IMPRS-BAC Scholarship 2026 supports funded PhD/doctoral positions linking molecular life sciences and computational science; IMPRS-BAC Scholarship applicants compete for at least three years of doctoral funding with structured supervision and training.
The programme is hosted by the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Freie Universität Berlin and offers doctoral degrees, research training across genome biology and computational disciplines, and conference and language support for successful candidates.
IMPRS-BAC Scholarship Benefits
- Selected candidates receive at least three years of doctoral funding, structured supervision and a doctoral degree from Freie Universität Berlin.
- Benefits include a thesis advisory committee, scientific and transferable-skills courses, conference support and assistance for learning German.
- Interview travel, within a set limit, and Berlin accommodation are covered for finalists.
- No fixed monthly stipend is published; funding conditions vary between research groups and should be discussed during selection.
IMPRS-BAC Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- You should normally apply with an above-average master’s or comparable degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, mathematics, bioinformatics or a related subject.
- The degree should ordinarily be awarded by September 2027 and applicants need biological or computational research experience.
- A bachelor’s alone is generally insufficient; exceptionally strong computational or mathematical graduates may request the preparatory programme of 18 months of coursework followed by an oral examination.
- The programme publishes no age limit, evaluates candidates without regard to nationality, is full-time, and particularly encourages applications from women and qualified people with disabilities.
- Applicants must prove at least B2 English unless they are native speakers; acceptable proofs include IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 72 and other listed certificates.
How to Apply for IMPRS-BAC Scholarship
- Study the 2027 recruiting projects and identify a faculty member whose work fits your proposal.
- When the call opens, register through the application link on the official IMPRS-BAC application page.
- Complete the online form and name the faculty member or members you wish to work with; prior supervisor contact is optional.
- Upload certificates and transcripts in English or German; non-certified copies are acceptable during application.
- Enter the institutional email addresses of two referees who know your academic or research work well.
- Review everything before submission because submitted applications cannot be edited; applications by email or post are not accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the IMPRS-BAC Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, selection and how to apply based on the official announcement.
What is the IMPRS-BAC Scholarship?
The IMPRS-BAC Scholarship provides funded doctoral positions linking molecular life sciences and computational science. Selected candidates receive at least three years of doctoral funding, structured supervision and a doctoral degree from Freie Universität Berlin, with research at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics or Freie Universität Berlin.
Who hosts the programme?
The programme is hosted by the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in cooperation with Freie Universität Berlin. Successful candidates undertake research at one of these institutions and will receive a doctoral degree from Freie Universität Berlin.
What are the key eligibility requirements?
Applicants should normally hold an above-average master’s or comparable degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, mathematics, bioinformatics or a related subject, ordinarily awarded by September 2027. Research experience in biological or computational fields and a proposal matching a participating faculty member are required.
Is there an age or nationality restriction?
No age limit is published. The programme evaluates candidates without regard to nationality and explicitly encourages applications from women and qualified people with disabilities. It is open to applicants from around the world.
Is proof of English required?
Applicants must prove at least B2 English unless they are native speakers. Acceptable evidence includes IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 72, TOEFL PBT/ITP 543, Cambridge exams, UNIcert II, Telc B2, PTE Academic 59, or TOEIC scores noted by the programme.
What funding and benefits are provided?
Selected candidates receive a funded doctoral position for a minimum of three years, a thesis advisory committee, scientific and transferable-skills courses, conference support and assistance for learning German. Interview travel and Berlin accommodation are covered for finalists, though monthly stipends vary by group.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply for IMPRS-BAC 2027 doctoral positions is 7 December 2026 at 23:59 CET. Referees must submit their online references by 14 December 2026 at 23:59 CET. Late materials are not accepted and missing references make applications incomplete.
How does the selection process proceed?
Complete applications are followed by a video-presentation round, online questioning and final interviews. Initial results arrive by the end of January 2027, with longlisted candidates submitting presentations by 2 February and online Q&A sessions from 15–18 February; final interviews in Berlin occur in March.
Can I apply with only a bachelor’s degree?
A bachelor’s alone is generally insufficient. Exceptionally strong computational or mathematical graduates may request a preparatory programme involving 18 months of coursework followed by an oral examination; this route is unavailable for biological-sciences graduates seeking a laboratory doctorate.
How do references work and when are they due?
Applicants must enter institutional email addresses of two referees during application. Referees receive an online form only after submission. References must be submitted by 14 December 2026 at 23:59 CET; a missing reference renders the application incomplete.
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