The International Max Planck Research School on the Life Course (LIFE) is a joint international PhD. Program of the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, the Freie Universität Berlin, the Humboldt University of Berlin, the University of Michigan, the University of Virginia, and the University of Zurich.
The International Max Planck Research School on the Life Course (LIFE) invites applicants for 3 three-year Doctoral Fellowships. Over two years, students receive a monthly scholarship of 1,365.00 EUR to cover their living expenses.
The IMPRS aims to have a high share of international students. The goal of the Research School is the study of the development of human behaviour from infancy to old age.
Course Level:Â Fellowships are available to pursue Doctoral programme.
Available Subject:Â The goal of the Research School is the study of the development of human behaviour from infancy to old age. The target groups of the Research School are international post-diploma or post-master graduate students who intend to pursue a doctorate in one of the relevant disciplines (biology, computer science, economics, educational science, neuroscience, psychology, sociology).
Scholarship Benefits:Â Over two years, students receive a monthly scholarship of 1,365.00 EUR to cover their living expenses. The stipend is tax-free. Students with dependent children accompanying them will receive 400 EUR for the first dependent child per month, and 100 EUR for each additional child. Upon acceptance into the second and third phase, the scholarship will be extended for another six months each (three years in total). Doctoral students at the IMPRS have a fully equipped shared office and full access to the libraries of the MPI and the Berlin Universities.
Number of Scholarships:Â Three fellowships are available.
Eligibility Criteria:Â The following criteria must be met in order for applicants to be eligible for the scholarship:
- Applicants should hold, or anticipate receiving very soon as shown in supporting documents, a master’s degree, diploma or equivalent in one of the relevant fields. The Research School seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.
- To be admitted to LIFE in Berlin students must have recently finished an M.A., Magister, or Diploma in a discipline relevant to the School’s program (developmental and cognitive psychology, neuroscience, sociology, and educational science, and evolutionary biology, developmental and aging biology).
Eligible Nationalities:Â International students are eligible to apply for this fellowship programme.
Method of Application: There are two ways to be admitted to LIFE. One is to apply directly to Live after stipends are announced. Alternatively, an already active doctoral student from one of the participating universities or institutions may be recommended by a LIFE faculty member to the Steering Committee. These so-called “external†fellows are funded by their respective home institutions or other funding agencies (e.g., DFG). They fully participate in the training and all LIFE activities.
Before submitting any documents familiarize yourself with the application procedure. Take a look at the Berlin, Michigan, Virginia, and Zurich faculty members’ websites for more information on their work and projects (see Faculty). If you want more detailed information or advice about your application, contact the member of the Berlin faculty whose work is relevant to your interests and abilities.
In your cover letter/motivation letter, you should describe your research and career interests. On the online application form, identify one or two members of the Berlin faculty who could serve as your dissertation advisor(s).
Scholarship Application Deadline:Â November 30, 2017.
