Doctoral Programme in the Field of Cognition

Fully funded interdisciplinary doctoral programme run by the Max Planck School of Cognition, administered through Leipzig University and partner institutions across Germany. Bridges artificial intelligence, neuroscience, biology, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, physics, and psychology. Includes laboratory rotations, classroom academies, and structured research supervision. Degree is conferred by the enrolling partner university. Programme length is 4 years (8 semesters). No tuition or semester contribution is charged.

Minimum GPA

None stated.

English requirements

Solid knowledge of English at B2 CEFR level is required. No specific test score threshold is published; non-native speakers should document their proficiency when applying.

Accepted bachelor fields

Bachelor's or Master's degree with minimum 60 ECTS or equivalent credits in cognition-related fields including AI, biology, neuroscience, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, physics, or psychology. Strong academic experience in areas related to cognition is required.

APS Certificate

Yes

Tuition fee

None. The programme is fully funded. No tuition or semester contribution is charged, as stated on the DAAD listing.

Semester contribution

None charged to programme participants, per the DAAD listing.

Funding info

Tuition: None. The programme is fully funded. No tuition or semester contribution is charged, as stated on the DAAD listing. Semester contribution: None charged to programme participants, per the DAAD listing.

Graduates are prepared for research careers in academia (cognitive science, AI, neuroscience, and related fields) and industry roles in AI/data science. The multi-institution network provides extensive career development and networking opportunities.

• 1

  Jena Schumpeter Center for Research on Socio-Economic Change (JSEC)

  Friedrich Schiller University Jena

  Jena · PhD · English

• 2

  Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR)

  University of Bonn

  Bonn · PhD · English

• 3

  How to Start Your Career in Germany

  htw saar - University of Applied Sciences

  Saarbrücken · Certificate · German, English

• 4

  Global Partnership Network Graduate School

  University of Kassel

  Kassel · PhD · English

• 5

  Intercultural Conflict Management – Social Action in Global Contexts (ICM)

  ASH Berlin

  Berlin · Master of Arts · English