The International Max Planck Research School on Astrophysics is a joint doctoral school of the Max Planck Institutes for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) and for Astrophysics (MPA), the LMU University Observatory (USM) and the European Southern Observatory (ESO).
Students spend three to four years on PhD research with a supervisor at one of the four, in Garching or Munich, and earn their doctorate from LMU Munich. About 25 places are filled each year for a September start.
Benefits & funding
- MPE, MPA and USM: a PhD contract at 65% of salary grade E13, about €37,500–39,000 gross in year one and €40,200–42,000 in years two and three.
- ESO: a studentship of about €26,724 net in year one and €29,769 net after, plus family allowances.
- Bachelor-route entrants at MPE or MPA: €992 net a month for up to 18 months; ESO and USM offer none.
- The Who-qualifies page still quotes about €1,770 a month.
Eligibility
- Open to applicants of any nationality.
- A 5-year Master’s in physics or astrophysics graded at least “good” (2.5 on the German scale); a degree expected by autumn 2027 is accepted.
- 4-year integrated Master’s and excellent Bachelor’s holders (“very good” or top 10%): LMU alone decides admission and requires 60 extra ECTS in the first two semesters.
- Non-EU Bachelor-level degrees: LMU rules call for a GRE Physics or Mathematics subject test; UK degrees were exempt at last notice.
- Non-native English speakers should show proficiency (TOEFL iBT 94 or IELTS 7 recommended); scores may follow the application.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
Bachelor · Master Enrolled
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Application process
- 1Apply on the IMPRS online platform (open from early August) by 1 November.
- 2Up to three referees upload their letters by the same date.
- 3Shortlisted candidates attend a February selection workshop with a 15-minute research talk and interviews, on site (travel and lodging supported) or remotely.
- 4Offers follow until about early April; LMU then checks the degree for PhD admission.
Program timeline
Application platform opens
Early August 2026
Applications and reference letters due
1 November 2026
February 2027
Selection workshop (9–11 February in the last cycle)
Offers
Until about early April 2027
PhD starts
1 September 2027