Overview

The DKFZ International PhD Program in Heidelberg (also known as the Helmholtz International Graduate School for Cancer Research) is the interdisciplinary structured graduate school for all PhD students working at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ).

About the program

The long-term goal of the German Cancer Research Center is to unravel the causes and mechanisms of cancer development and, based on new insights, to develop novel tools for diagnosis, early detection, treatment and prevention. This program is offered at Heidelberg University.

Programme Structure

The divisions and research groups of the DKFZ are organized into six Research Programs:

Cell Biology and Tumor Biology
Functional and Structural Genomics
Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention
Immunology and Cancer
Imaging and Radiooncology
Infection, Inflammation and Cancer

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-10-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

90

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IELTS

6.5

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Heidelberg, Germany

Disciplines

Medicine Molecular Sciences View 20 other PhDs in Molecular Sciences in Germany

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants holding (or expecting to hold) a university master's degree (MSc or equivalent) including a written master's research thesis are eligible to apply.
Our PhD students typically have a background in (molecular) biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computational biology, computer science or epidemiology/public health studies.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Heidelberg University and/or in Germany, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

There is no tuition fee but every doctoral candidate must pay a student service fee (161 EUR per semester).

Living costs

Heidelberg

Germany

922 - 1397 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Helmholtz International Graduate School for Cancer Research.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

About the program

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Heidelberg

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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