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Max Planck School of Photonics 2027: Fully Funded Master's-to-PhD and Direct PhD in Optics and Photonics (Germany)

PhD position

11/7/2026

Deadline: 1 December 2026 | Locations: Jena, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Karlsruhe and partner institutes across Germany | Field: Optics and Photonics | Start: Autumn 2027 | Entry: Bachelor's or Master's

The Max Planck School of Photonics (MPSP) brings together leading photonics researchers across Germany in one graduate school. You can enter after a Bachelor's and earn a master's on the way to your PhD, or apply directly to the PhD research phase if you already hold a relevant master's. The application portal for the 2027 intake is open until 1 December 2026, and your country of origin does not affect admission.

About the programme

The full programme runs for five years:

  • Study phase (2 years): a full-time master's programme at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg or Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). You choose the city.

  • Research phase (3 years): PhD research at your supervisor's institute, which depends on your research area.

If you already have a master's in photonics or a similar field, you can apply for the research phase only. Research-phase applicants are expected to have broad knowledge of optics and basic quantum mechanics.

Funding

  • Study phase: a stipend of about €1,565 net per month from the Max Planck Society, plus a possible subsidy of up to €100 for health insurance and materials

  • Research phase: an employment contract under the German public-sector wage agreement (TVöD/TV-L, E 13). MPSP funds the PhD for three years and covers a substantial part of the salary, with the supervisor providing the rest.

  • No tuition fees. The Max Planck Schools describe admission as including full funding for up to five years.

Key dates

  • Application portal open: 1 September to 1 December 2026

  • Referee invitations: must be sent from the portal by 1 December 2026

  • Referee responses: the page gives 15 December 2026, but also says applications must be complete with both letters before the deadline, so aim to have letters in by 1 December

  • Selection: online test, then a Zoom interview

  • Final decisions: by April 2027

  • Start: the winter semester begins in October, and the MPSP Autumn School usually takes place in September

Who can apply?

Bachelor's and Master's graduates from any country can apply. Your country of origin does not affect admission, although the FAQ notes that applicants from embargoed countries may face extra government checks that can delay or prevent a visa.

You need English at CEFR B2 level or above (for example TOEFL or IELTS, or CPE/CAE). Nationals of the USA, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, and graduates of degree programmes in those countries, can submit proof instead of a test certificate.

What you need to apply

Applications go through the Max Planck Schools portal. Upload each document separately:

  1. Master's certificate or preliminary transcript (if applying for the research phase)

  2. Bachelor's certificate with transcript

  3. Up-to-date CV

  4. Motivation letter, no more than 500 words

  5. Contact details for at least two referees, invited through the portal

  6. Passport or ID card

  7. Proof of English proficiency

Once you send referee invitations, the references tab can no longer be edited, so double-check names and email addresses first.

How selection works

  • Study phase applicants: an online test covering mathematics, physics and electrical engineering with an optics focus, followed by a Zoom interview

  • Research phase applicants: you receive three research publications a few days before a test window, usually over a weekend. You choose one and answer four questions in a 90-minute slot. A Zoom interview follows, where you may need to give a short presentation.

How to apply

Apply through the Max Planck Schools application portal. Read the MPSP application page and the MPSP FAQ first. Questions go to photonics@maxplanckschools.de.

Tips for a strong application

  • Decide which phase fits you. If you hold a photonics master's, the research phase is the faster route. If not, the study phase gives you a funded master's first.

  • Make 500 words count. The motivation letter is short, so focus on the photonics problems you want to work on and the experience that prepares you for them.

  • Prepare for the test. Study-phase applicants should revise optics-focused maths, physics and electrical engineering. Research-phase applicants should practise reading a paper quickly and answering pointed questions about it.

  • Chase your referees. Invitation emails can land in spam, so confirm that your referees received them.

  • Check your visa route early if you need one to study in Germany. applications.

Want help with your application?

Found a programme that fits? Your mentor can help you sharpen your essays, choose the right recommenders and position your research fit before you submit. Book a call to get started.

For more personalized tips or templates contact our team.

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