St Andrews–Max Planck PhD Studentship in Population, Health and Data Science 2026 | Fully Funded International Opportunity in Germany and the UK ·University of St Andrews and the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research

Overview

This fully funded PhD studentship offers an exceptional opportunity for international research in Population, Health and Data Science across Germany and the UK.

Eligibility

• Students with a strong academic background
• A Master's degree with distinction, merit, or equivalent qualification in relevant disciplines such as Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Population Studies, Sociology, Public Health, Epidemiology, Geography, Economics, Data Science, Demography, or Social Sciences.

Benefits

Applicants will receive:

• Gross annual salary of approximately €40,000 during the Germany phase
• Annual maintenance stipend of £19,775 during the UK phase (subject to increase for 2026/27)
• Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £750 per year
• Full tuition fee waiver
• Funding support for travel, research training and data acquisition
• Access to world-class demographic research institutions
• Advanced quantitative and statistical training
• International academic exposure
• Interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities
• A pathway into high-impact academic and policy careers

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

• Apply to the “PhD Geography (Science)” programme at the University of St Andrews
• Submit a personal statement detailing their interest in advanced quantitative methods and population research
• Upload an academic writing sample, typically a chapter from a Master’s dissertation
• Meet postgraduate research entry requirements

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in June 2026.

Deadline

June 8, 2026