The Max Planck School of Cognition PhD Programme for the 2027 intake is now open to international applicants. The application cycle runs from 1 September until the end of March each year. In addition, interviews for the 2027 intake are scheduled to take place virtually on 23–24 February 2027.
This fully funded doctoral programme is based in Germany and is designed for applicants with strong academic backgrounds in cognition-related fields.
Application Deadline: Application cycle runs from 1 September until end of March each year (deadline: end of March)
Eligible Countries: International
Program Duration: Program starts each year on 1 September. Doctoral phase referenced as years 2–4.
Program Location: Based in Germany (programme hosted by Max Planck School of Cognition). Interviews for 2027 intake are virtual.
Funding/Benefits: Fully funded doctoral programme; applicant support program (one-time consultation/feedback on CV and motivation letter between 1 Sept and 31 Oct); online Q&A sessions.
Award Provider: Max Planck School of Cognition (Max Planck Schools)
About this Program
The Max Planck School of Cognition offers an international doctoral programme in Germany. The programme start date is 1 September each year. According to the official page, the application cycle for each intake opens on 1 September and runs until the end of March.
The programme focuses on cognition and welcomes applicants from related academic areas. Examples listed on the official page include artificial intelligence, biology, cognitive neuroscience, genetics, linguistics, mathematics, neurobiology, neuroimaging, neurology, neurophysics, philosophy, physics, psychiatry, and psychology.
Applicants can also access an Applicant Support Program. However, this support is limited in capacity and offers a one-time consultation or feedback on the CV and motivation letter between 1 September and 31 October. Online Q&A sessions are also provided.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants should have strong academic experience in areas related to cognition.
- Relevant fields include artificial intelligence, biology, (cognitive) neuroscience, genetics, linguistics, mathematics, neurobiology, neuroimaging, neurology, neurophysics, philosophy, physics, psychiatry, and psychology.
- The programme is open to applicants of all genders, nationalities, ethnic and social backgrounds, sexual orientations, and physical abilities.
What Fellows Receive: Fully funded doctoral funding (unspecified amounts); Applicant Support Program with one-time individual consultation or feedback on CV and motivation letter from 1 September to 31 October, subject to limited capacity; online Q&A sessions about the application process.
Program Components International doctoral training in cognition; annual programme start on 1 September; virtual interviews for the 2027 intake on 23–24 February 2027; applicant support resources during the application cycle.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit their application through the official application portal. Before applying, review the official programme page carefully and prepare the required documents.
- Certificates or proof of current enrollment (B.S. and/or M.S.)
- Copy of passport or identity card
- Academic curriculum vitae
- Personal statement
- Names of three potential supervisors (Max Planck School of Cognition Fellows)
- Contact details of two referees for recommendation letters
- Evidence of English language proficiency for non-native English speakers
You can apply through the application portal: https://mps.cloud.opencampus.net/
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
