The International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP) is a structured, English-language PhD program run jointly by the Max Planck Institutes of Psychiatry and of Biological Intelligence and LMU Munich.
Students carry out doctoral research in a participating lab in Munich, in fields from molecular medicine and neuroscience to neuroimaging and clinical studies, alongside a first-year course program. Medical doctors can instead join an integrated PhD/psychiatry residency track.
Benefits & funding
- Employment contract of at least 3 years, paid on the German public-sector scale (TvÖD Bund per the funding page; TV-L per the FAQ).
- No tuition or enrolment fees.
- Support for conference travel and training activities.
- Travel and accommodation covered for the interview week.
- Residency track: psychiatry resident’s salary during clinical work; research years funded by faculty.
Eligibility
- Applicants from any country.
- A Master’s or equivalent in a relevant field, or a medical degree, completed by the program start (not needed when applying).
- English proficiency, e.g. TOEFL or IELTS; graduates of English-speaking universities may be exempt.
- Residency/PhD track: medical degree completed before the application deadline; German at B1 on starting (Residency/PhD track page) or C1 (FAQ).
- Trainee medical doctors with lab experience are particularly encouraged.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
Master Enrolled · Master
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Application process
- 1Apply in English through the online application tool by 31 Oct 2026 (24:00 CET); mailed or emailed applications are not considered.
- 2Pick participating research groups (at least 3 per the application page; up to 3 per the instructions page) and outline your research interests.
- 3Two referees submit letters by 7 Nov 2026 (24:00 CET).
- 4Pre-selected candidates attend an interview week in Munich in person; video interviews are not offered.
Program timeline
Application window opens
15 Aug 2026
Application deadline
31 Oct 2026
Reference deadline
7 Nov 2026
Final selection
Mar–May 2027
Program starts
Sep–Oct 2027