Table of Contents

Language

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:

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

If you are planning to take a TOEFL test for your application to the Helmholtz International Graduate School for Cancer Research, you may have the results sent directly to us by quoting the DKFZ code number, 4320, when you take the test. If not, then you will be required to upload a scanned copy of the certificate as a JPEG or PDF file of not more than 3MB.

IF it is not possible to take the test in time, then you should upload a document from your university stating your English language abilities, however it is highly advantageous to have a certificate from an official English test and without this your application may not be considered.

Letters of Recommendation

As part of the online application form, you also asked to provide the names and contact details of two referees. As soon as you have entered the name and contact details of your referees we will automatically send them an email with a link, requesting that they provide us with a letter of reference online.

Note: Please submit your application once you have completed all the sections. Your reference letters do not have to have been submitted online by your referees in order for you to submit your application.

However, please be aware that the deadline for your referees to submit their letters of recommendation is the same as the application deadline. Therefore, you need to make sure that you register with the online system and enter the contact details of your referees in good time, so that they have time to submit their letters before the deadline. It is your responsbility to ensure that they provide these letters, so if there is a problem, please contact us in good time.

University Degrees

Applicants are required to hold and provide proof of a University Masters (M.Sc. or equivalent) degree as listed below. Applicants still studying for their degree should anticipate to receive it not later than 6 months after the application deadline. A provisional certificate or bona fide statement from the University, stating the examination marks already obtained, should be provided. During completion of the online application form, you will be required to upload a scanned copy of your certificates as a JPEG or PDF file of not more than 3MB. We also require a copy of your high school certificate.

Degrees from countries outside the European Community 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. Payment might be lower in this period.

A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is highly advantageous.


Accepted University Degrees:

Applicants holding (or expecting to hold) a M.Sc.(Masters) degree in subject related to cancer research are eligible to apply.

If hold a degree that is NOT an M.Sc. but that you think is equivalent to an M.Sc. and this is NOT listed below, please contact the Graduate Program Office, listing the name of the degree in the original language and the English translation and we will inform you whether you are eligible to apply.

If you hold a B.Sc. degree, you are unfortunately not eligible to apply, however, you might be interested in the Masters Program Major Cancer Biology, organised by the German Cancer Research Center in collaboration with the University of Heidelberg.

• Algeria: Diplome d’Etudes Approfondis
• Australia: BSc with Hon. and Masters by research or course work
• Austria: Magister, Diplom Ingenieur
• Belarus:Diploma and Doctoral canditate exam of a full University
• Belgium: Licenciè/Licentiaat
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: Diplomirani

• Bulgaria: Diploma (4-5 years of Study)

• Canada: Master
• China P.R.: Master (Shuoshi) required for admission to a PhD Course at a Key University
• Croatia: Diploma
• Czech Republic: Magister
• Denmark: Cand. Scient.
• Egypt: Master of Science
• Finland: Lisensiaatti or FK
• France: Masters or Diplome d’Etudes Approfondis (DEA)
• Germany: Diplom, Master, Diplom (FH). Candidates with a FH Diplom are welcome to apply. During the first year they might have to complete additional studies and exams. In this period payment might be lower.
• Greece: Diplomatouchos including a postgraduate study with thesis equivalent to Master.
• Hungary: Diploma (Okleveles)
• India: Master obtained by Indian Institute of Technology. Graduates from other Universities might have to complete additional studies and exams in the first year. In this period payment might be lower.
• Iran: Master with at least 15/20, including foreign language exam, exam of knowledge and recommendation from the Professor.
• Ireland: Master including a thesis or dissertation
• Israel: Master (final grade 80%; thesis 85%)
• Italy: Esame di Laurea
• Morocco: Diplome d’Etudes Approfondis
• Netherlands: Doctoraal examen (Doctorandus)

• Norway: Candidatus

• Pakistan: Master including a B.Sc. in the same field

• Poland: Magister
• Portugal: Licenciado

• Romania: Diploma
• Russia: Diploma and Doctoral candidate exam of a full University
• Slovakia: Magister

• Slovenia: Diplom

• Spain: Licenciado including tesina or proyeto de carrera

• Sweden: Fil. Cand. or Högskoleexamen (160 Points)

• Switzerland: Diplom
• Tunisia: Diplome d’Etudes Approfondis
• Turkey: Yüksek Lisans Diplomasi (5 – 6 years)

• Ukraine: State exam (Diploma, Master) allowing admission to Aspirantura

• United Kingdom: Master including a thesis or dissertation.
• United States of America: Master including a thesis obtained from a Research University of the Carnegie List
• Yugoslavia: Diploma