International Max Planck Research School for Molecular Plant Science (IMPRS MolPlant)

IMPRS MolPlant is a joint doctoral programme of the University of Potsdam and the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology for advanced research training in modern plant science. Doctoral researchers work on fundamental questions of plant growth, reproduction, and interactions with biotic and abiotic environments.

Academic requirements

A university degree with at least four years of study, very good results, and a research thesis are required to be accepted as doctoral candidate at the university.

Minimum GPA

Excellent results; applicants should rank at or near the top of their class.

English requirements

Very good written and spoken English is required. The programme encourages TOEFL, IELTS, or comparable test scores; if no English test is submitted, proficiency may be assessed in a telephone or selection interview. German is useful for living in Germany but not required for the doctoral programme.

German requirements

We do not require any knowledge of German.

Accepted bachelor fields

Applicants need a master's or equivalent degree in a field relevant to the programme, such as biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, bioinformatics, mathematics, or a related discipline. For admission as a doctoral candidate at the University of Potsdam, the prior university degree must amount to at least four years of study and include a research thesis.

APS Certificate

Yes

Thesis required

Yes

Tuition fee

None

Semester contribution

354.80 EUR per semester if enrolled as a doctoral candidate at the University of Potsdam (current Summer Semester 2026 semester fee).

Funding info

Tuition: None Semester contribution: 354.80 EUR per semester if enrolled as a doctoral candidate at the University of Potsdam (current Summer Semester 2026 semester fee).

The programme prepares doctoral researchers for research careers in molecular plant science, plant biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and related academic or research-institute roles.

• 1

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