IMPRS Astrophysics PhD 2027: €39,000–€42,000 Salary

Applications are open for the IMPRS Astrophysics PhD 2027 intake in Munich, Germany. The programme offers about 25 doctoral positions across astrophysics, with funded employment contracts or studentships depending on the host institute. Applications and recommendation letters are due by 1 November 2026 at 23:59 CET, for a September 2027 start.

Programme
IMPRS on Astrophysics

Location
Munich and Garching, Germany

Level
PhD in astrophysics

Positions
About 25 funded places

Deadline
1 November 2026, 23:59 CET

Start
September 2027

Illustrative astrophysics researchers for IMPRS Astrophysics PhD 2027 in Germany — AI-generated illustrative astrophysics research scene; not a photograph of IMPRS facilities or researchers.

Funding and benefits

Applicants with a five-year master’s degree who are admitted receive either a PhD employment contract or a studentship. The exact arrangement depends on whether the doctoral project is hosted by the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, University Observatory Munich at LMU, or the European Southern Observatory.

Max Planck institutes: approximately €39,000 gross in year one and €42,000 gross in years two and three, broadly equivalent to 65% of TVöD E13.
LMU University Observatory: approximately €37,500 gross in year one and €40,200 gross in years two and three.
ESO studentship: approximately €26,724 net in year one and €29,769 net in years two and three, with specified family allowances where applicable.

The programme normally lasts three to four years. Tax, insurance and employment conditions vary by host; applicants should not compare gross and net figures directly. Candidates entering through the exceptional bachelor-level route may initially receive transitional support rather than a doctoral contract while completing required credits.

Eligibility

Applicants from all countries may apply.
The standard route requires a five-year master’s degree in physics or astrophysics with at least a “good” result.
Applicants still completing the master’s may apply if they expect to finish by autumn 2027.
Exceptional bachelor’s graduates may be considered by LMU, normally if they have a very strong degree or rank in roughly the top 10%, but additional coursework of 60 ECTS is required before full doctoral admission.
Research fit, university record and recommendation letters are central to selection.

English-language requirements

Candidates whose native or university language is neither English nor German should provide evidence of English proficiency. The programme recommends TOEFL iBT 94 or IELTS 7, or an equivalent qualification. A test is not required when the applicant is a native English speaker or completed university education, including the master’s thesis, in English.

Required documents

Completed online application form, including courses, credits and grades.
Curriculum vitae in PDF format.
Academic certificates and transcripts for bachelor’s, master’s and other relevant studies, combined as instructed.
Master’s thesis or a preliminary thesis abstract; include an English abstract when the thesis is written in another language.
Up to three recommendation letters submitted directly by referees.
English-language evidence where applicable.
Research-topic preferences and any additional information requested in the current portal.

Uploaded PDFs must not be password-protected or encrypted. Originals may be requested if an applicant is selected.

How to apply

Review the advertised 2027 PhD topics and identify projects that match your background.
Create an account in the official IMPRS Astrophysics application platform.
Confirm the registration email and complete every part of the online form.
Upload the CV, transcripts, certificates, thesis material and language evidence where required.
Add up to three referees and trigger the automated recommendation requests early.
Submit the application by 1 November 2026 at 23:59 CET, and ensure recommendation letters are also uploaded by that deadline.

Deadline and selection process

The verified deadline for both applications and recommendation letters is 1 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. The doctoral programme is expected to begin in September 2027.

An admissions committee representing the participating institutes reviews academic qualifications, research fit and recommendations. Shortlisted candidates are expected to be notified around mid-December 2026 and may be invited to the Munich recruitment workshop scheduled for 1–3 February 2027. The selection procedure includes interviews with faculty and a 15-minute presentation of previous research. Interviews may also be conducted remotely. Invited candidates can receive financial assistance for travel and accommodation. Offers are generally finalised by around early April.

Practical applicant tips

Choose research topics deliberately and explain the technical connection to your prior physics or astrophysics work.
Give referees ample time; their letters share the same 1 November deadline.
Prepare an accessible 15-minute explanation of your research in case you reach the workshop stage.
Check every PDF for encryption before uploading, especially downloaded TOEFL or IELTS score reports.
Describe salary figures accurately as gross or net and note that the host institution determines the contract.

Frequently asked questions

Is the IMPRS Astrophysics PhD funded?

Yes. Admitted applicants on the standard five-year master’s route receive an employment contract or studentship, with the amount and terms determined by the host institution.

Can I apply before finishing my master’s degree?

Yes, if completion is expected by autumn 2027 before the doctoral programme begins.

Can an applicant with only a bachelor’s degree apply?

Exceptionally, LMU may admit an outstanding bachelor’s graduate, but additional coursework is required and the normal PhD contract cannot begin until the admission requirements are completed.