We are excited that you are interested in applying to the Berlin Mathematical School!

The BMS offers a competitive and research-oriented PhD program in a diverse and supportive community in the vibrant city of Berlin. The program is tuition free and the BMS provides financial support for students and doctoral researchers.

If you already have a PhD, you can have a look at our call for applications for our Dirichlet Postdoc Fellowships.

Application Period and Deadlines

The BMS application period consists of two application rounds. For admission to our program in 2026, applications will be accepted via our online portal from

15 September to 1 December 2025 (first round)

1 March to 1 April 2026 (second round).

Access to the application portal will end on 1 December and 1 April at 23:59, Berlin, UTC +2 hours, Time Zone Converter

Phase I (Master studies):

Deadline for application requiring admission with scholarship: 1 December 2025
Number of available places with scholarship: 10
Deadline for general admission without funding: 1 April 2026
Number of available places without funding: 10

Phase II (Doctoral research):

For Phase II applicants, the BMS serves mostly as a “matchmaker” with faculty members in Berlin.
The BMS can fund max. 1 Phase II position per year. The start date is 1 October 2026.

All Phase II applications which are evaluated positively are sent to potential supervisors within the BMS faculty to find a matching research group with funding. The starting date for funding outside of BMS and MATH+ depends on the availability of the applicant and supervisor. Phase II applicants are only admitted if their funding is secured for at least three years.

Phase II funding can come from different sources:
- c.a. 10% of BMS Phase II members are funded by the BMS
- c.a. 30% of BMS Phase II members are funded through MATH+ projects
- c.a. 60% of BMS Phase II members are funded through other research positions or scholarships from external sources

You can also apply for PhD positions in your desired research group / with your desired PhD supervisor directly if they have advertised a position on the FU, HU, TU, WIAS or ZIB job portals: Berlin University Alliance - Job Portal

How do I apply?

We accept applications only via the BMS online application portal. Access to the portal will be possible on 15 September 2025.
Documents required to apply:
- Personal Statement / Motivation Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- University Transcripts (and degrees)
- Proof of Proficiency in English
- for Phase II: Research statement

If you already have a PhD position with a BMS faculty member and would like to simply become a Phase II member, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Questions?

We are currently updating our FAQ pages and the application process. You will find all the information here in September.