Max Planck School of Cognition

The Max Planck School of Cognition brings together Germany's best scientists. Together, they develop the next generation of researchers in the cognitive sciences.

Leading researchers from various fields work here as fellows. In joint projects, they mentor and support young researchers. The fellows work at Max Planck Institutes, universities, and Helmholtz and Fraunhofer institutions throughout Germany.

The goal: to prepare doctoral students for a successful career in cognitive research.

The four-year doctoral program

The Max Planck School of Cognition offers a four-year doctoral program. It starts with an orientation year and is followed by three years of intensive research work on an individual project.

Both bachelor's degree graduates (via a fast-track program) and master's degree graduates are eligible to apply.

The program is open to many areas of cognitive science, such as artificial intelligence, biology, neuroscience, genetics, linguistics, mathematics, neurobiology, neuroimaging, neurology, neurophysics, philosophy, physics, psychiatry, and psychology.

All participants are employed and funded as part of a doctoral position.

Application phase for the year of 2026 has ended

The application phase for the year of 2026 has ended. Successfully submitted applications are processed at the moment. Applicants who have qualified will be invited to virtual interviews on March 3 and 4, 2026.