School to studyHeidelberg University
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• IMPRS students holding a MSc degree equivalent will receive a fellowship for a  period of three-four years with a net income of EUR 1800-2000 per month.

Requirements

• Typically, applicants must have (or expect to have) a degree equivalent to the MSc in Physics (e.g. a "Laurea" etc.) including a substantial Master's thesis in order to be acceptable for doctoral studies at the University of Heidelberg.
• Heidelberg University also requires a sufficiently deep & broad physics education during the undergraduate studies. Please, check the webpage of the Department concerning formal pre-requisites for PhD studies in physics and astronomy.
• Among the courses required are (see also the BSc and MSc webpage) Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Quantumdynamics, Solid State Physics, Nuclear Physics, Atomic Physics, Theoretical Mechanics, Theoretical Electrodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics. If a few courses are missing, they may be studied (and must passed) in Heidelberg during a so-called probation year. If too many are missing, an application can not be considered further.
• Exceptionally qualified applicants  with a 4-yr BSc degree can be accepted for PhD studies in the so-called 4+4 PhD program. However, a number of conditions may be imposed by the Department - such as e.g.  attending certain lectures or the delivery of a research report after the first year.
• Information about the 4+4 PhD program could be found here. Applicants should submit a usual IMPRS application, the department will then decide whether an applicant is accepted into the 4+4 program. The PhD research should not really be affected by the 4+4 program. Usually one may start with the PhD research right from the beginning, however, besides the research one has to study (and pass) the required courses.
• Heidelberg University requires a "very good" final grade comparable to a grade of 2.0 or better in the German grading scheme (equivalent to B+ or better in the US letter grade system, or an upper 2nd in the UK).
• Most of the applicants may not have a MSc degree already at the time of the application deadline. We encourage applications, also if the university degree is awarded after the deadline for applications. However, the final degree must have been awarded before the start of the PhD studies (see above the policy concerning BSc degrees).
• In exceptional cases, applicants who do not have a full MSc thesis can be accepted if they can demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research otherwise, for example by first-authorship in refereed publications.
• IMPRS-HD does not require a test of English language proficiency. We prefer to check communication skills during the interviews. However, for international applicants whose mother-tongue is not English or German it could be beneficial for the application to provide some proof of language proficiency.

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Eutopia PhD Co-tutelle Call

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applications are made via the Application Portal.

For more information, kindly visit the Max Planck webpage.