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MarMic, the International Max Planck Research School of Marine Microbiology, is an M.Sc. and Ph.D. graduate programme run jointly by the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, the University of Bremen, the Alfred Wegener Institute and Constructor University Bremen. It teaches an interdisciplinary approach to marine prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiology, with training in physiology, ecology, evolution, molecular biology, bioinformatics and related subjects. Marine microbiology touches fundamental questions such as the evolution of life, marine food webs, global climate change, the fate of pollutants and ocean biodiversity. Students learn to use both holistic and reductionist research approaches, from biogeochemistry to genomic analysis and from single cells to mixed communities. The programme is taught in English and aimed at qualified national and international students.
Fields of study
How to apply
What you need to apply for Marine Microbiology (MarMic) at Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology
What to prepare for your application to Marine Microbiology (MarMic)
your CV (Curriculum Vitae)
your letter of motivation (1-2 pages)
Please explain your reasons for wanting to enter the program and study marine microbiology. Refer to personal, professional, or educational experiences or situations that have contributed to your desire to participate in this program. Describe your specific interests and academic goals.
all official (up-to-date) academic transcripts
in English or German from all colleges/universities attended
Especially for the translation as well as certification/notarization of transcripts and degrees PLEASE check the Notarization details here.
final academic diplomas
certificate of your high school diploma and of all further academic diplomas, if already applicable (in English or German)
two reference letters
letters of two referees who are able to evaluate your personality, academic experience, and intellectual merit. They should not be older than 6 months.
(Preferably as scanned letter on an official letter head and with manual signature).
a proof of proficiency in English
applicants whose native language is not English need to submit a proof of proficiency in English on the C1-level
(e.g. IELTS: band 7.0, Cambridge University: Certificate in Advanced English (CAE Grade C), TOEIC (Listening/Reading 945, Speaking 180, Reading 180) or TOEFL IBT 95 points, C1-level);
List of English certificates that are accepted by the University of Bremen
Please note:
The submission is preferred until February 28 each year, but also acceptable after the deadline.
a photograph
portrait of the size of a passport photograph
Step-by-step guide to applying for Marine Microbiology (MarMic) at Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology
Apply via
Direct to university
Mode
online
Application fee
0 EUR
Tuition
FREE
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
390 EUR
per semester
Application fee
0 EUR
per application
Statistics will appear here as more applicants report their outcomes. Check back later for acceptance rates and grade benchmarks.
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Not required
The program is intended for students holding a first degree (B.Sc. or equivalent) in microbiology, biochemistry, marine biology, oceanography, chemistry, molecular biology, geology, biogeochemistry, bioinformatics or related fields. Since knowledge in basic microbiology and biochemistry is a prerequisite for a successful completion of the program, students lacking training in these fields are urged to use the time between application and arrival in Bremen to gain knowledge in these fields by looking at courses available in the internet.
Applications will be considered even if the degree is not conferred until summer / fall of the year of application. The program is open for both domestic and foreign students. Students from universities that do not offer B.Sc. degrees may also qualify if their training is equivalent (e.g. German students with a Vordiplom and one additional year of advanced courses).
Exceptionally qualified students can begin research for their Ph. D. thesis immediately, provided they have a M.Sc. or a Diplom / Staatsexamen.
Applications are evaluated by the admissions committee based on the letter of motivation, academic qualifications, and recommendation letters. Promising candidates will be notified by the end of April and invited for interviews in Bremen during May.
In some countries (e.g. P.R. China, India), interviews will be organized with local partner institutions in the presence of a senior faculty member of the MarMic Program.
Decisions about admission will be made and communicated by email after June 30th, 2025.
This programme applies directly to the university. Submit your documents through the correct channel before the deadline.
Open application portalApostille and notarization
Requirements vary by nationality and issuing country. Many German universities require certified translations and, in some cases, document apostilles. Verify current requirements directly with the admissions office, or use our document services for guided preparation.
Need help preparing your documents?
Our document preparation bundle covers SOP, CV, LOR, and translation coordination, reviewed by our team.
View document bundleEstimated time
Varies by programme
Complexity
Varies
Address
MarMic Coordination Office
Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology
Celsiusstr. 1
D-28359 Bremen
Germany
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Estimated year-1 total cost
12,684 – 12,684 EUR
Includes tuition, semester contribution, and estimated living costs. Range accounts for lifestyle differences.
Additional fee information
€390.00 PER SEMESTER
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