Application
Requirements
The MPS of BMAI welcomes applications from exceedingly bright and motivated students holding a Master’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, physics, or in the life sciences with a strong computational component in their bachelor's and master's education.
Your complete application needs to be submitted through our online application portal from September 1 to December 1 2026.
The PhD program starts in September 2027.
For the application, please prepare the following documents
- Certificates and transcript of Bachelor’s degree (B. Sc. or equivalent)
- Certificates or proof of current enrollment and transcript of Master’s degree (M. Sc. or equivalent; experience does not count as an equivelnt to a Master’s degree)
- Copy of your passport or identity card
- Academic curriculum vitae
- Motivation letter
- Names of up to three potential supervisors from the list of Max Planck School of BMAI fellows
- Contact of two referees for recommendation letters. Note, the deadline of the application call also applies to the referees.
- Non-native English-speaking applicants must provide evidence of their English language proficiency (further details can be found in the FAQs)
Selection process
1. Application screening
BMAI Fellows review academic transcripts, CVs, personal statements, and recommendations to identify a shortlist of candidates. Short-listed candidates receive an overview of offered PhD projects and can adjust their preference list (December – January).
2. Scientific Selection Symposium
Shortlisted candidates are invited to an online selection symposium taking place in the first week of February to present their previous research and future plans to a panel of AI and biomedical Fellows. Applicants are scored for scientific excellence, creativity, analytical thinking, and the ability to work across disciplines (Februray 1-5).
3. Scientific interviews
Shortlisted candidates are invited to interviews by interested Fellows. These interviews provide opportunities for direct exchange and discussion between applicants and their potential future supervisor (February).
4. Final matching
Applicants and Fellows submit their final peference list. Successful candidates are matched to a PhD project based on scientific excellence, motivation and research interests (March - April).
For additional information, please check out the FAQ section or join our online information session that will take place this fall, dates will be announced by October.
In case, there are any additional questions, please contact the BMAI coordination office. We are happy to help you!