The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research and the University of St Andrews have announced applications for the prestigious St Andrews–Max Planck PhD Studentship in Population, Health and Data Science for 2026. The fully funded 3.5-year doctoral opportunity is designed for highly motivated students interested in advanced quantitative research, demographic studies, health inequalities, and socio-economic outcomes. The international PhD studentship offers scholars the opportunity to study in both Germany and the United Kingdom while working alongside globally recognized researchers in population and health sciences. About the St Andrews–Max Planck PhD Studentship The joint PhD programme is funded by the University of St Andrews and the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research. The studentship focuses on understanding how social and environmental conditions during adolescence influence long-term socio-economic and health outcomes in adulthood. Using a life-course research approach, the project will examine how inequalities accumulate over time and affect key areas of life, including: Health outcomes Education attainment Family formation Housing conditions Socio-economic mobility The research also aims to explore regional and structural inequalities using advanced quantitative and statistical modelling techniques. Research Focus and Academic Environment The selected PhD candidate will join several internationally respected research initiatives, including: The International Max Planck Research School for Population, Health and Data Science (IMPRS-PHDS) The Centre for Population Change & Connecting Generations The Max Planck – University of Helsinki Center for Social Inequalities in Population Health The project places strong emphasis on: Longitudinal analysis Demographic research Spatial analysis Quantitative methods Population health studies Statistical modelling This multidisciplinary environment provides students with access to world-class expertise in demographic and population research. Study Structure and Location The PhD programme will be divided between Germany and Scotland. Phase One: Germany During the first 21 months, the successful applicant will work at the Laboratory of Population Health at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Rostock. During this period, the student will: Enroll in the IMPRS-PHDS programme Participate in advanced research training Collaborate with international scholars Conduct quantitative demographic research The institute is globally recognized as one of the leading centres for demographic research. Phase Two: United Kingdom For the remainder of the programme, the student will relocate to the University of St Andrews in St Andrews. The student will become part of the Population and Health Research Group within the School of Geography and Sustainable Development. Research activities at this stage will include: Preparing journal-style research articles Completing a doctoral thesis Conducting demographic and spatial analysis Engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration Financial Benefits and Funding Coverage The St Andrews–Max Planck PhD Studentship provides substantial financial support throughout the programme. Funding During the Germany Phase While based in Germany, the student will receive: A gross annual salary of approximately €40,000 Annual bonus payments Financial support for: Research training Travel Data acquisition Funding During the UK Phase While studying at St Andrews, the funding package includes: A maintenance stipend currently valued at £19,775 annually A research training support grant worth £750 per year Full tuition fee waiver The funding package allows students to focus fully on research and academic development without financial burden. Eligibility Criteria The programme is seeking applicants with strong academic backgrounds and quantitative research interests. Eligible candidates should possess: An excellent Master’s degree Distinction or merit-level academic performance Backgrounds in: Social sciences Statistics Applied mathematics Population studies Health sciences Data science Applicants should also demonstrate a strong interest in applying quantitative methods to population and health research. Required Application Documents Interested applicants are expected to submit: An online application to the “PhD Geography (Science)” programme A personal statement An academic writing sample Academic transcripts and qualifications The personal statement should specifically explain the applicant’s interest in advanced quantitative methods and population research. Applicants are encouraged to submit a chapter from their Master’s dissertation as part of the writing sample requirement. Important Application Deadline Applications for the St Andrews–Max Planck PhD Studentship must be submitted by: Monday, 8 June 2026 Shortlisted candidates are expected to participate in interviews during the second half of June 2026. Commitment to Equal Opportunities Both the University of St Andrews and the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research promote equal opportunities and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The institutions continue to strengthen diversity and inclusion within global research and higher education spaces. Why This PhD Opportunity Stands Out The St Andrews–Max Planck PhD Studentship offers more than financial support. It provides access to: International research collaborations Leading demographic research institutes Advanced quantitative training Global academic networks Cross-country academic experience High-impact policy and population research For students passionate about population health, social inequalities, data science, and demographic research, this fully funded opportunity represents a significant pathway into global academic and policy leadership. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.