The International Max Planck Research School on Astrophysics at the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich

We are the joint International Max-Planck Research School (IMPRS) on Astrophysics of

• the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE)
• the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics (MPA)
• the University Observatory Munich at the Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU/USM)
• the European Southern Observatory (ESO)

Together, we form one of the largest centers of astrophysical research in the world, covering every subject from planets, stars, and galaxies to cosmology. Access to the world's largest telescopes and a stimulating scientific environment provide our students with the ideal conditions for their PhD research.

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We are offering about 25 PhD positions for research topics in various fields of astrophysics with in the IMPRS program. The deadline to apply for IMPRS PhD positions is November 1 every year for the program starting in September of the following year.

Our next application round starts beginning of August, 2025 for the program starting in September 2026. Application deadline is November 1, 2025.

Therefore, the online application portal is temporarily closed but will become available in August 2025. We can notify you as soon as the application portal will be open again. Please send us your email address with a short note that we should enter your name and email on our notification list.

More info how to apply can be found here: Application & Admission

For more details about research subjects please check here: Available PhD Topics

In case of further questions please contact us.