Physics of Biological and Complex Systems

Features

• Building upon the increasingly strong links between physics, chemistry and the life sciences, the program aims at advancing the quantitative and molecular understanding of life processes while at the same time exploring new frontiers of physics.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

• Research topics include biomolecular structure and dynamics, biological membranes, motor proteins and pattern formation in systems of interacting cells, neuronal information processing, and hydrodynamics and pattern formation of complex fluids.
• The program offers cutting-edge advanced microscopy courses and teaches the basics of new cutting-edge techniques essential for studying life processes in combination with quantitative physical approaches and synthetic strategies.

Admission requirements

Academic requirements

GRE®: Required

English requirements

TOEFL iBT: 80

Other requirements

General requirements

• our cover sheet (pdf),
• certificates of other relevant examinations (e.g. GRE, if available),
• English proficiency certificates
• statement by (prospective) supervisor incl. preliminary title, starting date of PhD project, prospective thesis committee members (if already known), details on funding (contract/stipend, funding source, duration of funding). If funding is not yet available for the entire duration of PhD or if supervisors plans lab move: include declaration by department that they will take over the supervision and funding.
• short abstract of your PhD thesis half or one A4-page (is only required for the application for the programs Molecular Biology of Cells, Cellular and Molecular Physiology of the Brain and Systems Neuroscience)
• optionally: max. two reference letters,
• optionally: 1 (one) passport photograph.

Tuition Fees

• International (Non-residents): Free
• EU/EEA (EU/EEA Nationals): Free

Semester fee: 466 Euro

Living costs

Göttingen, Germany

1,177-1,773 AUD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Scholarships

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Physics of Biological and Complex Systems.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

• Fulbright U.S. Student Program — Grant: Various benefits — Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
• Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) • DAAD — Grant: 1400 EUR — Deadline: Not specified
• ACES Scholarships — Grant: 3500 USD — Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
• ServiceScape Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD — Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
• Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — Grant: Various benefits — Deadline: Not specified
• ELES-Scholarship (Ernst-Ludwig-Ehrlich-Studienwerk) — Grant: 1550 EUR — Deadline: 31 Oct 2026
• Amberscholar Scholarship — Grant: 6000 USD — Deadline: 31 Jan 2027
• Karl Schmidt Rottluff Scholarship — Grant: 1200 EUR — Deadline: Not specified
• Voice Talent Online Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD — Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
• $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD — Deadline: 31 Oct 2026
• Dream Chaser Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD — Deadline: 13 Jan 2027
• Scholarship for students with disabilities — Grant: 3000 USD — Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
• Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria — Grant: Various benefits — Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
• Scholarship of the German National Academic Foundation — Grant: 649 EUR — Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
• The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — Grant: 1500 USD — Deadline: Not specified
• Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — Grant: 12000 USD — Deadline: 11 Jan 2027