Overview

Program features

The Max Planck Graduate Center curriculum combines research with education. The bulk of the PhD time at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz is devoted to research, including learning specific knowledge of relevance to the research topic chosen.

A major fraction of the fixed part may be dedicated to courses at the university, in lectures, tutorials, or supervision of laboratory or other work of regular students. Another fraction will be dedicated to participation in research schools/workshops and participation in the MPGC students' seminar and retreat. In the variable part, the student can accumulate further credit points (CP).

Programme Structure

Research focus groups include:

Aerosols & Air Quality
Anthropocene & Paleoclimate
Cellular Function Driven by Polymer Concepts
Interdisciplinary Numerical Model Studies
Microvascular Integration of Biomaterials
Sustainable Photochemistry & Photophysics
Topological Dynamics: Emergent Functions in Quantum Matter
Water

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-01 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

Language

English

Credits

12 alternative credits

credit points

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Mainz, Germany

Disciplines

Physics View 27 other PhDs in Physics in Germany

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

You need to hold a master's degree after at least four years of studies in natural sciences with excellent marks, where the grades obtained in foreign studies are converted by the MPGC to an equivalent grade in the German educational system.

To apply to the MPGC, you will need to submit:

Personal information: Curriculum Vitae
Letter of motivation and own knowledge concerning the planned research project and future goals. Please refer in this part to one of the MPGC research fields and explain your qualification for and interest in this field (not more than 4 pages).
Originals or certified copies of study certificates including all marks, either in an English or in a German version / translation.
Proof of English language skills for non-native speakers (official tests, e.g. TOEFL or German Abitur).
Two letters of recommendation from two independent referees, preferable from both supervisors

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and/or in Germany, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

no tuition fees, only a semester fee: 357,46 EUR

Living costs

Mainz

Germany

710 - 1230 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Max Planck Graduate Center.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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