The St Andrews Max Planck PhD Scholarship is a fully funded 3.5-year studentship in Population, Health and Data Science, offered jointly by the University of St Andrews and the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR). This scholarship supports a PhD project examining social and environmental determinants of health and socio-economic outcomes in adolescence and emerging adulthood, using advanced quantitative methods and a life-course approach.
The scholarship is hosted by the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Rostock, Germany, and the University of St Andrews in the UK. The MPIDR is one of the world’s leading demographic research centers, part of the Max Planck Society. The University of St Andrews provides expertise in demographic, longitudinal, and spatial analysis through its Population and Health Research Group.
St Andrews Max Planck PhD Scholarship Benefits
- During the period in Germany: a contract currently amounting to a gross salary of about €40,000 per year, including an annual bonus (Sonderzahlung)
- Financial support for travel, research training, and data acquisition
- During the period in the UK: a maintenance grant at the St Andrews stipend rate, currently set at £19,775 per year (the 2026/27 rate may increase)
- A research training support grant (RTSG) of £750 per year
- Full tuition fee waiver
St Andrews Max Planck PhD Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Excellent master’s degree (distinction or merit in the UK) or the equivalent national qualification in any area of social sciences including statistics and applied mathematics
- Highly motivated students with interest in applying advanced quantitative methods to studying populations
Required Documents
- An online application to the “PhD Geography (Science)” programme
- A personal statement
- An academic writing sample
- Academic transcripts and qualifications
How to Apply for St Andrews Max Planck PhD Scholarship?
- Apply to the programme ‘PhD Geography (Science)’ on the How to apply for research study at St Andrews webpage
- Include a personal statement outlining your interest in applying advanced quantitative methods to studying populations
- Upload an academic writing sample (normally a chapter of a Masters dissertation) to your online application
- Submit your application by Monday 8 June 2026
- Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in the second half of June
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the St Andrews Max Planck PhD Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the St Andrews Max Planck PhD Scholarship?
It is a fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship in Population, Health and Data Science, jointly offered by the University of St Andrews and the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR). The project examines social and environmental determinants of health and socio-economic outcomes in adolescence and emerging adulthood.
What are the benefits of this St Andrews Max Planck PhD Scholarship?
During the Germany period, you receive a gross salary of about €40,000 per year plus travel and research support. During the UK period, you get a maintenance grant at the St Andrews stipend rate (currently £19,775 per year), a research training support grant of £750 per year, and a full tuition fee waiver.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is Monday, 8 June 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in the second half of June.
Who is eligible to apply for St Andrews Max Planck PhD Scholarship?
Applicants must have an excellent master’s degree (distinction or merit in the UK) or equivalent in any area of social sciences including statistics and applied mathematics. The scholarship is open to candidates of any background.
How do I apply for this PhD studentship?
You must apply to the ‘PhD Geography (Science)’ programme on the University of St Andrews postgraduate research application page. Include a personal statement and an academic writing sample (e.g., a chapter of your Masters dissertation).
Where will the PhD student be based?
For the first 21 months, the student works at the MPIDR in Rostock, Germany. For the remainder, they work at the University of St Andrews in the UK, becoming a member of the Population and Health Research Group.
What research topic will the PhD cover?
The project investigates how adverse exposures in socio-economic environments during adolescence accumulate or act during sensitive periods to shape outcomes in young adulthood, including housing, family formation, education, and health.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it is fully funded. It covers a salary/stipend, tuition fee waiver, research training support, and travel/data acquisition costs.
Can I contact someone for informal inquiries?
Yes, you can contact Dr. Josephine Jackisch, Dr. Mary Abel Al Ahad, Prof. Mikko Myrskylä, or Prof. Hill Kulu. For application process questions, contact Samia Gallo at [email protected].
What is the duration of the PhD studentship?
The studentship is for 3.5 years, starting from October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Scholarships in Lithuania 
Scholarships in Austria 
Scholarships in Norway 
Scholarships in UK