Max Planck School Matter to Life – Master's to PhD Direct Track Programme
University of Göttingen offers this 54-month English-taught master's in Natural Sciences in Göttingen, ranked #122 by Times Higher Education.
What it takes to get in
- Deadline
- 1 Dec 2026
What it costs
No tuition fees here — just plan for a normal Göttingen student life.
Living in Göttingen →
What you'll study
54 months — core foundations, then a track of your choice, then a thesis.
Max Planck School Matter to Life – Master's to PhD Direct Track Programme. At University of Göttingen, Göttingen, DE. Taught in English.
Rankings
- Times Higher Education 2026#122
- Times Higher Education 2025#121
- QS World 2025#254
- THE — Life Sciences 2026#60
- THE — Physical Sciences 2026#78
Visa & life in Germany
The practical stuff — what's allowed, what's funded, what to expect after you graduate.
- Student visa
- Non-EU students need a national (D) visa plus a residence permit after arrival; proof of finances (blocked account, ~€11,900/yr) is the main requirement. EU students just register locally (Anmeldung).
- Post-study work
- 18-month job-seeker residence permit after graduation — you can work without restriction while searching for a position matching your qualification.
- Tuition
- Public universities charge no tuition for most programmes — just a semester contribution of €150–€400. Exceptions: Baden-Württemberg (€1,500/semester for non-EU) and some TUM professional master's.
- Scholarships
- DAAD scholarships for international students, Deutschlandstipendium (€300/month, merit-based), plus Erasmus+ for EU mobility.
About University of Göttingen
Worth comparing
Same field, similar entry tier. Most applicants apply to 3–5.
Common questions
Is Max Planck School Matter to Life – Master's to PhD Direct Track Programme at University of Göttingen taught in English?
Yes — the programme is taught entirely in English.
What is the acceptance rate at University of Göttingen?
Not published. Most European public universities don't release acceptance rates — admission is requirements-based, so if you meet the stated requirements your application gets a full review rather than competing against a fixed quota.
Do I need GRE or GMAT scores?
No — GRE and GMAT scores are not required for this programme.
Can I work in Germany after graduating?
Yes. Germany grants graduates of German universities an 18-month residence permit to look for work matching their qualification, and you can work without restriction during the search period.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 1 Dec 2026. Deadlines can differ by nationality — confirm on the programme page.
Is University of Göttingen good for Natural Sciences?
University of Göttingen ranks #60 in Life Sciences (THE 2026).
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