medical phd programs in germany

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Doctorate Program

Medical Life Science and Technology (PhD-Program)

The PhD program in Medical Life Science and Technology provides high-level scientific training for students with a background in medicine, natural and life sciences or engineering.

Course Homepage

• 6 Semesters (Full Time)

Apply online via the website of the degree program

• Possible for both winter and summer semester
• Student Fees: 85.00 €

Information on Degree Program

Program profile.

This three-year program provides high-level scientific training for students with a background in medicine as well as for those with a background in natural and life sciences or engineering. We are looking for highly motivated applicants with a strong record of academic achievement and a keen interest in scientific research.

The PhD program in Medical Life Science and Technology consists primarily of an experimental scientific project that is performed in the laboratory of a faculty member. The practical work is complemented by interdisciplinary lectures, seminars and practical courses. About 50 research groups from various departments, working with a wide variety of techniques, actively participate in our program. The projects cover a diverse range of topics within and continuously expanding the boundaries of the program's main research areas: cardiovascular, imaging, immunology and infection, neuroscience, oncology and molecular medicine.

Medical students of the Technische Universität München can be admitted well before obtaining their final medical degree. In an attempt to improve their clinical-scientific education, they will be able to follow their regular medical studies and the training within the PhD program in parallel.

The PhD program is hosted by TUM School of Medicine and a part of the TUM Medical Graduate Center and therefore of the TUM Graduate School. All students will become members of the Graduate School and benefit from its offers, such as financial support for international research activities, free soft skills courses and manuscript proof-reading, to name just a few.

The goal of the program is to give our students a thorough scientific training and the tools to become successful and independent researchers.

Researcher, also in industry.

Program structure

In addition to the dissertation project, students will participate in lectures, practical courses, seminars and lab rotations relating to their projects. To accommodate the individual project schedules, students can choose when to take these classes. However, it is recommended that they sign up for classes during their first semesters in the program. Advice on how best to organize course schedules will be provided by the program coordinator on an individual basis.

Successful participation in classes is determined in several ways, including written or oral exams, presentations and reports. In order to graduate, 138 credit points are required in research work and 38 credit points in course work, 4 more credit points for defense.

Language of instruction

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient English language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your English language skills .

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.   

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is English.

Information on study organization

• Information on exams
• Information on studying abroad

Academic Regulations: Application, Studying and Exams

• General Academic and Examination Regulations
• Academic and Examination Regulations (PDF 387 KB)
• All regulations and legal framework concerning studies

Application and Admission

Application process.

We require applicants to either have successfully completed their medical studies or hold a Master’s degree or Diplom in natural sciences, engineering, psychology, or a related discipline or to be current medical students of the Technichal University of Munich. Medical students of the Technical University of Munich may apply after passing the first part of the “Ärztliche Prüfung”. If accepted, these students will be able to alternatingly complete their MD and PhD training. Students who have successfully completed their Bachelor’s degree and are currently enrolled in a Master’s program at the Technical University of Munich can also apply and may be accepted under certain circumstances. These students will have to show proof of successful completion of their Master’s degree within one year.

Documents required for the online application

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Degree Certificate and Diploma
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Higher Education Entrance Qualification
• Transcript of Records
• Evidence of Preliminary Medical Examination
• Letter of Motivation
• Complete and Current Résumé

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your  country of origin . Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents. 

Documents required for enrollment

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (certified copy)
• Transcript of Records (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin . After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application deadlines

Application deadline for winter semester: 15.05. Application deadline for summer semester: 15.11. Prospective students apply via the website of the degree program .

Admission process

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. The aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure after the submission of an official application to a program. In this procedure, the TUM school determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its Master’s degree program. 

In the initial stages, the grades you obtained during your Bachelor’s and Master’s program, as well as your written documents, will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are invited to an admissions interview.

• Information on the Aptitude Assessment (German)

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Ph.D. Medical Research

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The LMU Medical Faculty has offered the Ph.D. Medical Research , a structured doctoral program of at least three years, for several years now. The Ph.D. is a research and training program, around medical research topics. In particular, it focuses on biomedical experimental, clinical, translational, and health sciences research. The Ph.D. Medical Research is designed for graduates who have completed an undergraduate degree (master's degree, state examination, or similar) in medicine, veterinary medicine, the natural sciences, pharmacy, a health science, or a related field and plan to conduct full-time research for at least three years .

In order to provide structured doctoral programs for Ph.D. students, university professors and lecturers in the Faculty of Medicine have joined together in various core areas and have committed themselves to adhere to the framework (recruitment, supervision, qualification and examination) specified in the study regulations for the Ph.D. Medical Research. This implies that events (workshops, seminars, etc.) are offered jointly within the framework of a core area. Depending on demand, doctoral students from other departments can also participate, which allows a lively exchange to take place and networks to be formed.

The concept of individual Ph.D. projects in the different research areas, coupled with a structured and partly integrative training program has proved successful over the past years.

Introduction of the Ph.D. Medical Research

A description of the Ph.D. Medical Research (structure, minimum requirements, etc.) can be found here.

Application and Selection

In order to obtain a Ph.D. in Medical Research, you must complete an application and selection process. Depending on which area you wish to carry out your Ph.D. in, there may be different application deadlines and procedures.

Core Areas and Research Training Groups

Currently, there are 5 Ph.D. core areas at the faculty, in addition to numerous SFBs and graduate programs that offer a Ph.D. in Medical Research. If none of the existing programs fit, there is the possibility of an "individual Ph.D. in Medical Research".

Supervision of your Ph.D. Project

Information on who can supervise your Ph.D. project, as well all documents required for this, can be found here.

Registration of your Ph.D. Project

Once you have successfully applied and been accepted for the Ph.D. Medical Research, you need to register yourself and your project using the online platform.

Curriculum and Courses

The Ph.D. Medical Research requires you to complete a curriculum comprising 30 ECTS. Information on how to accomplish this, can be found here.

Submission of your Ph.D. Thesis

Once you have completed all requirements for the Ph.D. Medical Research, you can submit your thesis.

Further Procedure and Oral Defence

Information on the evaluation process of your thesis, as well as on the oral defence can be found here.

Completion of the Procedure and Certificates

Once you have successfully completed your oral defence, you must submit the statutory copies to the University Library, before you can receive your degrees and certificates.

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Ph.D. Program Medical Research - International Health

The Ph.D. program Medical Research - International Health combines health-related research in the widest sense and development cooperation. Special focus lies in educating researchers who in turn become multipliers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and thus the next generation of health professionals. Not only acquiring knowledge for one's own interest, but importing and multiplying the knowledge to areas in need should be a guiding working motive while working as a Ph.D. student at CIH LMU . This motive is complying with global development strategies that have recognized the human resource crisis as a key factor in the deterioration of health systems in low- and middle-income countries.

From this stance arises a certain focus on candidates from LMICs to provide their home countries with competent and responsible researchers and health professionals. However, the Ph.D. program is open to all who share an interest in health-related issues in the field of development cooperation. Therefore, we encourage all professionals of any nationality to become part of the Ph.D. program, people working in health or health-related fields who are willing to improve the local research and health situation both through manpower and knowledge.

The Ph.D. program Medical Research - International Health is part of the Munich Medical Research School (MMRS), a central institution of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München’s Medical Faculty. One of the main tasks of the MMRS is to establish Ph.D. core areas under the examination regulations for "Ph.D. Medical Research", in order to promote the faculty's internationalization. All doctoral students are automatically members of the MMRS upon admittance to the Ph.D. program Medical Research - International Health.

3 years full-time sandwich program

The doctoral project is supervised by both a local supervisor and two to three LMU supervisors. Doctoral candidates start their doctoral degree in Munich during Module Block I (Oct-Dec), but subsequently spend the research periods in their home country. After the first research period, Ph.D. candidates come to Munich for Module Block II (Jan-March) before completing the doctorate in their home country with the participation of the LMU supervisors

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Medical Research – International Health

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany

There are no tuition fees. However, please note that you need to be able to finance your research and the stays in Munich. Please see more details under "Costs" .

01 December 2023 to 31 January 2024, via the MMRS registration portal .

Our Ph.D. MR-IH study handbook contains important information about the course of study and the degree in a bundled format.

If you would like comprehensive information about the Ph.D. program or have specific questions, we offer an Information Session each year before the application period begins. The next information session will be announced in due time. Registration is required.

Further Information

• Research projects
• Supervision of your Ph.D.
• Ph.D. Thesis Submission
• Thesis evaluation and Oral Defense
• Obtaining the degree
• Scholarships

Application

Before applying, make sure to carefully read about the application requirements and selection process , and click here to register.

Helpful links for Ph.D. candidates

• Past Ph.D. Research Topics

The support by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development is part of the EDCTP2 programme supported by the European Union.

PhD Programs

You are creative, curious and passionate about basic research? You would like to live in the oldest university town in Germany and work at one of the famous Max Planck Institutes? You would enjoy doing research in a supportive, stimulating and diverse environment?

We welcome graduate students from all over the world and a wide range of disciplines. Because Max Planck Institutes cannot confer PhD degrees, our students are simultaneously enrolled at Heidelberg University and receive their doctorate from one of the university’s faculties (  Biosciences Faculty ,  Chemistry Faculty ,  Physics Faculty ). These faculties have their own specific requirements, which students must fulfill.

PhD students at the institute perform research work and write a thesis under the supervision of a scientist who leads a research group in one of the institute’s departments. Students are usually enrolled in a graduate program. We offer access to a number of graduate schools, such as the  Max Planck School Matter to Life , the IMRPS-QD or other graduate schools of Heidelberg University. Most group leaders are associated with one or more of these graduate schools. Joining a graduate school makes you part of the Heidelberg life science community and gives you opportunities for scientific and social exchange outside of the institute.

For students who are not enrolled in a structured PhD program we offer support and guidance through individual Thesis Advisory Committees (TAC). The TAC monitors the progress and development of the PhD student and provides advice to both the student and his/her supervisor. The TAC members are also available for one-to-one consultations with the student and can become an important networking partner. Our PhD students can contact their committee members for personal discussions at any time.

For more information about the different PhD programs and the application procedure, please follow the links provided below. Alternatively, you may also directly contact the head of the department or group leader of the program you’re interested in. Just send an e-mail including your CV and a short description of your interests and expertise to establish first contact. Feel free to contact the PhD representatives or scientific coordinator with any general questions about working at our institute.

PhD Life at the Institute

Graduate Schools in Heidelberg

IMPRS Quantum Dynamics in Physics, Chemistry and Biology

Max Planck School Matter to Life

We have 11 Medicine PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Germany

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Medicine PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Germany

Phd positions in life science and biomedicine research groups supported by a structured phd program, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Germany PhD Programme

A German PhD usually takes 3-4 years. Traditional programmes focus on independent research, but more structured PhDs involve additional training units (worth 180-240 ECTS credits) as well as placement opportunities. Both options require you to produce a thesis and present it for examination. Many programmes are delivered in English.

PhD candidate - Origin of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders in Childhood (f/m/x)

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Fully funded (and no tuition) PhD program in psychiatric, translational research and basic Neuroscience with the option for a residency track for medical doctors.

Phd position in antiviral immunity and vaccinology (m/f/d), 10+ fully funded phd positions at the imprs for molecular organ biology, max planck research programme.

Max Planck Research Programmes are structured PhD opportunities set up by the Max Planck Society, an independent non-profit German research organisation. Max Planck Institutes and universities collaborate to offer interdisciplinary and international PhD opportunities providing high standards of training and support as well as generous funding.

PhD Students (f/m/d) for super-resolution microscopy-based investigations of the glycocalyx

Phd studentship opportunities in the overall field of cognition research, doctoral (phd) positions at international max planck research school - biological intelligence, phd student positions at international max planck research school for molecules of life, munich, 12 fully funded ph.d. positions at the cologne graduate school of ageing research.

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International phd program in medical life science and technology.

Welcome to the PhD program in Medical Life Science and Technology!

The PhD program “Medical Life Science and Technology” is a structured postgraduate program within the TUM School of Medicine aimed at students with a background in medicine, engineering or life sciences. The key research areas represented in the program are oncology , neuroscience , immunology/infection , biomedical imaging , cardiovascular research , and molecular medicine .

The main purpose of the program is to give students a thorough scientific training and the tools to become successful and independent scientists. Although the program is mainly focused on specialist knowledge, additional extra-disciplinary preparation complement the training. Skills gained from completing the PhD, including project management, analytical and communication skills, allow the PhD graduates not only to pursue a career in academia, but also to aim for a higher-level non-academic job in industry or healthcare.

The PhD program is part of the TUM Medical Graduate Center and the TUM Graduate School . Students enrolled in the PhD program become members of the Graduate School and benefit from its offers, such as financial support for international research activities .

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PhD study program

The PhD program in Molecular Medicine aims at an in-depth education in the translation of basic knowledge within molecular biosciences into applications regarding the prevention, diagnostics and therapy of human diseases. The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Göttingen has a long tradition and is further expanding its programs towards such research goals The establishment of a PhD program in Molecular Medicine represents only the most recent effort of this kind. The program is part of the Georg August University School of Sciences (GAUSS) and the Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB) .  

The program is aiming at the education of PhD students in these disciplines and technologies. The candidates are expected to conduct a high-profile research project in one of the afore-mentioned subjects. They will be supported by stringent supervision, thesis committees, methods courses and informal counseling. Overall, the program aims at the thorough education of young scientists who address medically relevant problems with a sound background in basic sciences.

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Ph.d. program - medical research in epidemiology & public health.

Welcome to the Ph.D. program - Medical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (Ph.D.-EPH)

This international and interdisciplinary structured Ph.D. program is part of the Pettenkofer School of Public Health and the Munich Medical Research School. We offer talented doctoral candidates research and training opportunities in the following fields:

• Clinical, Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology • Clinical Trials and Translational Medicine • Environmental Risk Factors on Health and Disease • Genomic and Molecular Medicine • Digital Health • Clinical and Evidence-based Prevention • Health Services Research • Health Economics and • Evidence-based Public Health

Each of our Ph.D. candidates, in close collaboration with his or her direct supervisor and other members of the TAC Thesis Advisory Committee , define the specific research aims and curriculum content that he or she will follow during the (minimum) three years of study. This individual tailor-made training and supervision concept ensures that the needs of each Ph.D. candidate are met on their way to obtaining their degree.

During the Ph.D., each doctoral candidate must acquire 180 ECTS. Curricular activities cover 30 ECTS and are divided into three modules:

17 ECTS - Method Courses - improving knowledge and methodological skills related directly to the Ph.D. project  8  ECTS - Conferences & Retreats  5  ECTS - Transferable Skills

The remaining credits are achieved within the scope of research work which includes writing the Ph.D. thesis in English (140 ECTS) and the oral thesis defence (10 ECTS). To learn more about the general framework of the Ph.D. Program and the formal requirements for our Ph.D. candidates, please visit the MMRS website .

Costs & Funding

The Ph.D. program is free of charge with the exception of the LMU enrolment fee (approx. 150€ per semester). The estimated costs of living in Munich are at 1000-1500€ per month. Please note that we do not provide any scholarships. Here you can find information about funding possibilities beyond our Ph.D. program.

Flyer (PDF, 1,3 MB)

• phd-eph-flyer (1 MByte)
• Ph.D. Journal Club (mandatory)
• Quantitative Methods
• Advanced Methods in Epidemiology
• Courses in Applied Epidemiology
• Seminar in Advanced Epidemiology
• Clinical Epidemiology I – Part 1: Medical Informatics and Regulatory Issues in Clinical Research
• Clinical Epidemiology I – Part 2: Advanced Methods in Clinical Epidemiology: Design, Evidence Synthesis, Safety and Quality
• Clinical Epidemiology II: Defining and Measuring Endpoints for Clinical Studies and Advanced Statistical methods
• From Concept to Analysis
• Module Health Geography
• Epidemiology and Research Design
• Specialization Biometry
• Public Health Nutrition
• Alessandra Schirin Gessl
• Ama Twumwaa Acheampong
• Anna Novelli
• Stephan Voß
• Anna Leibinger
• Carmen Klinger
• Claire Slesinski
• Francesco Antonio Foppiano Florez Estrada
• Michael Hindelang
• Leyla Larsson
• Linmiao Jiang
• Amani Al Tawil
• Andrea Becker-Pennrich
• Markus Schwarz
• Megan-Schröder
• Nicole Holliday
• Nina Schurig
• Nuha Shugaa Addin
• Olukemi Omowumi Ige
• Rebecca Brambilla
• Saori Harada
• Sarah Preis
• Sebastian Fuchs
• Stefan Buchka
• Mairi McClean

The 2020 Ph.D. Retreat took place from July 6th to July 7th, 2020 – as first online retreat via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirty students, seven supervisors and two guest speakers joined the Ph.D. retreat which allowed a vivid exchange and interaction despite the difficult situation due to the pandemic. mehr

• Ph.D. Retreat 2023
• Ph.D. Retreat 2022
• Ph.D. Retreat 2021
• Ph.D. Retreat 2020
• Ph.D. Retreat 2019
• Ph.D. Retreat 2018
• Ph.D. Retreat 2017
• Ph.D. Retreat 2016
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Structured Doctoral Programs

Each of our structured doctoral programs offers a comprehensive and cross-disciplinary curriculum designed to help you realize your full potential and prepare for a successful career. The programs include innovative, personalized advising with regular progress checks, as well as extensive opportunities to broaden your research network and connect with peers in your field.

The University of Bonn offers a wide range of funding opportunities, which have been summarized for you on this page, divided into the following categories:

Bonn International Graduate Schools (BIGS)

Phd programs within our cluster of excellence.

• Structured Doctoral Programs by Discipline 

Third-Party Funded Programs

Doctoral education at the highest level: BIGS enable doctoral studies in outstanding research contexts with attractive international collaborations and a qualification program tailored to the needs of graduate students.

Located at the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics and supported by Germany’s Excellence Initiative, BIGS-M  is home to all of the University’s doctoral candidates in mathematics and contributes to Bonn’s excellent international reputation in the field.

BGSE offers a structured program that is tailored to the needs of doctoral candidates, including an internationally recognized research network.

Supported by Germany’s Excellence Initiative and jointly administered by the renowned Physics Institutes at the Universities of Bonn and Cologne, BCGS  offers doctoral studies through an integrated honors program.

Home to an international community of talented biomedical scientists, BIGS DrugS 6 6 is the hub for doctoral candidates from pharma research institutes within the University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Faculty of Medicine.

BIGS-OAS offers a wide range of courses within a research context, focused on the cultures and societies of Asia and Asia Minor.

BIGS Neuroscience provides a top-level, internationally competitive program in this rapidly growing field.

BIGS CPS's interdisciplinary approach combines medical, agricultural and pharmaceutical research.

BIGS Chemistry 10 doctoral candidates enjoy an exceptional and ambitious program covering all fields of chemistry.

This three-year doctoral program  is offered in conjunction with the University’s ImmunoSensation Cluster, which is funded by Germany’s Excellence Initiative.

Part of the University of Bonn’s Center for Development Research, BIGS-DR   trains students for an international career in development cooperation, policy or research through a combination of academic study and intensive tutorship.

The BIGS Land and Food combines the research at the agricultural Faculty with an interdisciplinary study program.

Clusters of Excellence stand for international and interdisciplinary elite research and offer young scientists excellent funding and career conditions. The University of Bonn currently has six clusters of excellence, more than any other university in Germany, and thus opens up a broad spectrum of possible research topics to doctoral candidates. Here you will find an overview of the university's clusters of excellence.

PhD Programs within our Excellence Cluster

The goal of the Hausdorff Center of Mathematics is to identify and address mathematical challenges of the 21st century, to advance groundbreaking fundamental mathematical research worldwide, and to develop the mathematical methods and tools required by science and society.

Part of the Hausdorff Center is also a graduate school: The Bonn International Graduate School of Mathematics (BIGS-M) hosts all doctoral students of mathematics and contributes to the outstanding international reputation of the university in this field. The duration of the program is usually 3 years, and the doctorate (Dr. rer nat.) can be earned as a degree.

More information: https://www.bigs-math.uni-bonn.de/de/studies/ 14 15 15

ImmunoSensation2 aims to continue the success story of the existing ImmunoSensation cluster. While the emphasis so far has been on fundamental research in particular of the innate immune system, now the mechanisms of immune intelligence are to be uncovered, i.e. the question of how the body succeeds in adapting immune responses to specific situations and then remembers this in order to be optimally prepared for similar challenges in the future. The cluster's graduate school, the Bonn International Graduate School Immunosciences and Infection offers a structured, three-year doctoral program.

You can find further information about this program here: 

https://www.immunosensation.de/opportunities/young-scientists

Until today, dependency studies has almost exclusively dealt with slavery on the American continent or in antiquity. The Cluster of Excellence "Bonn Center for Dependency and Slavery Studies (BCDSS)" aims to broaden this perspective in terms of content, space and time. Within the framework of the cluster, a structured doctoral program with a duration of 4 years is offered.

Further information can be found at:  https://www.dependency.uni-bonn.de/en 15 16

Over the last few decades, computer hardware has become smaller and smaller, but their technology remains more or less the same. Slowly, this development is reaching its limits.Thus, we need new technologies that satisfy our growing hunger for even more powerful hardware.

Quantum physics could be a solution.

Together with the University of Cologne and the RWTH Aachen, Bonn researchers want to work on making this new technology usable. To achieve this, quantum bits or even qubits - the quantum counterpart to our previous bits - quantum communication channels that build networks and error correction methods have to be explored from the ground up. As part of the Excellence Initiative, the Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS) offers a doctoral program with an integrated honors program.

Further information can be found at:  http://www.gradschool.physics.uni-bonn.de/. 4 4

The ECONtribute researches the functioning of markets as well as reasons for their failure. In doing so, the cluster goes beyond traditional analyses by systematically combining model-based theoretical approaches and behavioral explanatory models while incorporating legal and political frameworks. Within the cluster, the Bonn Graduate School of Economics (BGSE) offers doctoral students a tailored structured doctoral program that includes an internationally recognized research network.

Further information can be found at:  https://www.bgse.uni-bonn.de. 3 3

Increasing agricultural production despite limited land while reducing the ecological footprint of agriculture - this is one of the challenges of our time. For this reason, the University of Bonn and Forschungszentrum Jülich are jointly developing methods and new technologies to observe, analyze, better understand and more specifically treat plants. The cluster's graduate school, the Theodor Brinkmann Graduate School, offers an interdisciplinary study program to master's students and doctoral candidates at the Faculty of Agriculture.

More information: https://www.phenorob.de/ .

The Third-Party Funded Programs at the University of Bonn offer structured doctoral studies on selected research topics. They enable close networking among doctoral students conducting research on related topics.

Bonn International Graduate School of Mathematics (BIGS-M) 2 17 18 18 Located at the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics, BIGS-M provides an umbrella for all Bonn PhD students in mathematics. Thus, the BIGS-M contributes to the excellent national and international reputation of mathematics at Bonn.

Bonn International Graduate School Immunosciences and Infection The BIGS Immunosciences and Infection is a structured 3-year PhD program in conjunction with the ImmunoSensation Cluster/Bonn. The ImmunoSensation Cluster is part of the Excellence Strategy.

DFG Research Training Group "Gegenwart/Literatur. Geschichte, Theorie und Praxeologie eines Verhältnisses" (GRK 2291) [only in German] The Research Training group supported by the DFG  aims at the exploration and analysis of the constitutive dimensions of the concept of contemporary literature.  

DFG international Research Training Group "Myeloid antigen presenting cells and the induction of adaptive immunity" GRK (2168) 19 19 19 19 The DFG-funded project is a cooperation of the University of Bonn and the University of Melbourne. The principal research focus is the intersection between innate and adaptive immunity in the context of infection.

DFG Research Training Group  "The Macroeconomics of Inequality"  ( GRK 2281) 20 20 20 20 The research program focuses on the macroeconomic aspects of inequality, an aspect of first-order importance for society. 

DFG Research Training Group "Template-designed Organic Electronics (TIDE)" (GRK 2591) 21 21 21 The Graduate Program 'Template-Designed Optoelectronic Devices' (TIDE) aims to provide comprehensive doctoral education in the field of Organic Electronics (OE) to meet the requirements of highly qualified and multidisciplinary professionals. 

DFG Research Training Group "Tools and Drugs of the Future - Innovative Methods and New Modalities in Medicinal Chemistry" (GRK 2873) The goal of the RTG " Tools and Drugs of the Future" is to modernize medicinal chemistry and train a new generation of medicinal chemists and researchers at the interface with interconnected disciplines. In addition, the projects are intended to contribute to the development of new drug substances.

Integrated Research Training Group at the DFG Collaborative Research Centre "Synaptic Micronetworks in Health and Disease" (SFB 1089) 22 22 27 27 Located at the newly inaugurated SFB 1089 on neuronal networks, the Integrated Research Training Group offers a structured graduate program for all doctoral researchers at the Centre.

Integrated Research Training Group at theDFG Collaborative Research Centre "Future Rural Africa" (SFB/TR 228) The integrated research group is investigating the relationship between land use change and shaping the future in rural Africa in a total of 14 subprojects.

Integrated Research Training Group at the DFG Collaborative Research Centre "Open System Control of Atomic and Photonic Matter" (SFB/TR 185) 24 The collaborative research centre Oscar will explore the physics of open systems.

Integrated Research Training Group at the DFG Collaborative Research Centre "Aortic Diseases" (SFB/TR 259) 25 The aim of this research initiative is to better understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms of resident and non-resident cells in aortic diseases.

Integrated Research Training Group at the DFG Collaborative Research Centre "Regional Climate Change: Disentangling the Role of Land Use and Water Management" (SFB 1502) The SFB combines the strengths of the University of Bonn and its project partners to answer one of the most difficult questions in understanding climate change.

Integrated Research Training Group at the DFG Collaborative Research Centre "Brown and Beige Fat - Organ Crosstalk, Signaling and Energetics (BATenergy)" (SFB/TRR 333) The CRC investigates metabolism/diabetes and focusses on brown adipose tissue. 

One Health and Urban Transformation

The NRW Forschungskolleg One Health and Urban Transformation is a transdisciplinary graduate school that aims to find interventions to achieve optimal health for humans, animals, plants and the environment with a special focus on developments in NRW, Saõ Paulo, Accra and Ahmedabad.

International Max Planck Research School Moduli Spaces 27 27 In cooperation with the University of Bonn, the renowned Bonn Max-Planck-Institute for Mathematics offers a PhD program with a special focus on the study of moduli.

International Max Planck Research School for Astronomy and Astrophysics 28 28 In cooperation between the Max-Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy and the Universities of Bonn and of Cologne, the Research School facilitates 3 years of PhD studies with a curriculum tailored to the individual student.

International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior 29 The IMPRS for Brain & Behavior is a cooperation between the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior - caesar, the University of Bonn and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn

International Max Planck Research School - Recharge IMPRS-RECHARGE focuses on interdisciplinary research between chemistry and physics with an emphasis on catalytic mechanisms, physical-chemical analysis and energy topics. Scientific challenges shall be looked at from different angles. Furthermore the combination of theory and practice is a vital aim of the IMPRS-RECHARGE.

Marie Curie Innovative Training Network "Macro and Microplastic in Agricultural Soil Systems“ (SOPLAS) The SOPLAS project will assemble a multidisciplinary team to study the nexus of plastic–agriculture–soil. It will also train a new generation of leading experts. The project aims to identify the plastic cycle within agricultural soil systems and support the development of environmental policies related to mitigating the impact of plastics. The findings will advance our knowledge about the sustainable use of plastics in European agriculture.

Marie Curie Innovative Training Network "Early Stage Researchers EDUCational Program on Factor VIII Immunogenicity“ (EDUC8 ) 32 37 The EDUC8 program is a multidisciplinary training program with exposure of the enrolled ESRs to a core common educational package and development of individual PhD researchprojects dedicated to decreasing the societal burden associated with the development of anti-FVIII antibodies in Europe.

Marie Curie Innovative Training Network "Research and Training in Early Life Nutrition to Prevent Disease" (GROWTH)

GROWTH is an Innovative Training Network that aims to train young business-oriented researchers in developing pathological insights, biomarker diagnostics and personalized nutritional interventions for intestinal failure in neonates and preterm infants.

Tools4Teams - "Research Training to Design and Implement Tools Supporting Safe Teamwork in Healthcare"

The Tools4Teams research project will prepare the next generation of teamwork experts to contribute new insights and smart technologies for safe and effective care. Tools4Teams brings together expertise from social and technical sciences, human-centered design, education, and clinical specialties.

Trinational Graduate College "Mass and Integration in Antique Societies" [in German/French] Supported by the Deutsch-Französische Hochschule since 2011, the tri-national Graduate School in Ancient History offers curriculum events in Bonn, Berne, and Strasbourg.

Structured Doctoral Programs by Discipline

Find the right structured doctoral program at the University of Bonn in your discipline here:

• Cross-Disciplinary Options
• Medicine and Life Sciences
• Mathematics and Natural Sciences
• Agriculture

Faculties at the University of Bonn work together to design interdisciplinary programs that combine key perspectives and offer unique insights.

Cross-Disciplinary Programs

Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR) 42 Unique in Europe, BIGS-DR links perspectives from the Faculties of Philosophy, Agriculture, and Law and Economics – with an international focus.

Bonn International Graduate School of Neuroscience (BIGS Neuroscience) 8 8 A collaboration between the University’s Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, as well as external partners, BIGS Neuroscience offers a medical program alongside five research areas in medicine.

SciMed Doctoral College 43 42 The Doctoral College offers scientific training for students in medicine and dental medicine, leading to a dual Dr. med. and Dr. med. dent. degree.

Researchers at the University of Bonn explore a wide variety of issues in economics, including game theory, applied microeconomics, monetary and international macroeconomics, contract theory, labor economics and finance.

Economics Programs

Bonn Graduate School of Economics (BGSE) BGSE offers a structured program that is tailored to the needs of doctoral candidates, including an internationally recognized research network.

DFG Research Training Group "Die Macroeconomics of Inequality" (GRK 2281) The research program focuses on the macroeconomic aspects of inequality, an aspect of first-order importance for society. 

Law Programs

Graduate School of Law and Political Science Department of Law The Graduate School of the Faculty of Law and Political Science was founded in the summer semester of 2018 and supports the doctoral students in preparing their doctoral studies.

The University of Bonn’s Faculty of Medicine offers doctoral programs in medical biochemistry, neurosciences and pharmacology. With the exception of the SciMed Doctoral College, all programs are administered in cooperation with the University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

Cross-Disciplinary Program

SciMed Doctoral College The Doctoral College offers scientific training for students in medicine and dental medicine, leading to a dual Dr. med. and Dr. med. dent. degree.

Neuroscience

Bonn International Graduate School of Neuroscience (BIGS Neuroscience) BIGS Neuroscience provides a top-level, internationally competitive program in this rapidly growing field.

Synaptic Micronetworks in Health and Disease (SFB 1089) Supported by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft – DFG) collaborative research centers, this integrated research training group works to identify fundamental rules that govern neuronal behavior at the network level and translate network dynamics to mammalian and human behavior.

International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior A joint venture of the University of Bonn, the Max-Planck-associated Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, and Florida Atlantic University, this graduate school offers a complete doctoral and research program in the neurosciences.

Marie Curie Initial Training Network "modelling and pRedicting Human decision-making Using Measures of subconscious Brain processes through mixed reality interfaces and biOmetric signals" (RHUMBO) RHUMBO proposes using measures of subconscious brain processes through the use of mixed reality technologies (MRT) and advanced biometric signals processing as a new paradigm to improve the knowledge that implicit brain processes have in human decision-making.

Pharma Research

Bonn International Graduate School of Drug Sciences (BIGS DrugS) Home to an international community of talented biomedical scientists, BIGS DrugS is the hub for doctoral candidates from pharma research institutes within the University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Faculty of Medicine.

Bonn International Graduate School of Immunosciences and Infection

This three-year doctoral program is offered in conjunction with the University's ImmunoSensation Cluster , which is funded by Germany’s Excellence Initiative.

DFG Research Training Group "Myeloid antigen presenting cells and the induction of adaptive immunity" GRK (2168) The DFG-funded project is a cooperation of the University of Bonn and the University of Melbourne.

At the University of Bonn’s Faculty of Arts, you’ll find a highly international environment with students and researchers in a wide range of fields.

German Studies, Comparative Literature and Culture 

Structured Doctoral Program in German Studies (SPP) [website in German] Taught in German, the SPP supports doctoral candidates’ initiatives within the Institute for German, Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies.

German-Italian Doctoral College [website in German] Taught in German, this three-year grant program provides structured doctoral studies for researchers in German and Italian, with time in both Bonn and Florence.

History and Ancient History 

Mass and Integration in Antique Societies [website in German and French] Supported by Franco-German University and taught in German and French, this trinational doctoral program includes study in Bonn; Berne, Switzerland; and Strasbourg, France.

Oriental and Asian Studies Bonn

International Graduate School of Oriental and Asian Studies (BIGS-OAS) BIGS-OAS offers a wide range of courses within a research context, focused on the cultures and societies of Asia and Asia Minor.

Romance Studies

Italian Studies [website in German and Italian] Offered in cooperation with the Universities of Florence and Paris-Sorbonne IV, this trinational doctoral program is taught in German and Italian.

Structured DPhil program at the Faculty of Arts The program supports qualified doctoral candidates from all disciplines in their doctoral projects. It provides the opportunity for networking, interdisciplinary exchange in diverse social sciences and humanities subjects, progress monitoring and financial support for travel, workshops or research funding as part of the doctorate.

European Founding Myths in Literature, Arts and Music [website in German, French and Italian] This trinational program is jointly organized by the Universities of Bonn, Florence and Paris-Sorbonne IV and taught in German, French and Italian.

Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR) Part of the University of Bonn’s Center for Development Research, BIGS-DR trains students for an international career in development cooperation, policy or research through a combination of academic study and intensive tutorship.

The University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences offers numerous externally funded doctoral programs in areas including mathematics and informatics, physics, biology, pharmacology and molecular biomedicine.

Programs in neuroscience, pharma research, immunoscience, and infection and molecular biomedicine are offered in cooperation with the Faculty of Medicine.

Mathematics

Bonn International Graduate School of Mathematics (BIGS-M) 2 2 Located at the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics, BIGS-M is home to all of the University’s doctoral candidates in mathematics and contributes to Bonn’s excellent international reputation in the field.

International Max Planck Research School on Moduli Spaces 53 53 This program includes courses, seminars and activities focused on the geometric spaces whose points represent fixed algebro-geometric objects (or isomorphism classes of such objects).

Physics und Astronomy

Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS) 4 4 Supported by Germany’s Excellence Initiative and jointly administered by the renowned Physics Institutes at the Universities of Bonn and Cologne, BCGS offers doctoral studies through an integrated honors program.

International Max Planck Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics 55 55 This program offers a broad spectrum of topics in observational and theoretical galactic and extragalactic astrophysics, observational and theoretical cosmology, and fundamental physics – using astronomical tools and instrumentation.

Leibniz Graduate School on Genomic Biodiversity Research Based at Bonn’s Alexander Koenig Research Museum, this school is focused primarily on insect genome evolution.

Bonn International Graduate School of Chemistry (BIGS Chemistry) 57 57 BIGS Chemistry offers an internationally competitive doctoral program and opportunities to perform cutting-edge research.

Neurosciences

Bonn International Graduate School of Neuroscience (BIGS Neuroscience) 8 8 BIGS Neuroscience provides a top-level, internationally competitive program in this rapidly growing field.

Synaptic Micronetworks in Health and Disease (SFB 1089) 22 22 Supported by DFG collaborative research centers, this integrated research training group works to identify fundamental rules that govern neuronal behavior at the network level and translate network dynamics to mammalian and human behavior.

International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior 29 29 The IMPRS for Brain & Behavior is a cooperation between the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior - caesar, the University of Bonn and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn.

Bonn International Graduate School of Drug Sciences (BIGS DrugS) 6 6 Home to an international community of talented biomedical scientists, BIGS DrugS is the hub for doctoral candidates from pharma research institutes within the University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Faculty of Medicine.

BIGS Immunoscience and Infection A structured, three-year doctoral program, IITB is offered in conjunction with the ImmunoSensation Cluster at the University of Bonn.

Doctoral candidates in the field of agriculture may choose to study through the Faculty of Agriculture’s Theodor Brinkmann Graduate School or earn their degree through the University of Bonn’s Center for Development Research.

Agriculture Programs

Bonn International Graduate School for Land and Food (BIGS Land and Food)  Founded in 2008, the Brinkmann School is home to master's and doctoral candidates in the Faculty of Agriculture, combining research with an interdisciplinary study program.

Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR) 12 Part of the University of Bonn’s Center for Development Research 59 , BIGS-DR trains researchers for an international career in development cooperation, policy or research through a combination of academic study and intensive tutorship.

Dr. Robert Radu

[email protected]

+49 228 73-60222

Poppelsdorfer Allee 47

Office Hours

Questions about the structured doctorate? Register for the (virtual) office hours and get advice:

• Tuesday 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Additional Qualification: Doctorate plus

Expand your skills with our training program Doctorate plus.

Learn about the numerous funding opportunities and grants for doctoral students.

Events and Opportunities

Find out what's new and see upcoming events.

PhD program medicine

Dean’s Office for Research

PhD Programme

• participation in the curriculum (at least 20 credit points)
• submission of the thesis covering the results of the two-years scientific project
• defense of the thesis

The PhD programme wants to attract medical doctors and dentists, who have already shown a special aptitude for research during their studies. Therefore, the applicant has to be first author of a research paper which was submitted to a journal belonging to the upper half of its field based on quality and reputation. Additionally, applicants have to submit an abstract of their planned research project which has to be supported by a university professor of the UKE or a habilitated adjunct professor along with the confirmation of academic supervision . Before you can apply to the programme, you therefore need to find a supervisor for your research project. Continous application to the programme is possible.

Applicants from EU-member states

• copy of your high school degree
• copy of your university degrees
• proof for submitted first author paper
• further documentation of your research activities

Applicants from non-EU member states

• a a summary of the subjects taken showing the obtained credits

Please note that for Non-EU members admission to the programme or obtaining the PhD degree does not have any consequences in respect of the practitioner's approbation.

Acceptance to the programme

The Admission Committee will carefully review every application and decide based on the previous study achievements and the scientific quality of the suggested project. If you are accepted to the programme, you need to enrol at the University of Hamburg ( information ). Please note that enrolment is mandatory and needs to be achieved within 4-6 weeks after the start of your PhD programme. Further you have to acknowledge the PhD degree regulations (" PhD Ordnung ").

• Academic key skills courses
• Interdisciplinary courses
• Research method courses
• Good Scientific Practice
• Advanced Writing Skills for Science and Research
• Presentation Skills for Science and Research

PhD students further have to attend the institute seminars (requirement within the interdisciplinary course section) . Besides the compulsory coursework, PhD students can select classes based on their interests and after consultation with their thesis committee. Research method workshops are offered by the faculty, key skill classes can be attended at the Career Center of the University of Hamburg . Since the PhD Programme cooperates with the UKE graduate schools and programmes, PhD students can also attend their workshops and classes, if capacity is available. Information about courses will be either announced at the websites of the programmes or can be received from the programme managers. Interested PhD-students should contact latter ones directly for free capacity in the classes.

The Admission Committee decides whether credit points can be assigned for classes/ workshops/ participation at conferences. Requests can be submitted at the Office for Medical Doctorate and PhD students.

Admission Committee

• Decision about admission to the programme
• Appointment and confirmation of the supervision group (=thesis committee)
• Decision about admission to the examination and appointment of the graduation committee

Thesis Committee

• Individual supervision and counseling during the whole PhD programme
• Biannual evaluation of work progress (information session with PhD candidates)
• Suggestions for optimal personal and scientific development of the PhD candidates

Graduation Committee

The Admission Committee appoints an individual Graduation Committee for each PhD student. Additional details are available in the PhD regulations.

There are no scholarships offered within the PhD programme at the moment. Applicants should discuss possibilities for financial support (for the project and personal salary) with the supervisor of the planned research project.

Information

• Online application

online application

• Promotion/Habilitation
• Associate Dean's Office for Academic Procedures

• Graduate training consultant

last update: 05/07/2023

Medical Universities and Med Schools in Germany (2022)

Terminology: university vs. med school, complete list of public medical universities to study medicine in germany, private medical universities to study medicine in germany, what is the best medical school in germany, the role of university hospitals in germany, distribution of specializations and expertise throughout germany, the next step: getting access to medical universities.

Video Course

Get Accepted into Your Dream German University — with the Perfect Letter of Motivation!

If you are thinking about studying medicine in Germany , it is important you familiarize yourself with the institutions that provide you with the training to become a medical doctor. To support you with this process, this article answers the following questions for you:

How is the German higher education landscape structured to train students of medicine? And: At which universities in Germany can I study medicine?

Before we get to the 43 German medical universities and schools, here are the most important information you should know about studying medicine in Germany:

Medical degree

Unlike almost all other subjects, which have a two-tier system (undergraduate/Bachelor + Graduate/Master), medical studies are traditionally structured. The university course of study lasts 6 years and 3 months (standard period of study) and concludes with the so-called state examination.

German as language of study

If you want to do the full training in Germany and become a doctor here, you must be able to speak German. The only exceptions are some Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in the field of health sciences that are conducted in English but do not lead to approbation to work as a physician. So please read the article about the  German language requirements .

Medical studies are among the most competitive subjects - because the demand of students who want to become medical doctors is much bigger than the number of places available. The application procedure is rather complex. As a rule of thumb, you need to have an excellent GPA in your A-Levels and/or meet one of the alternative application requirements that allow you to get admitted (e.g. admission test, interview, several years of work experience).

Tuition fees

At the public universities the study is basically free of charge (exception: non-EU foreigners in Baden-Württermberg and certain Masters). At the private universities the fees are about 50,000 - 100,000 € in total.

Further Reading

Depending on where you are from, you may know different terms for higher education institutions and facilities that train people to become doctors. No matter if you call it medical university or med school, or if you use MBBS as synonymous to ‘training to become a doctor’, when you transfer to the German system it is usually the medical faculty of a university that will offer your medical training. The few exceptions are the universities that are specialized in medical subjects only, such as the Hannover Medical School (MHH) which is the medical university located in the capital of Lower Saxony.

If you come from a university system in which you can start your training to be a doctor by transferring to a medical school after finishing an undergraduate degree in a more or less related subject, you should also be aware that training to become a doctor in Germany starts after a student’s A-Levels, meaning after they finish high school. Medical education in Germany is not separated into an undergraduate and graduate degree. Rather, it is one comprehensive training.

In Germany, a term that is frequently used to capture the interrelated academic and practical parts of the German doctoral training as well as the structure of the German health system is university medicine (German: Hochschulmedizin ). This term refers to the cooperation of the medical faculties of public universities offering medical studies in Germany, the 32 university hospitals, and the research facilities.

The majority of universities that offer medical studies in Germany are public. Some of the great upsides of that are that they have comprehensive infrastructures and research networks in Germany, that they are free of charge (no tuition fees), and offer the opportunity to engage in doctoral studies as well. All medical studies at public universities underlie certain federal regulations, influencing the course structure as well as application processes. To get admitted at one of Germany’s public universities, students typically need outstanding GPAs.

The regular courses of study all have a similar structure. The uniform structure of the regular study programs doesn’t mean that the training at different public universities looks exactly the same. It is recommendable to check out the module descriptions and specializations of each program in Germany to learn about their differences and identify a program that fits best to your interests and plans.

Furthermore, there are certain model study programs (German: Modellstudiengang ) that are offered by 13 universities (in the following table marked with an [*] asterisk) including two German private universities presented below. These model programs are attempts to innovate the German study course structure and can include features such as earlier contact to patients.

List of public universities to study medicine in Germany

*reformed model programs: Structure of studies differs from that offered in the more common regular programs.

Source: Hochschulstart (Winter semester 2019/20) or website of the university.

Main building of the Brandenburg Municipal Hospital.

©  Gregory Rome . Type of license:  CC BY-SA 4.0 .

There are four private German universities that offer medical studies. Unlike the public universities, they are not subject to the nation-wide NC and, therefore, the application process differs and is not only dependent on the applicants’ GPAs. You can still expect, however, to undergo some rigorous testing system in order to get admitted to these universities. On the downside, students need to pay fees to the private universities, which currently amount to 5,700€ - 15,000 € per semester, depending on which university you choose.

Regarding the quality of training that can be obtained at the private universities, the proximity to hospitals and focus on practical experiences in early stages of the career are praised. Partially, it is criticized that these universities are not as strongly focused on research as the public ones since they lack access to the German university hospitals.

When it comes to the students’ ability to practice as physicians in Germany after their studies they, as of now, should not be experiencing problems if they study at one of the private universities in Germany. These four private schools are German institutions and offer medical training that leads to the state examination, just like the German public universities do. Therefore, students have the approbation to work as doctors in Germany after their studies:

• Universität Witten/Herdecke .
• Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg Theodor Fontane (MHB) .
• Health and Medical University Potsdam (HMU) .
• Medical School Hamburg - University of Applied Sciences and Medical University (MSH) .

Foreign medical schools with campus in Germany - an alternative

There are other private options that are subsidiaries of other European universities. Students of these universities study in Germany under the regulations of the cooperating university’s local regulations. This means that, despite studying in Germany, they are trained as doctors according to the university’s country’s definition.

Often, the training at these foreign medical schools includes stays abroad at the respective superordinate universities. Because of an EU regulation, graduates from these universities, which are located in (former) EU countries, are able to work as doctors in Germany after their graduation:

• Kassel School of Medicine , subsidiary of British Southampton University.
• Asklepios Campus Hamburg , subsidiary of Hungarian Semmelweiß-University in Budapest.
• Paracelsus Universität Nürnberg , subsidiary of Austrian private university in Salzburg.
• Universitätsmedizin Neumarkt am Mieresch Campus Hamburg , subsidiary of Romanian public university in Neumarkt am Mieresch.

To find the best university in Germany to study medicine as an international student, you might be interested in finding out how different universities and medical faculties fare in rankings. Overall, rankings can be a useful tool to compare certain aspects of different universities and you can obtain an overview of various rankings in our article .

If you are looking for the best German universities to study medicine in international rankings, we advise you to check out the subject rankings that are published by the different ranking agencies. For example, the QS World Universities Ranking , the Shanghai Ranking , and the THE World University Ranking allow you to compare the top universities around the world for medical studies and medical subjects. In these three rankings, Heidelberg University fares best.

Additionally, you can take into consideration national rankings that only compare German universities. The CHE subject ranking allows you to compare German universities that offer medical studies. After registering for free on the website, you can select criteria that are most important for you. This can be a broad array of things, such as how many students use their bike in that town, the number of seats available in the library, the amount of students graduating in time, or the research output. We recommend you have a look at this ranking, because it is partially based on student surveys and can give you a good idea on what it’s like to be a student in a certain city.

In summary, rankings can be a good way to get an overview over your options, or may sway your decision to choose one university over another. Still, we recommend to not overrate rankings. Especially when it comes to studying medicine in Germany, there is a fairly homogeneous level of quality. In fact, because of a system of cooperation and specialization, each faculty is known and leading in different disciplines, so informing yourself on areas of specializations of different faculties might be an even more promising strategy to identify the best medical university in Germany for your interest. Furthermore, no matter where you study, the employment rate for medical practitioners in Germany is very high.

Top 10 Biggest Medical Faculties in Germany

Ranked according to number of enrolled students in all medical programs of that faculty (as of August 2020):

• Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin -  8,077 .
• LMU - Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München -  6,911 .
• Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf -  4,366 .
• University of Tübingen -  4,140 .
• Heidelberg University -  4,033 .
• University of Cologne -  3,600 .
• Hannover Medical School -  3,521 .
• Universität Hamburg -  3,450 .
• University of Freiburg -  3,300 .
• Ulm University -  3,234 .

Learning about the way that medical training in Germany is organized can furthermore help you to make a decision on where to study. Universities cooperate with certain hospitals for the practical portions of the medical studies. The 32 university hospitals (German: Universitätsklinikum ) in Germany are some of the most important places for the exchange of theory and practice for medical students in Germany.

University hospitals are the flagships within the German health system, since they possess the highest technology and the highest degrees of specialization. They combine the practical care of patients with research and therefore provide a great environment for medical students who are looking to engage in research throughout their studies and acquire a doctoral degree. With support of other teaching hospitals (German: Lehrkrankenhäuser ) university hospitals provide and organize most of the practical training for medical students in Germany.

With these features, university hospitals are the best equipped and highest performing health care facilities in Germany. To operate at such a high level, specializations and expertise are distributed to different university clinics throughout Germany. Therefore, each university hospital with the associated research institutions and medical faculties is a hub for improving and researching certain illnesses or treatments. For an easy to grasp and interactive overview over, inter alia, research focuses of different locations, make sure to check out the Landkarte Hochschulmedizin .

Informing yourself on the research foci of different universities can be supportive of your decision on where to apply to study medicine, since being in a location that sets a focus on a topic close to your interests and beneficial for your planned career is a smart move. This can also be a very useful strategy for students who are not looking to finish their training to become a physician in Germany, but would rather engage in research activities and pursue doctoral studies or a master’s degree in health sciences.

Especially doctoral candidates might want to check out the so-called competence networks medicine which are locations for excellent and globally recognized research. For example, German nobel prize of medicine winner Harald zu Hausen is organized in one of them.

Knowing about the German higher education landscape is a very important first step to starting your medical studies in Germany. As a next step, you can find out more on how and if you can get access to one of the universities presented above.

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How to study medicine in Germany: 10 things to know

• Study for a PhD in Germany: Programs, Funding & Opportunities
• International

When considering a  PhD in Germany , you’ll encounter a diverse and globally recognised academic environment rich in opportunities for research and academic growth. To apply, you’ll typically need a Master’s degree or equivalent , and language requirements vary by program. Germany offers internationally-oriented  structured PhD programs , which last three years and include compulsory units for ECTS credits. You’ll work closely with a PhD supervisor and research training group. As an international candidate, you’ll find various  scholarships and grants  to support your studies. With tuition fees waived at  public universities  and diverse PhD programs often taught in English, Germany provides an ideal destination to study abroad.

Key Takeaways

• Applying for a PhD in Germany requires a minimum of eight semesters of academic study, usually a Master’s degree or equivalent.
• Language prerequisites for PhD programs in Germany vary, but many are taught in English, especially structured programs.
• Financial support options include DAAD grants, stipendiums, and research positions at universities, which cover living expenses and provide income.
• Structured PhD programs in Germany last typically three years and involve compulsory units for ECTS credits.
• International students without a Master’s degree may be admitted with a Bachelor’s degree in exceptional cases.

Why Undertake a PhD in Germany?

Germany offers many compelling reasons to pursue a PhD:

• High-quality research and education : German universities and research institutions have an outstanding reputation globally, providing access to cutting-edge research facilities and expertise across various disciplines.
• No tuition fees : Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for PhD students, regardless of nationality, making it an affordable option for international students.
• Excellent funding opportunities : There are numerous scholarships and funding programs available for PhD students in Germany. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) alone supports over 4,000 international doctoral students annually.
• Strong industry connections : Germany has a robust research ecosystem with close ties between academia and industry. Many PhD programs offer collaborations with companies, providing valuable experience and potential career opportunities.
• International environment : German universities welcome international researchers, creating a diverse and multicultural academic community. PhD theses and dissertations can often be written in English.
• Career prospects : A German PhD is highly respected globally and can lead to excellent career opportunities in academia, international research institutions, or industry. Many PhD graduates find employment in Germany’s thriving industrial sector, making it a favourable place to work in Germany post-study.
• Work-life balance : PhD students in Germany typically receive employment contracts with benefits such as health insurance, pension contributions, and vacation days.
• Research freedom : Germany values academic freedom highly, with constitutional protection for research and scientific pursuits.
• European mobility : As a PhD student in Germany, you can easily travel to other European Union countries for research or study purposes.
• Cultural experience : Germany offers a rich cultural landscape, high quality of life, and relatively moderate living costs compared to other developed countries.

In short, Germany provides an ideal environment for pursuing a PhD, combining academic excellence, affordability, strong funding support, and promising career prospects in both academia and industry.

What is it like to study and live in Germany as a research student?

Academic environment.

The research culture in Germany places a strong emphasis on independent research and critical thinking, with high expectations for original contributions to your field. Students regularly participate in seminars and colloquia to present and discuss their ongoing research. Supervision tends to be less structured than in some other countries, with regular meetings with supervisors but an expectation that students will take significant initiative in their work. Being part of a research group often offers additional opportunities for collaboration.

German universities are well-equipped with extensive digital resources and state-of-the-art laboratories. Students also have numerous opportunities to attend and present at international conferences. While many PhD programs, especially in STEM fields, are conducted in English, learning German can greatly enhance your overall experience and career prospects.

Day-to-Day Life

Germany is known for valuing a healthy work-life balance. PhD students typically work 38-40 hours per week and enjoy generous vacation time, usually around 30 days per year. Most PhD students live in shared apartments (WGs) or student dormitories, with rent in major cities ranging from €300 to €800 per month. The country boasts excellent public transportation systems, and many students use bicycles for daily commuting. Often, a student ID includes a public transport ticket for the local area.

The social life for students in Germany is vibrant, with active student communities organising regular events and activities. There are numerous opportunities to join sports clubs, cultural groups, and student organisations, along with international student networks that offer support and socialising opportunities.

Financial Aspects

Many PhD positions in Germany are funded, providing a salary rather than requiring tuition payments. Typical monthly salaries range from €1,500 to €2,500 before taxes. Additional funding opportunities are available through scholarships and research grants. Average monthly expenses, including rent, range from €850 to €1,000, and health insurance, which is mandatory, costs around €80 to €100 per month. Students can also take advantage of various discounts for cultural activities and museums.

Support Services

German universities offer robust support services for abroad students. International offices assist with visa processes, accommodation, and integration, providing orientation programs and language courses. Career services offer guidance on job searching and career development, organising career fairs and networking events. Mental health support and counseling services are also available, ensuring access to quality healthcare through the German health insurance system.

Challenges and Opportunities

While navigating German bureaucracy can be challenging, patience and attention to detail can help manage administrative processes. Initial culture shock is common but typically subsides over time, offering the opportunity to experience German culture and traditions firsthand. Building an international network of researchers and professionals is a significant benefit, with potential collaborations with industry partners. The strong job market for PhD graduates, especially in STEM fields, is an added advantage, and the option to stay in Germany for job searching after graduation (with an 18-month visa extension) provides further opportunities.

The Two Paths to a PhD in Germany

In Germany, doctoral candidates can choose between Individual Doctorates and Structured PhD Programs. The Individual Doctorate remains the most common path, chosen by over 75% of doctoral students, while Structured PhD Programs are gaining popularity, especially among international students, with about 25% opting for this route.

Individual Doctorates: Flexibility and Independence

Supervision and Structure : Individual Doctorates are characterised by their flexibility and self-directed nature. Candidates are supervised by a single professor, known as the Doktorvater or Doktormutter, and the research process is highly flexible. This approach demands a high degree of personal initiative and responsibility, with no fixed curriculum or mandatory coursework.

Research Focus and Duration : In this model, candidates often propose their own research topics, enjoying greater freedom in choosing their research direction and methodology. The duration of an Individual Doctorate typically spans 5-6 years, though there’s no strict timeframe as it depends on individual progress and the specific research project.

Funding and Employment : Individual Doctorate candidates often work as part-time research associates at universities. However, they may need to secure their own funding or scholarships, which requires proactive effort on the part of the doctoral student.

Structured PhD Programs: Guidance and Collaborative Learning

Supervision and Structure : Structured PhD Programs offer a more defined approach to doctoral studies. Candidates are supervised by a team of advisors and follow a predefined curriculum. This model includes regular progress checks, guidance, and mandatory coursework, seminars, and colloquia.

Research Focus and Duration : Research topics in Structured PhD Programs often align with existing program themes or research groups, and candidates may be part of larger research projects or collaborations. These programs are usually completed in 3-4 years, following a more defined timeline due to their structured nature.

Funding and Additional Benefits : Structured PhD Programs often come with funding or stipends and may offer more opportunities for paid doctoral positions. They also provide training in academic and scientific methods, as well as opportunities to develop soft skills such as presentation techniques.

Comparing the Two Approaches

International Orientation : While Individual Doctorates can be conducted in German or other languages depending on the field and supervisor, Structured PhD Programs often have a strong international orientation and frequently use English as the primary language.

Networking and Collaboration : Structured PhD Programs offer extensive opportunities to broaden research networks and encourage collaboration with peers and interdisciplinary work. In contrast, networking in Individual Doctorates depends largely on individual initiative, with fewer built-in opportunities for peer collaboration.

Entry Requirements for undertaking a PhD in Germany

The entry requirements for undertaking a PhD in Germany are generally similar for both home and international students, with some additional steps for international applicants.

Here are the specific requirements:

General Requirements for All Applicants

• A master’s degree or equivalent (e.g., German Staatsexamen) in a relevant field
• Strong academic record, typically with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Research Proposal : A detailed outline of your intended research topic , objectives, methodology, and significance
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) : Highlighting academic achievements, research experience, publications, and relevant qualifications
• Statement of Purpose : Explaining your motivation for pursuing a PhD , academic goals, and how the program aligns with your objectives
• Academic References : Letters of recommendation or contact information for professors/advisors who can attest to your academic abilities
• Master’s Thesis : A copy of your master’s thesis or equivalent research work
• For German-taught programs: TestDaF or DSH certificates
• For English-taught programs: TOEFL or IELTS scores
• Interview : Many programs include an interview stage

Additional Requirements for International Students

• Qualification Recognition : Ensure your foreign degree is recognised in Germany. You may need to submit your credentials to uni-assist for evaluation
• Visa Application : Apply for a student visa at the German embassy in your home country
• Health Insurance : Obtain valid health insurance coverage for Germany
• Residence Permit : Apply for a residence permit for study upon arrival in Germany

Application process for applying to a PhD in Germany

The application process for a PhD degree in Germany can vary depending on whether you’re pursuing an individual doctorate or a structured PhD program, and whether you’re a home or international student.

Here are the key steps and requirements:

General Application Process

• Choose your path : Decide between an individual doctorate (traditional route) or a structured PhD program.
• A master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field
• Strong academic record (typically a GPA of 3.0 or higher)
• Proficiency in English and/or German, depending on the program
• For individual doctorates, contact potential supervisors directly
• For structured programs, search for openings at universities or research institutions
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Copy of your master’s degree certificate
• Master’s thesis (or a copy)
• Research proposal
• Statement of purpose
• Academic references
• Language proficiency certificates (e.g., TestDaF, DSH for German; TOEFL, IELTS for English)
• Follow the specific guidelines of the university or program
• Applications may be submitted online or by post
• Many programs, especially structured ones, include an interview stage
• This may be in person or via video conference

Considerations for International Students

International students face some additional steps and requirements:

• Qualification recognition : Ensure your foreign degree is recognised in Germany. You may need to submit your credentials to uni-assist for evaluation.
• Provide proof of German proficiency (TestDaF or DSH) for German-taught programs
• For English-taught programs, submit TOEFL or IELTS scores
• Apply for a student visa at the German embassy in your home country
• You’ll need an admission letter from a German university
• Health insurance : Obtain valid health insurance coverage for Germany
• Residence permit : Apply for a residence permit for study purposes upon arrival in Germany. This typically lasts for two years and is extendable.

Application Process for Structured PhD Programs

Structured programs often have a more formalised application process:

• Check for specific application deadlines, which may occur once or twice a year
• Submit initial application materials online
• Visits to the institution
• Meetings with potential supervisors and current students
• A short presentation of your previous research
• A panel interview

Application Process for Individual Doctorates

For individual doctorates, the process is more flexible:

• Identify a potential supervisor whose research aligns with your interests
• Contact the professor directly with a brief inquiry
• If the professor expresses interest, submit a full application including your research proposal
• The professor may invite you for an interview or further discussion
• If accepted, you’ll need to formally enroll at the university

Remember that the specific requirements and processes can vary between universities and programs. Always check the official website of the institution you’re applying to for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Typical Cost of a PhD in Germany

The costs of pursuing a PhD in Germany are generally similar for both home and international students, with a few key differences:

Tuition Fees

• Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees for PhD students, regardless of nationality
• There is a small semester contribution (administrative fee) of up to €300 per semester for all students, which typically covers student services and public transport

Living Costs

• The average annual living costs in Germany range from €10,200 to €12,000
• This includes rent, food, health insurance, and other daily expenses
• Costs can be higher in major cities like Munich or Berlin

Breakdown of Monthly Expenses (approximate)

• Rent: €280-€400 (shared flat or student residence)
• Health insurance: €80-€100
• Public transport: Often included in semester contribution
• Other expenses (phone, internet, leisure): €100-€200

Visa for International Students

• Non-EU students must prove they have access to about €11,208 per year (€934 per month) to cover living costs as part of their visa application.
• Visa application fee: approximately €75

Health Insurance

• Mandatory for all students, including PhD candidates
• Costs around €80-€100 per month
• EU students may be covered by their home country’s insurance through agreements

Additional Costs

• Research-related expenses (e.g., conference attendance, materials) are often covered by the research group or university
• Language courses (if needed): €200-€500 per course

In short, the main costs for PhD students in Germany are living expenses, as tuition is generally free. The overall experience is affordable compared to many other countries, especially considering the lack of tuition fees. International students should factor in additional costs for visa applications and potentially language courses. However, with many funded positions available, pursuing a PhD in Germany can be financially viable for both home and international students.

Funding Sources for PhD students in Germany

Many PhD positions in Germany are funded, offering a salary (of typically €1,500-€2,500 per month before taxes) rather than requiring payment of fees.

The main funding sources and opportunities for PhD students in Germany include:

• Doctoral Programmes in Germany: Supports international PhD students to complete their doctoral degree at a German university or research institution. Provides monthly payments of 1,300 euros, health insurance, travel allowance, and annual research allowance.
• One-Year Grants: For international doctoral candidates to carry out research as part of a doctoral project for up to one year.
• Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees/Cotutelle: Supports doctoral degrees at the student’s home university with integrated research phases in Germany.
• Research Training Groups: Established by universities to promote early career researchers. Funded for up to 9 years, providing structured training and qualification programs.
• Collaborative Research Centres: Offer opportunities for PhD students to pursue research across disciplines and institutions.
• Individual Doctoral Projects at Max Planck Institutes
• International Max Planck Research Schools ( IMPRS ): Structured PhD programs at 68 locations
• Max Planck Schools: Joint graduate programs in specific interdisciplinary fields
• Individual Doctoral Projects at Leibniz Institutes
• Leibniz Graduate Schools and Leibniz ScienceCampi: Structured doctoral programs
• Individual Doctoral Projects at Fraunhofer Institutes: Opportunity to complete a doctorate while working on cutting-edge technology projects
• DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships: For PhD students in fields like space, aeronautics, energy, and transport
• PhD Fellowships: For early career researchers in basic biomedical research
• Travel Grants: For PhD students and postdoctoral researchers
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks: Structured doctoral training within European institution networks
• ERA Fellowships – Green Hydrogen: Funding for research projects in green hydrogen
• Green Talents: Competition winners can complete a research stay at a German institution
• Munich Aerospace PhD Scholarships: For research in aerospace-related fields
• Many PhD positions are offered directly by universities and research institutes, often tied to specific research projects or programs
• These typically provide a salary (often around 1,500-2,500 euros per month before taxes) rather than requiring payment of fees

Top Universities in Germany for PhD study

As of 2024, the top universities in Germany for PhD study in STEM subjects include:

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

• Ranked as the best university in Germany for engineering and technology
• Offers structured PhD programs through the TUM Graduate School
• Known for excellence in research and strong industry connections
• Provides interdisciplinary training and professional skills development for doctoral candidates

Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)

• Ranked 2nd in Germany for engineering and technology
• Offers doctorates across various STEM fields through its Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Provides structured support for international doctoral candidates
• Known for interdisciplinary research and collaboration

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

• Ranked 3rd in Germany for engineering and technology
• Strong focus on energy, mobility, and information technologies
• Offers both individual and structured doctoral programs
• Emphasises international collaboration and industry partnerships

RWTH Aachen University

• Ranked 4th in Germany for engineering and technology
• Considers doctoral studies as the first part of professional practice, with an application-oriented focus
• Offers both individual doctorates and structured PhD programs
• Strong emphasis on industry partnerships and applied research

Technical University of Dresden

• Ranked 5th in Germany for engineering and technology
• Known for its research in microelectronics, materials science, and bioengineering
• Offers structured PhD programs and graduate schools
• Strong focus on interdisciplinary research and innovation

When choosing a university for PhD study, prospective students should consider factors such as:

• Specific research areas and expertise of potential supervisors
• Availability of funding or paid positions (many PhD students in Germany work as research assistants)
• Language requirements (some programs require German proficiency, while others are conducted in English)
• Opportunities for international collaboration and research stays abroad
• Post-graduation career prospects and industry connections

Prospective PhD candidates should thoroughly research potential supervisors and reach out to them directly to discuss research opportunities before applying to a program.

Your journey to  PhD study  in Germany awaits. With its exceptional research landscape, structured programs taught in English, and excellent  funding opportunities , Germany offers a unique experience for international students.

Enjoy the benefits of no tuition fees, low living costs, and a safe, culturally rich environment.

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Doctorates in Public Health

A doctorate is a research degree. It demonstrates a person's ability to do original, indepenent, scientific research. A doctorate is a qualification for leadership positions in academia or research.

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Degree Requirements for different Doctorates

The BSPH partner institutions offer a variety of options for doctorates in the field of public health. Each program has a unique focus. Details are stipulated in the respective doctoral program regulations.

Doctoral regulations at Charité and Technische Universität Berlin:

• Dr. Public Health The Dr. Public Health as per doctoral regulations of the TU is open for a wide array of research topics from the public health and global health fields. 
• Dr. rer. medic The Dr. rer. medic. as per the doctoral regulations of the Charité is particularly suitable for research with allied health professions. Main topics include: health promotion and prevention, social determinants of health, social diversity, health services research and the scientifically sound further development of interprofessional cooperation in health care.
• PhD in Health Data Sciences The PhD in Health Data Sciences at Charité offers biostatistics, epidemiology, meta-research and population health science as well as special synergies with innovative developments in public health such as eHealth, digital medicine and medical informatics.
• PhD in Global Health PhD in Global Health at Charité takes a transnational look at health in the Global South and Global North, as well as governance, health policy and the role of climate and environment as the natural basis of health under the framework of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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Doing a PhD in Germany

Germany’s reputation as an outstanding research destination continues to attract the world’s finest minds. In 2014 an incredible Number of 85,000 people chose Germany to write their dissertations or join one of our growing number of doctoral research teams. Discover your best route to a PhD in Germany, including financing options and advice on how to prepare for your research stay.

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How to Apply for a PhD in Germany: Programs, Funding, & FAQs

Germany is an excellent destination for both young and experienced researchers. 

The European country is third behind the U.S. and China for research & development expenditure . Plus, it is home to some of the most prestigious (and affordable!) research universities in the world.

If you’re considering doing a PhD in Germany, you will need to follow these steps:

The main steps to doing a PhD in Germany:

• Find a PhD Program and a Supervisor
• Decide Between Individual and Structured PhD Programs
• Meet All Requirements & Prepare Your Application
• Apply for Doctoral Studies
• Secure Funding
• Get a Student Visa or Resident Permit
• Arrive in Germany and Begin Your PhD Program

Why Pursue a PhD in Germany?

If you’re not yet sure if you should choose Germany for your PhD studies, here are some compelling reasons why you should consider it:

• Top-tier universities. Four German universities are ranked in the top 100 global universities, and many more are in the top 200.
• Large international student community. Germany welcomes a diverse and thriving international student community. Over 458,210 international students are currently studying in the country.
• Quality research institutions. There are over a thousand publicly funded research institutions (universities, universities of applied sciences, research institutes, businesses, and government bodies) that you can choose from in Germany.
• High investment in research and development. Germany’s public expenditure in the research and development sector reached a record high of 112.6 billion euros in 2021.
• Strong economy. Germany is known for its strong and stable economy. After completing your PhD, there are plenty of employment opportunities in the academic, business, and research sectors.

How to Apply for a PhD in Germany

From finding the perfect program for you to submitting your application and starting your PhD, here are all the steps you need to take:

Important Tip: To Maximize Your Chances of Getting Your German Student Visa You Should Use a Blocked Account as Proof of Financial Resources.

A blocked account is a special type of bank account , to prove you have enough funds to live in Germany for one year.

As of 2024, as a foreigner in Germany you need a minimum of €934 euros per month for living expenses. So, you are required to have a total of €11,208 in your bank account before you apply for a German internship visa.

Click here to learn more about the German Blocked Account

1. Find a PhD Program and a Supervisor

After all the years of studying leading up to this step, you most likely have a few areas of interest you want to do your research in.

This is the first important step: define your research focus by considering your interests and academic background. If you need more help, you can consult online resources from research universities. Or, even better, you can discuss your decision to pursue a PhD with academic communities online or offline and seek advice from current PhD students in Germany who can tell you more about their individual experiences.

If you already know what your research direction is, you can begin searching for suitable programs right ahead. 

• The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has an extensive list of current opportunities, which you can look up at the  DAAD PhD Database . 
• Another option is to research universities in Germany individually to find the newest opportunities and offerings at each institution.

You will also have to find a supervisor. The best way to do this is to go to university websites and find faculty directories with profiles of professors and their research fields/current projects. Contact professors whose work aligns with your interests via email to inquire about supervision opportunities.

> Search PhD programs from 31,000 research institutions listed on the GERiT database .

Types of PhD Programs in Germany

There are two different paths you can take when pursuing a PhD: individual PhD programs and structured PhD programs. Each comes with its own set of advantages and requirements.

2. Verify That You Meet All Requirements & Prepare the Application

Requirements and application documents to apply for a PhD in Germany are specific to the institution and research area you’re applying to. But, as a general guideline, you should prepare the following:

• Academic degree recognized in Germany. You need a master’s degree or a German state examination (Staatsexamen) in a field relevant to the PhD program to qualify.
• Copy of master’s thesis. Submit a copy of your master’s thesis. The work should demonstrate your research skills and the depth of your academic work.
• Research proposal. Craft a clear and detailed research proposal that includes your intended research topic, objectives, methodology, and significance. 
• Statement of purpose. Write a statement of purpose why you want to do a PhD in your chosen field, your academic and career goals, and how this program aligns with them.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV). Prepare a detailed CV highlighting your academic achievements, research experience, relevant coursework, publications, and any other qualifications.
• Proof of language proficiency. Depending on the language of instruction, you may have to provide proof of language proficiency in English and/or German. You can do this with certificates like TestDaF and DSH for German or TOEFL and IELTS for English. Proof of previous studies in the language is also sufficient.
• Academic references. Provide contact information or recommendation letters from professors/ academic advisors who can attest to your academic abilities and potential.
• Predoctoral examination. Some programs ask that you pass a predoctoral examination as part of the application process.

3. Apply for Doctoral Studies

After finding a suitable PhD program and mentor, and making sure your academic qualifications are recognized, you can send in your application.

You can send in your application online or by post, depending on the hosting institution’s preferences. To make sure, check their guidelines and specifications. Admission committees are selective, so you may also have to attend an interview soon in the application process.

4. Secure Funding

You must demonstrate access to a minimum of €934 per month (€11,208 per year) to meet visa requirements and live comfortably while you’re in Germany. You can prove this through an admission agreement or relevant PhD contract, or you can open a blocked account with individual funds.

There are many ways to support yourself financially while pursuing a PhD in Germany:

• PhD scholarships. DAAD offers the highest number of doctoral scholarships. PhD students get an average monthly stipend of €1,139. 
• Paid PhD positions. Many universities and research institutions offer paid PhD positions in Germany. You will work on specific research projects on a contract and receive a salary.
• Research associate positions. You can also work as a research associate in a university, research institution, or company and receive a salary as compensation.
• Part-time jobs. Some PhD students/researchers work part-time jobs that are not related to their studies for extra income.

> Read more about the costs of studying in Germany.

> Discover PhD scholarships in Germany.

5. Get a Student Visa or Resident Permit

If the institution confirms your place in the PhD program, next in line is applying for a student visa or residence permit. The requirements for a German PhD visa or permit can vary depending on your nationality and circumstances: 

Visa Requirements

If you’re a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you don’t need a special permit or visa for a PhD in Germany. You can enter the country for research and work purposes with a valid passport or ID card.

Otherwise, you will need a visa and/or a residence permit to do your PhD in Germany. Nationals of some countries, including the United States, Australia, Israel, Japan, and Korea, don’t need a visa but must apply for a residence permit.

Depending on the circumstances, you need one of the following visas:

• Study visa. If you’re pursuing a full-time doctoral program.
• Research visa. If your focus is on research and you have a formal affiliation with a research institution in Germany.
• EU Blue Card. If your PhD contract pays a gross annual salary of at least €45,300 (or €41,041.80 in certain professions), you can apply for an EU Blue Card . This is a special residence title for international academics and other professionals.

Residence Permit Requirements

If you come to Germany on a visa, you will need to apply for a residence permit within three months of arrival. This also applies to nationals of countries outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland who are exempt from the visa requirement.

You can apply for one of the following residence permits:

• Study permit. If you’re accepted into a PhD program at a German university, apply for a study-based residence permit. It lasts up to two years, extendable.
• Research permit. If you’re a researcher with the right qualifications for doctoral programs, apply for a research permit. This requires a contract with a research institution for your project.
• EU Blue Card. With a PhD offer that has a minimum salary of €45,300 per year, or €41,041.80 for some bottleneck professions , you may be eligible for the EU Blue Card. Apply for this permit if you meet the criteria.

> For more specific information tailored to your situation, we recommend contacting the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You can also use this visa navigator.

6. Arrive in Germany and Begin Your PhD Program

The most exciting step of all is near—time to unpack your bags and begin your life as a PhD student or researcher in Germany. Once you’re settled in, there are some formalities you need to take care of.

The international office at the university or another representative can guide you best on this. However, here are some of the main things you need to do once you arrive in Germany:

Register Your Residence

Shortly after your arrival, you must register your residence at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt). This is mandatory, and you typically have a window of two weeks to complete this process. 

Get Health Insurance

Everyone in Germany is required by law to have health insurance coverage. This includes international PhD students. Depending on the source of your funding, you are eligible for one of the following health insurance coverages: 

• Doctoral candidates with an employment contract are automatically insured with a state-regulated health insurance provider (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung-GKV) in most cases.
• Doctoral candidates without an employment contract (with a fellowship or private funding) can choose between:
• Voluntary health insurance coverage with a state-regulated provider.
• Coverage with a private health insurance company.

There are some exceptions in which you can use your insurance from your home country. These apply to students from a European Union (EU) country or other countries with social security agreements with Germany.

Open a Bank Account 

You should open a German bank account as soon as possible. Most financial transactions in Germany, including receiving your stipend or salary, are done through a German bank account.

Enroll at the University

If your PhD program is part of a university degree, you need to enroll as a student at the university. Follow your university’s instructions to submit the necessary documents to the enrollment office. These usually include your admission letter, passport, proof of health insurance, and semester fee.

After you complete this process, you will receive an Enrollment Certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung). This is a very important document that you most likely need in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There’s a lot of planning involved if you’re considering doing a PhD, especially if it’s in a foreign country. We’re sure you’ve got more questions, and we’re here to help.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Germany?

A PhD in Germany usually takes between three to six years to complete. Just like in other countries, it can take longer or shorter than expected, depending on several factors. The type of PhD you choose (structured programs can be more rigid), your subject area, and individual progress can all make a difference in the time it takes to get a PhD in Germany.

Are PhD Programs in Germany Tuition-Free?

The majority of PhD programs in Germany are tuition-free, at least for the first six semesters. However, if need to enroll at a university for your PhD, there is a small semester fee you need to cover. The fee can be higher or lower depending on the university, but it usually falls within the range of €100 to €350.

Is German Mandatory to Pursue a PhD in Germany?

You don’t necessarily have to know German to do a PhD in Germany. In fact, most PhD programs in Germany are in English, especially in fields such as science, engineering, and humanities. In these programs, you can both write your thesis and communicate with your advisor and peers in English.

There is of course the chance that the program you’ve chosen is in German or requires knowledge of German (in most cases, in addition to English). In this case, you have to prove your proficiency through a recognized language certificate or proof of previous studies in German.

Even if German isn’t mandatory, we strongly encourage you to learn the basics. They will be super helpful in daily interactions and getting accustomed to life in Germany.

How Much Does a PhD Student Earn in Germany?

Most PhD candidates in Germany receive financial support in the form of a salary or grant. This includes candidates affiliated with universities, research institutes, or company collaborations.

The majority of doctoral positions are structured under either the Collective Agreement for Civil Service TVöD (Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst or the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service of Individual Federal States TV-L (Tarifvertrag der Länder). Since universities are funded by their respective federal government, if your PhD is affiliated with one, your salary will be structured under the TV-L.

Doctoral positions fall within the TV-L 13 category, with a salary range spanning from €4,188 (Tier 1) to €6,037 (Tier 6). The difference between the tiers (Stufe) depends on prior experience in the field. If you don’t have any research experience, you will fall under Tier 1 and progress to the other tiers throughout your PhD.

Your salary will ultimately be determined based on a wage agreement that specifies the contract tier (Stufe) and working hours (percentage-based). Many entry-level PhD students start with tier 1 contracts that are not full-time. For example, if your contract places you in Pay Group E-13 Tier 1 of the TV-L and you work at 75% capacity, your monthly gross salary will be €3,141.

> Learn more about pay ranges for PhD students using this convenient calculator .

Can I Work While Pursuing a PhD in Germany?

Part-time work is an option in most cases unless it’s strictly stated otherwise in your contract. Whether or not you are allowed to work on the side as a PhD in Germany depends on the working hours stated in your PhD contract, supervisor, and other specific circumstances. 

However, since the PhD is considered a job in itself, it’s usually frowned upon to have a side hustle. Even if you have a 50% contract, a PhD is demanding and requires long hours of work and research. If you choose to work on the side, make sure to find the right balance between work and your PhD commitments. To be on the safe side, it’s best to talk to your supervisor and go over all the legal and contractual obligations related to your PhD.

What Is the Process for Defending a PhD Thesis in Germany?

Here are the main steps to defending your PhD thesis in Germany:

• Submit your thesis. The first step is submitting submit your thesis and supporting documents in adherence to all the formal requirements. A commission will be formed, and in some cases, you can suggest reviewers.
• Oral defense. The next step is preparing and undergoing an oral defense, which can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours. During this time, you will present your research and discuss it with the committee. The defense can be either public or private.
• Receive the title and publish your work. The outcome of the discussion determines your final grade, to be received after the defense. If everything goes well, you’re granted the Ph.D. title and have about two years to publish your dissertation.

What Are the Career Prospects Like After Doing a PhD in Germany?

Career prospects after a PhD in Germany are quite promising. 

The most common paths for PhD holders in Germany are either in academia as professors or post-doctorate researchers or in industry positions. 

Technology, healthcare, and finance, in particular, are some of the most in-demand industries in Germany. The country’s strong economy and research-oriented environment make it an attractive place to develop your career.

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Structured PhD programmes

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Structured doctoral programmes differ from traditional doctoral research. In Germany, structured doctoral programmes are  very similar to the PhD programmes in English-speaking countries , in which a team of supervisors look after a group of doctoral students.

Structured doctoral programmes often have a  strong international orientation  with English as the team language. Unlike the individual doctorate model that can be freely structured to suit the individual research project, here doctoral students and their research proposals have to fit in with an existing PhD programme.

The doctorate frequently entails a  clearly structured doctoral study   programme  with compulsory attendance at lectures or seminars and interim assessment (credit points). The programme frequently also covers  academic and scientific methods or soft skills , such as presentation techniques.

As a rule, PhD Students work steadily at realising their research project within the team and with intensive  support from a group of academic staff  (often referred to as the “thesis committee”).

The duration of your studies is generally   limited to three to five years, and there is usually a fixed curriculum within which you work toward your doctorate and write your thesis.

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Two PhD positions in AI for medical imaging

, the university hospital of TUM. Our offer We are currently seeking two PhD candidates to join our international team of scientists from the fields of machine learning, computer vision and medical imaging . We offer

PhD in Deep Federated Learning with Medical Imaging (Robustness and Explainability)

: M.Sc. in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or equivalent with interest in Medical Imaging and Deep Learning. Strong knowledge in Machine/Deep Learning with experience in discriminative models

PhD student (f/m/d) protein engineering in the context of optical imaging

Chair of Biological Imaging 30.07.2024, Wissenschaftliches Personal We are now looking for a highly qualified and motivated protein biochemist PhD student (f/m/d) with a background and passion for

PhD and/or postdoc positions in Cognitive Neuroscience

PhD and/or postdoc positions in Cognitive NeuroscienceThe research focuses on combining neuroimaging and behaviour with computational models to understand how the human brain learns and uses

PhD Student – Medical Informatics (m/f/d)

PhD Student – Medical Informatics (m/f/d) Stellenanzeige merken Stellenanzeige teilen 01.07.2024 searched for Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology to work at. At the department

PhD positions on Foundation Models and Deep Learning for Imaging Problems

. The current focus is on developing algorithms and foundations for deep learning and foundation models, particularly for medical imaging and on establishing mathematical and empirical underpinnings for machine

PhD position (m/f/d) – Generation of 3D human lymphatic follicles in an organ-on-chip model

sequencing, mass cytometry, advanced imaging techniques and flow cytometry. We thus provide the prerequisites for conducting a challenging, but highly rewarding PhD project. The ideal candidate will receive

PhD position (all genders) in AI for biomedical data analysis

PhD position (all genders) in AI for biomedical data analysis Part time  | Temporary | Arbeitsort: Hamburg-Eppendorf UKE_Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie (ZMNH) Better together. For life. We

PhD Position – Mechanisms of Glutamate Transporter Dysfunction in Neurological Diseases

Your Job: The PhD project focuses on a family of glutamate transporters – excitatory amino acid transporters – that is responsible for synaptic glutamate homeostasis in the mammalian brain

PhD Students on development of new synthetic cell composites for Immunotherapy (f/m/d)

their exploitation for medical applications. We are seeking PhD students with a background in biology, biochemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics or physics to join our “Immuno-Materials” group and work

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Medical Neuroscience Graduate Organization educating about ocular health for April 8 solar eclipse

Ben Middelkamp Mar 25, 2024

As millions of Americans anticipate the solar eclipse on April 8, safety should be top of mind.

Indianapolis falls in the center of the path of totality, and the city expects thousands of visitors for the nearly four-minute eclipse. The last total solar eclipse happened in 2017, and the path of totality was about 300 miles away from Indianapolis, making it a partial eclipse for the region.

A group of Indiana University School of Medicine trainees in the Medical Neuroscience Graduate Organization — part of the Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program at Stark Neurosciences Research Institute — is teaming up with fellow scientists from the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute to host a lecture about the science behind solar eclipses and their impact on ocular health.

The lecture, titled “Solar Eclipse Seminar: Sun, Space, and Sight,” is set for noon Wednesday, April 3. The lecture is only being offered virtually on Zoom as the in-person event has reached capacity. People can register for the event here . Kaitlyn Dybing and Enrique Chimal-Juarez, PhD candidates, are two of the event organizers.

"It's crucial to understand the potential risks associated with looking directly at the sun, particularly during a solar eclipse," Dybing said. "We want the audience to come away with a better understanding of the biology of the eye and visual pathway, and to learn why wearing protective glasses is so critical when viewing the eclipse."

Direct exposure to the intense light of the sun, even for a brief period, can lead to irreversible damage to the delicate structures of the eye, including the retina, causing solar retinopathy or even permanent vision loss, Dybing and Chimal-Juarez said.

Prolonged ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the biggest culprit for eye damage, they said. When there isn’t much light around us — which will occur during the eclipse — the pupil expands to allow in more light. Even though there will be less visible light from the sun during the eclipse, the amount of UV radiation won’t decrease. When the pupil expands to accommodate for low light, the UV radiation can cause irreversible damage to cells in the eye.

“Wearing protective glasses is so critical when viewing the eclipse,” Chimal-Juarez emphasized, and the graduate organization will offer free glasses to event attendees.

In addition to educating attendees about solar eclipse safety, Dybing and Chimal-Juarez said the seminar also showcases the interdisciplinary and diverse research interests within the medical neuroscience program and the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute.

The institute has nine research interest groups: addiction, advanced imaging, neurodegenerative disorders, neurodevelopment, ocular neurobiology, pain, psychiatric disorders, spinal cord and brain injury, and stem cell.

“We aim to celebrate the breadth of research conducted within our institute and to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and dialogue among our members,” Dybing said. “This event serves as a testament to the multifaceted nature of neuroscience research and the collective pursuit of knowledge within our scientific community.”

Visit IU’s official Solar Eclipse 2024 website to read more about what’s happening around the university before and during the eclipse.

Ben Middelkamp

Ben Middelkamp is a communications manager for the Department of Neurology, Department of Neurological Surgery and Stark Neurosciences Research Institute at Indiana University School of Medicine. Before joining the Office of Strategic Communications in December 2019, Ben spent nearly six years as a newspaper reporter in two Indiana cities. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Convergent Journalism from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2014. Ben enjoys translating his background in journalism to the communications and marketing needs of the school and its physicians and researchers.

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