The MPSP offers a unique PhD program for excellent students, which supports the qualification for a career in the field of photonics ranging from fundamental to applied research. For applicants with a Bachelor degree the program offers the possibility to broaden their basic knowledge, specialize and obtain a Master's degree within a two year qualification period from one of the three teaching universities in Erlangen-Nürnberg, Jena or Karlsruhe. From the very beginning, the participants are integrated into a cluster of German epicenters in the field of photonics. After graduation, students pass over into the PhD phase of the program at the home institution of one of the fellows within the network of the MPSP. Applicants with a qualifying Master's degree can directly start their PhD research with one of the outstanding Fellows.