IMPRS-BAC DAAD GSSP Scholarship 2026 | Apply Now
If you want to build a research career where molecular biology meets advanced computation, this is one of the best entry points. The IMPRS-BAC DAAD GSSP scholarship lets outstanding international graduates join a top Berlin research community, get excellent supervision, and focus fully on your PhD without financial stress.
The IMPRS-BAC DAAD GSSP scholarship funds doctoral training for up to four years, covers a monthly stipend and insurance, and plugs you into labs at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Freie Universität Berlin — a strong environment for interdisciplinary work.
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Description
The IMPRS-BAC DAAD GSSP scholarship is part of a two-stage selection: IMPRS-BAC admits doctoral candidates and then nominates top applicants to the DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP). Selected students receive DAAD funding for up to four years while pursuing a PhD at IMPRS-BAC, working with supervisors at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Freie Universität Berlin.
Degree Level
PhD / Doctoral Studies — full doctoral program awarded by Freie Universität Berlin in cooperation with IMPRS-BAC and MPI for Molecular Genetics.
Available Subjects
Research topics are interdisciplinary and typically include:
Biology
Molecular genetics
Genomics and epigenetics
Bioinformatics & computational biology
Statistics and algorithm development
AI applications in molecular genetics
Systems biology
Benefits
Financial and academic support includes:
€1,400/month stipend.
Health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
Travel allowance and annual research allowance (€460 for DAC countries; €260 other countries).
Possible rent or family supplements and support for candidates with disabilities.
Access to state-of-the-art labs, structured supervision, training courses, and funds for conferences.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to international (non-German) applicants. Residency restriction: applicants should not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months by 30 April 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic requirements
Excellent Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
Strong motivation for PhD research; no prior PhD completed.
Graduation must usually be within six years before the program deadline (confirm for the specific call).
Language & residency
Very good English; willingness to learn basic German.
Non-German citizenship and residency limits as above.
Program fit
Solid research proposal aligned with IMPRS-BAC research themes and a suitable supervisor match.
Application Procedure — step by step
Apply to IMPRS-BAC via their online application portal with CV, transcripts, master’s diploma, research proposal, motivation letter, references, and proof of English (if requested).
Admission review by IMPRS-BAC (academic excellence, fit, references, proposal).
IMPRS-BAC nomination to DAAD for top candidates (nomination deadline typically by 30 April).
Submit full DAAD GSSP documents if nominated (DAAD will request a formal application).
DAAD final decision — if approved, scholarship awarded and arrangements made to start doctoral studies.
Important Dates (2026 cycle example)
| Item | Date / Window |
|---|---|
| IMPRS-BAC application deadline | 7 January 2026 (18:00 CET). |
| IMPRS-BAC nomination to DAAD | By 30 April 2026. |
| DAAD final decisions | Mid-June to mid-August 2026 (approx.). |
| Scholarship start window | 1 July – 1 November 2026. |
Please always confirm dates on the IMPRS-BAC call page and DAAD announcements — dates can change year-to-year.
Final Thoughts
The IMPRS-BAC DAAD GSSP scholarship is a strong, fully funded route into interdisciplinary PhD research at an internationally respected institute. If your background sits at the crossroads of molecular life sciences and computation, and you aim for high-quality supervision and structured training in Berlin, this opportunity is worth the effort. Prepare a concise, focused research proposal and secure strong references to improve your chances.
FAQs
Q: Can I apply if I already live in Germany?
A: You can apply, but there’s a residency restriction: nominees should not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months by the cutoff date. Confirm specifics in the call.
Q: Is the stipend taxable?
A: Tax rules vary; DAAD/IMPRS or the host institutions will provide guidance — check official documents and local tax advice.
Q: Do I need a supervisor before applying?
A: You need a research proposal that aligns with IMPRS-BAC groups. Contact potential supervisors to strengthen your application.
Q: How many years is the IMPRS-BAC DAAD GSSP scholarship valid?
A: Up to four years under the DAAD GSSP rules.
