Students at the GSN have a multitude of opportunities during their studies to network with cutting-edge researchers, both in Munich and internationally. Furthermore, the structure of the GSN program is highly compatible with other programs worldwide, and GSN graduate students receive an internationally recognized M.Sc. or Ph.D. degree.
Apply to the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN) at LMU Munich in just a few steps. Below, you’ll find everything you need to prepare and submit your application.
© LMU / Jan Greune
1. Check eligibility
Make sure you meet the academic and program requirements.
2. Prepare your documents
Gather all required certificates and supporting materials.
3. Provide referee information
Provide contact details for your recommendation letters.
4. Submit your application
Complete and submit your application via the online portal.
5. Selection process
Shortlisted candidates are invited to interviews. Successful applicants complete the LMU enrolment process and start their studies in October.
The GSN does not charge application or tuition fees. See more information about student fees at the LMU Munich.
Starting a new program is exciting but also a lot to take in. The GSN makes sure no one navigates it alone.
From your first days on campus to the start of your research journey, we provide the guidance, resources, and community connections you need to hit the ground running.
Applicants should:
Applications are welcome even if the degree has not yet been awarded at the time of application. However, the degree must be conferred before courses begin in October.
PhD program
Applicants must hold an MSc or equivalent degree in biology, psychology, medicine, physics, or a related field.
Fast-Track Ph.D.
Exceptionally qualified Bachelor’s graduates may apply for the Fast-Track Ph.D. program. In some cases, promising candidates may also be recommended by the selection committee for direct admission.
If you have started a doctoral neuroscience research project within the last year but would like to achieve a Ph.D. degree according to the standards of the GSN regulations, you may also apply. In this case, you should have secured your own funding for the duration of your Ph.D. project.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in biology, psychology, medicine, physics, or a related field.
Please refer to the program’s specific entry requirements.
Please note that we will only consider applications and corresponding documentation submitted during the application phase through our online application site.
Applications via email or through external platforms such as Uni-Assist.de or similar are not possible.
Please upload a CV as a PDF document, organized chronologically from your high school studies up to your current situation. Dates should be entered as MM/YYYY and should cover the entire time span without any time gaps longer than 3 months.
Applications are welcome even if the degree has not yet been awarded at the time of application. However, the degree must be conferred before courses begin in October.
It should describe your reasons for applying to the GSN program(s) you have selected, listed in order of preference, and be structured as recommended. Make sure to also read the included note on the use of generative AI for application texts.
The statement should describe all research experience you consider relevant for your application (max. 2000 characters).
It is mandatory for PhD applicants (except Neurophilosophy).Extra document requirements for neurophilosophy applicants
Applicants for the Master's and Fast-Track programs can, but don't have to, enter a research experience statement.
The research experience statement is NOT about listing the methods used in your research, since a dedicated field for methods already exists in the online application tool.
Letters of recommendation need to be submitted by the referees themselves.
As part of the online application, you will have to provide contact details and email addresses for your two referees who have agreed to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
After submitting your application, an automatic email will be sent to the referees with the necessary information to electronically submit the letter of reference. We recommend that you confirm with your referees in advance before submitting your application and reconfirm the arrival of the email invitation with them.
Should your referee have not received the automated email, ask them to check all folders, including the Spam/Junk. Reach out to us with updated referee details in case you want to make a change. Due to the high number of applications, we must limit the number of changes to a referee to two attempts. The latest time for changing referee details is Friday, February 20th, 2026 at 12:00 noon CET.
Please note that it is your responsibility to make sure that letters are submitted by your referees before the deadline on February 23rd, 2026 at 12:00 (noon) CET. Once a referee has submitted a letter of recommendation, you will both get an automatic email.
Only complete applications with two reference letters received within the deadline on February 23rd, 2026, at 12:00 (noon) CET can be considered.
During the application phase, open PhD positions will be advertised here. Applicants for the doctoral program at GSN should work toward securing a placement early in the process, as final admission can only be awarded to candidates with an official supervision agreement.