IMPRS Application Call
The IMPRS for Molecular Plant Science invites applications by students from all countries. Below you find information about the procedures of the annual IMPRS MolPlant application call. Information about how to join the MPI-MP outside the IMPRS application call is at “PhD Application - How to Join”.
The application call for the IMPRS MolPlant is OPEN.
Closing date for applications: 10 January 2026, 23:59 CET.
See below for information on the application procedure.
How to Apply
The application procedure of the yearly application call of the IMPRS for Molecular Plant Science is online only. For our application form, go to IMPRS APPLICATION PORTAL.
Key Dates and Requirements are given below. For further information, go to Selection Process & Tips. You can download a PDF with instructions, tips and a field-by-field guide for the online application at "Helpful Hints" on the left or below (Mobile view). When our application call is closed, the PDF will give you an idea of the information we ask for.
Please read all information carefully before you apply via the online portal during application calls. Note that we can only consider applications that are complete.
A note on the use of AI: By applying to our IMPRS, you confirm that you have written the application yourself. It is not permitted to use AI to generate content for your application. If you use AI to enhance aspects of your application (language, layout), you must indicate so.
Key Dates and Time-Line for Application Rounds
2026 Application Call
The application portal is OPEN.
Closing date for applications: Saturday, 10 JANUARY 2026, 23:59 CET.
IMPRS MolPlant Interviews: The online interviews and associated pre-interview information meetings will be held in the week starting Monday, 16 MARCH 2026.
GENERAL TIME-LINE INFORMATION
Application phase:
The application portal is usually open for 5-6 weeks. Note that the exact application period changes from year to year, in most years application is possible in December and part of January. The exact application deadline is announced here and in the respective application call.
First shortlist (aka "long list"): The long list is created in the fist 2 weeks after the application phase ended. Referees of candidates who are on the long list are contacted in this time period.
NOTE: We only solicit references for candidates on the long list. We kindly ask referees to reply to our reference request within 10-14 days after we contacted them.
Invitations for interview:
Decisions about whom we invite for interview are made 5-6 weeks after the application phase ended. Invitations are usually sent out 6-7 weeks after the application phase ended. Candidates and runner-up candidates have at least 2 weeks to prepare for their interview.
Interview and match-making phase:
The selection interviews are held about 10-12 weeks after the application phase ended, in most years in April. The exact date of the interviews in an application round is announced here. The match-making phase takes place in a period of 2-3 weeks after the interviews.
The selection process is held online. The interview includes a short presentation with scientific questions and a paper discussion. Successful candidates enter the match-making phase during which they can meet with prospective supervisors. We hold informal information events 3-5 days before the interviews. Candidates will receive further information with our invitation.
Project start:
We are as flexible as possible with the start date of candidates who are accepted into the IMPRS. The programme does not have a fixed start date, students usually start between July and November. In general, candidates who are accepted into our IMPRS should start their project by the end of the year they were recruited.
Requirements
Degree
To be accepted as doctoral student, you must hold a Master or equivalent degree in a subject relevant to our programme. In exceptional cases we may accept students with an excellent BSc (1st class honours; 4-year degree with research thesis) who may need to attend additional courses and seminars during their first year. Additional requirements will be defined on a case-by-case basis.
Language
The language of the programme is English. Therefore, a very good knowledge of English is absolutely required, both for the selection interview and later for the doctoral programme. A working knowledge of German is very useful for living in Germany but is not required for the doctoral programme.
We encourage you to support your application with scores of internationally valid language exams like TOEFL, IELTS, or other tests. This will make the evaluation of your application easier for us. If you do not support your application with an English test we may conduct a telephone interview with you before the selection interview.
Institution code (DI code) for the TOEFL test: 4240 (Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology)
Research Interest
In our application form, we ask you to name IMPRS faculty members whose research is of interest to you and whose research groups you would like to join should you be a successful candidate. You should explain your motivation for choosing a research group and tell us why specifically you are interested in the research of this group. Moreover, we ask you to write an essay that addresses the research of the group that you would like to join the most. In your essay, you can show us your ability to think independently and creatively about science.
Learn about our faculty members on the IMPRS Faculty page:
* What is their research focus? * Are they available for supervision? * What kind of PhD projects are currently offered in their groups? *
If you click on the name of a faculty member, you are guided to their websites where you find more information about their research.
It is not required to contact IMPRS faculty members whose groups you would like to join before you submit your application. Please refrain from contacting our IMPRS faculty members and their group members by email or phone during the application and selection phase.
Please note that some of our faculty members may not be available for supervising PhD projects during specific application calls. Which faculty members are available as supervisors is indicated on the IMPRS Faculty page, where you can find information about their research and possible projects. In addition, the online application form only allows you to select those faculty members who are available as supervisors in a given call.
Documents
The online application form contains several upload fields for documents, for example your degree documents and CV.
Please consult the CHECKLIST at IMPRS Application Portal for further information on which documents you need to have at hand when you apply.
The application language is English. Your degree documents and certificates must be in English or German. All other documents must be in English.