Max Planck Scholarship at MarMic, Germany | MSc/PhD in Marine Microbiology 2027 | ApplyOnline

Explore marine microbial life through interdisciplinary research training in Bremen, Germany. For students seeking a Max Planck Scholarship, the MarMic MSc/PhD programme offers tuition-free study, limited master’s scholarships and doctoral funding arrangements. Its training connects microbiology with ecology, molecular biology, bioinformatics and related disciplines.

  • Programme: International Max Planck Research School of Marine Microbiology – MarMic

  • Study Route: MSc/PhD

  • Location: Bremen, Germany

  • Intake: 2027

  • Applicants: National and international students

  • Online Application Opens: After 1 December 2026

  • Preferred Submission Date: 28 February 2027; applications are also accepted afterwards

  • MSc Start: October each year

  • PhD Start: Flexible

  • Tuition: Waived

  • MSc Scholarships: Limited and subject to application

About MarMic and the Partner Institutions

MarMic is a joint graduate programme delivered by:

  • Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (MPI-MM).

  • University of Bremen.

  • Alfred Wegener Institute – Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI).

  • Constructor University Bremen.

The programme trains highly qualified students to investigate marine microorganisms. These organisms are essential to the biosphere, yet much of their diversity and function remains poorly understood.

Programme and Research Training

For students considering a Max Planck Scholarship, MarMic provides interdisciplinary training in marine prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiology, covering:

  • Microbial physiology.

  • Ecology and evolution.

  • Molecular biology.

  • Bioinformatics.

  • Related marine and environmental sciences.

The programme includes an initial 1.5 years of intensive training before the doctoral phase. Exceptionally qualified applicants who already hold an MSc, Diplom or Staatsexamen may begin PhD research immediately.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should hold a BSc or equivalent first degree in a relevant field, including:

  • Microbiology or Biochemistry.

  • Marine Biology or Oceanography.

  • Chemistry or Molecular Biology.

  • Geology or Biogeochemistry.

  • Bioinformatics or a related discipline.

Basic knowledge of microbiology and biochemistry is a prerequisite.

Final-year students may apply if their degree will be conferred by summer or autumn of the application year. The programme welcomes both domestic and international applicants.

English Language Requirements

Non-native English speakers must demonstrate C1-level proficiency. Listed examples include:

  • IELTS: 7.0.

  • Cambridge CAE: Grade C.

  • TOEFL iBT: 95.

  • TOEIC: Listening/Reading 945, Speaking 180 and Writing 180.

Max Planck Scholarship Options and Study Costs

Tuition and compulsory costs

Tuition fees are waived and paid by the German government. Students should budget for:

  • A University of Bremen administration fee of approximately €390 per semester.

  • Estimated living costs of €900–950 per month in Bremen.

  • Student dormitory rooms costing approximately €400 per month.

  • Mandatory German health insurance.

Limited MSc scholarships

Master’s applicants can request scholarship consideration using a financial-need form. Financial need does not affect admission decisions.

Available options include:

  • Matching-fund scholarship: Matches an external grant by up to €220 per month. For example, a €220 external grant plus €220 in matching support provides €440 per month.

  • Full room-and-board scholarship: A very limited number of awards providing up to €950 per month.

Doctoral funding

After the initial 1.5 years of intensive training, PhD students receive approximately €1,400–1,500 per month through fellowships, research grants or university funds.

Applicants are encouraged to seek home-country scholarships and DAAD grants as additional funding sources. Master’s scholarship funding is limited and should not be assumed to accompany admission.

How to Apply

Complete the MarMic online application in English once the 2027 application opens after 1 December 2026. Submission is preferred by 28 February 2027, although applications are also accepted after that date.

Prepare:

  • CV.

  • One- to two-page motivation letter.

  • Official academic transcripts in English or German.

  • Final diplomas, including the high school certificate.

  • Two reference letters no older than six months.

  • English proficiency evidence.

  • Passport photograph.

  • Financial-need form, if requesting MSc scholarship consideration.

MSc applicants must also apply separately to the University of Bremen through its Masterportal/online application system.

Selected candidates will need two notarised copies of all degree documents. Begin arranging notarisation early.

For students interested in the biology of marine microorganisms, MarMic combines specialist training with access to four research and academic institutions. Review the Max Planck Scholarship options alongside the programme’s costs, and prepare both required applications to support your plans for the 2027 intake.

APPLY ONLINE HERE