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International Programmes in Germany 2015

Helmholtz International Graduate School for Cancer Research
(PhD Programme) German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg
Degree
The doctoral degree is typically awarded by
Heidelberg University. Depending on the faculty
with which they register, doctoral students will
obtain a Dr rer nat or Dr sc hum after
participation in the required courses, completion
of their project and a successful defence.

[http://www.dkfz.de/phd]

Doctoral degree
awarded by
In most cases Heidelberg University (any other
university is possible)
Course language(s)
English
English
Admission semester
Any time
CONTACT
Beginning
Flexible
Programme duration
The typical duration of a doctoral degree course
at the DKFZ is three years.
Application deadline
Application deadlines
Winter selection: 5 January
Summer selection: 31 May
Please apply using our Online Application
System (
http://www.dkfz.de/phd [http://www.dkfz.de/phd
]
).

Deutsches
Krebsforschungszentrum
Graduate Program Office (M070)
Dr Lindsay Murrells
Im Neuenheimer Feld 280
69120 Heidelberg
Tel. +49 (0) 62 21-42 21 41
Fax. +49 (0) 62 21-42 21 44

E-mail [mailto:higs@dkfz.de]

Course website
[http://www.dkfz.de/phd]

Course content
The Helmholtz International Graduate School for
Cancer Research at the DKFZ is an
interdisciplinary PhD programme in which
students conduct research at the forefront of
basic and translational cancer research. As part
of the Helmholtz Association, the largest
research organisation in Germany, the DKFZ has
an international and dynamic work environment,
providing students with access to state-of-theart research facilities and exceptional faculties
and resources.

www.facebook.com/DKFZde
[http://www.facebook.com/DKFZde]
Submit application to
Please apply through our Online
Application System, linked from the
Helmholtz International Graduate
School website:http://www.dkfz.de/phd
[http://www.dkfz.de/phd]

Students complete a core curriculum covering

the current state of cancer research, including
seminar series and courses and the annual
student retreat. All students are supported by
Thesis Advisory Committees consisting of
faculty members from the DKFZ, Heidelberg
University and collaborating research
institutions.
The programme offers interdisciplinary training
with PhD projects in the following areas of
research:
- Cell Biology and Tumour Biology
- Structural and Functional Genomics
- Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention
- Tumour Immunology
- Imaging and Radiooncology
- Infection and Cancer
- Translational Cancer Research
Educational
organisation
Graduate students are supervised by Group
Leaders and Division Heads at the DKFZ. All
students are further supported by a Thesis
Advisory Committee (TAC), comprising their
supervisor and at least two senior scientists,
one of whom must be a DKFZ-external scientist.
The TAC meeting provides a forum for the
students to monitor and receive feedback about
the progress of their thesis research, to discuss
future steps and address any other relevant
issues encountered during the course of their
PhD. TAC meetings occur at least once a year.
For their TAC meeting, students are required to
submit a short written report and give a short
presentation about their research project.
Students must accumulate a total of 15 credit
points. Credit points are awarded for
participation in scientific seminar series, nonscientific workshops, poster presentations,
teaching and student-led initiatives. PhD
students at the DKFZ are also invited to
participate in a one-week Initial Course (within
six months of starting their PhD). This course
takes place three times a year and gives
students an overview over all Research
Programmes and the Core Facilities of the DKFZ.
The course also includes visits to the Core
Facilities and seminars such as "Intercultural
Team Work" or "How to Present in English".
Study abroad unit(s)
There are possibilities to apply for a short visit
to a collaboration partner to complete part of
the thesis research.
Forms of assessment
In addition to the mandatory annual Thesis
Advisory Committee meetings, students are
required to participate in a number of scientific
and non-scientific training activities during their
PhD. Participation is honoured by a credit points

system.
Teaching obligations
Students must accumulate a total of 15 credit
points. Credit points are awarded for
participation in scientific seminar series, nonscientific workshops, poster presentations,
teaching and student-led initiatives.
General promotion /
funding
Helmholtz Graduate Schools
Course-related
German language
courses
Yes
Course-related
English language
courses
Yes
Course objectives
The Helmholtz International Graduate School at
the DKFZ aims not only to provide students with
an excellent scientific environment, but
recognises the importance of a broader training
in skills that are invaluable for any future career.
Soft skills courses therefore form an integral
part of student education and are awarded with
credit points.
Tuition fees
None
Enrolment fees
Students may voluntarily matriculate with the
university they register with for their degree.
Costs are dependent upon the university in
question.
Costs of living
Standard living costs for Germany
Job opportunities
Students are supported by a PhD Career
Manager and are encouraged to take part in
career events and seminars.
Funding
opportunities within
the university
Students are funded by DKFZ stipends or thirdparty funding. All PhD stipends are awarded
through a competitive selection process.
Language
requirements
A language test for English is requested for all
applicants except those coming from Germany,
and native English speakers from Australia,
Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, and USA. The

following proof of English is accepted:

TOEFL test with a score of 570+ (paper-based),
230+ (computer based) or 90+ (internet based)
IELTS certificate with a band score 6.5+
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English
(CAE)

Academic
requirements
The Helmholtz International Graduate School
invites applicants from all countries who hold (or
expect to hold) the equivalent of a University
Diploma/Master's degree. A good knowledge of
English is required. All PhD positions are filled in
a competitive selection process.
Applicants still studying for their degree should
anticipate its completion not later than six
months after the application deadline. A
provisional certificate from the university,
stating the examination marks already obtained,
should be provided.
Degrees from countries outside the European
Union are subject to a recognition procedure if a
faculty of a German university is chosen. The
faculty may ask for additional qualifications to
be completed in the early phase of the thesis
work.
A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is highly
advantageous.
Where to apply
Please apply through our Online Application
System, linked from the Helmholtz International
Graduate School website:
http://www.dkfz.de/phd [http://www.dkfz.de/phd
]
Arrival support
Information about living in Heidelberg, etc., can
be found in the "Newcomers' Guide", available
for download as a PDF from the DKFZ Student
Forum website:
http://www.dkfz.de/en/doktorandeninitiative/ind
ex.html [http://www.dkfz.de/en/doktorandeniniti
ative/index.html]
Services and support
for international
students
The DKFZ has an international staff service
which provides support for foreign students.
Course website
www.dkfz.de/phd [http://www.dkfz.de/phd]
Total number of
students
550

Total percentage of
international
students
30 %
About the city
Heidelberg combines the best of many worlds.
With its narrow lanes and ancient buildings, the
historic old town immediately transports visitors
back into the Middle Ages. Flanked by hills and
lush forests, there is plenty to tempt naturelovers. The gateway to Heidelberg's medieval
core is the unmistakable Old Bridge with its two
towers, also known by its official name, Karl
Theodor Bridge. This landmark's nine sandstone
arches straddle the Neckar river, whose banks
or Neckarwiese invite both locals and tourists
alike to while the time away.
The city has much to offer the modern-day
visitor, including an enviable cultural palette,
ranging from theatre and music to film festivals,
and even its own beers. Thanks to the presence
of many international companies in the region
and quality research faculties belonging to the
University of Heidelberg, the city is a magnet for
cosmopolitan individuals from multicultural
backgrounds.
Heidelberg is very much a modern city which
prides itself on being at the cutting edge of
scientific research. The DKFZ is located in the
Neuenheimer Feld, one of the largest
biomedical campuses in Germany. This site also
hosts the science faculties of Heidelberg
University, as well as the university hospital and
other research departments.
DKFZ PhD students may participate in the sports
programmes at Heidelberg University.

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contained in the "International Programmes in Germany".