Astrophysics PhD Programme in Munich
Max Planck Institutes · International Max Planck Research School on Astrophysics
- Pay
- PhD funding agreement equivalent to 65% E13 TVöD Bund at MPE/MPA, approx. EUR 39,000 gross/year in year 1 (LMU approx. EUR 37,500 gross; ESO studentship approx. EUR 26,724 net) ≈ ₹3.5 lakh/month grossAbout 9.5× the UGC JRF fellowship of ₹37,000/month
- Eligible degrees
- M.Sc. degree or equivalent, e.g. M.Sc. Physics/Astrophysics, or an integrated BS-MS (IISER/NISER) or 5-year integrated M.Sc. Bachelor's and Master's certificates are required with the application.
- Tests
- TOEFL iBT 94 or IELTS 7 recommended; exempt if native English speaker or entire university education was in English
- Duration
- 3 to 4 years
- Start
- 2027-09-01
About the project
The IMPRS on Astrophysics in Munich offers around 25 doctoral places a year across four partners: two Max Planck Institutes, the European Southern Observatory and LMU's University Observatory. Projects span observational, theoretical and instrumental astrophysics, from galaxies and cosmology to high-energy and planetary science. Students join a research group, take a programme of lectures and seminars, and complete a doctorate in three to four years. A strong physics background, coding experience (Python, C/Fortran), data analysis or simulation work, and a Master's thesis in astronomy or a related area make an application competitive.
Who this suits: EduSail Abroad mentor note
Suits an Indian M.Sc. Physics or IISER/NISER BS-MS graduate with an astronomy project (e.g. at IUCAA, RRI, NCRA, TIFR) and good programming.
Listed by EduSail Abroad on 6 Oct 2026. Always confirm the final details and deadline on the university's original posting. Read our guide to fully-funded PhD in Germany.
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