Applicants must hold a German Master (MSc), a German Diploma OR an equivalent international degree in biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, chemistry, or other related subjects. It is NOT necessary to hold the degree at the time of your application, but you will need a few weeks before you begin to work with us. If you have an MD with only clinical qualifications we cannot consider your application.

Only in rare instances, we accept applicants holding a Bachelor’s degree (4 years of study including a final thesis / honors project). These applicants need an exceptional academic record (degree equivalent to “excellent”). It is NOT necessary to hold the Bachelor degree at the time of application; however, your degree must be awarded prior to enrollment into the program. Final admission to the program will depend on being accepted as a “fast-track” PhD student at one of our partner universities.

IMPORTANT: Please note that you will NOT receive a Master’s degree after a successful preparatory year. In addition, your salary during this year will be considerably lower compared to that of a PhD student (approx. 850 EUR/month, fellowship-based).