Become an LSM Student

• Applications must be submitted through our online application tool — submissions via mail or email cannot be accepted.
• Applications that have not been formally submitted will not be reviewed.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered and will be automatically deleted after 3 months in accordance with data protection regulations.
• Only complete, submitted applications with 2 letters of reference will be considered !
• There are no application or tuition fees.
• All courses are held in English.
  

Steps

1. Register Online Create your account and confirm your registration via the link sent to your email.

2. Log In & Complete Your Application Log in with your personal username and password to the LSM online application system and fill out the application form.

3. Upload Your Documents Upload all required documents directly in the application system.

4. Invite Your Referees Contact your referees and confirm they are willing to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Then enter their details in the references tab and click "Save" — this will automatically send them an invitation to submit their letter electronically. Please note: It is your responsibility to ensure your referees submit their letters on time.

5. Your application can be edited at any time before submission.

6. Submit Your Application Click the "Save and Submit" button in the upper menu to finalise your application.

Please note:

• All fields marked with a yellow triangle are mandatory
• Optional fields are encouraged — the more information you provide, the better we can assess your application
• Once submitted, your application can no longer be edited (except name, password and email)
• The LSM coordination office will verify completeness after submission

What Happens Next?

• Receipt of your complete application will be confirmed in the "My Progress" section of your application form.
• Each submitted letter of recommendation will be confirmed in the "My Progress" section and via email.
• Your referee will also receive an email confirmation once their letter has been successfully received.

Selection Process

Applications are independently reviewed by several faculty members of the Graduate School LSM. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of:

• Academic qualification, Research experience, Scientific background, Motivation, Letters of recommendation

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to our online interview days in January 2027.

Successful applicants will be offered a doctoral position, which is generally funded through the supervisor's third-party research funds or scholarships.

Mandatory:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Transcript of records and degree certificate — Bachelor's degree (min. 240 ECTS) or equivalent
• Transcript of records and degree certificate — Master's degree or equivalent (if applicable; temporary transcripts accepted if degree is ongoing)
• Two letters of recommendation (see other tab)
• High school degree transcripts or equivalent
• Letters of Motivation (max. 1 A4 page) — specifically addressing why you chose your selected projects. Generic statements will not be considered.

Recommended:

• English language certificate (if applicable)
• Evidence of scholarships, prizes or awards (if applicable)
• GRE test (strongly recommended for non-EU applicants)

Two letters of recommendation are mandatory. At least one must be provided by your Bachelor's or Master's supervisor (based on your most recently awarded degree).

Before You Apply

Contact your referees before submitting your application to confirm they are willing to write a recommendation on your behalf. Once you enter their details in the online application form and submit, an automatic invitation is sent to each referee — this cannot be undone. It is not possible to change your choice of referee after the invitation has been sent.

How It Works

Letters of recommendation are submitted electronically by your referees directly through the online application system. Once your application is submitted, both you and your referee(s) will receive a confirmation email. The receipt of each letter is also reflected in the status box of your application form.

Important Deadlines & Responsibilities

• Your application cannot be processed until both letters have been received.
• Applications missing one or both letters after this deadline will be considered incomplete and will not be processed further.
• It is your responsibility to ensure your referees submit their letters on time.

All letters of recommendation are treated with strict confidentiality.

There are several ways to join the LSM doctoral programme.
All applications must be submitted through the LSM Online Application Portal, regardless of the funding route.

Funded Doctoral Positions Some of our principal investigators (PIs) have already secured third-party funding for specific doctoral projects. These positions will be advertised on our Open Positions page.

Independent Research Proposals If you have a strong research idea and are interested in working with a specific LSM group, we encourage you to reach out to the relevant group leader directly. If your proposal is a good fit, the group leader will support you in applying for a scholarship, fellowship, or third-party funding. All applications must then be formally submitted through the LSM online application portal.
Other Funding options for national and international applicants

Chinese Applicants — CSC Scholarship Chinese doctoral candidates may be eligible for the LMU-CSC Scholarship (China Scholarship Council). The process works as follows:

1. Apply through the LSM Online Application Portal with your research idea
2. Top candidates will be nominated by the LSM to the LMU-CSC programme
3. Nominated candidates will then be asked to submit a separate application through the LMU-CSC portal

For more information, please visit the LMU CSC Scholarship page or contact us.

The labs recruiting doctoral candidates will be announced around summer 2026. While you wait, we invite you to explore our faculty and their research.

Check back here for updates !