DKFZ International PhD Program

The DKFZ International PhD Program lays the foundation for a career path as a world-class researcher for the Center’s over 600 PhD students.

The image features a split design, with one half showing a stylized blue immune cell and the other half depicting a detailed human eye. This juxtaposition symbolizes the connection between the immune system and vision.

The DKFZ International PhD Program is a fully funded, structured program within the DKFZ Cancer Research Academy, providing all DKFZ doctoral researchers (PhD students) with tailored mentoring and training in cancer research. The doctoral research projects are conducted at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg or Dresden, or its partner sites across Germany within the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), National Centers for Tumor Disease, the Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology and the DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim.

Reflecting the breadth of scientific topics represented within the Program, our doctoral researchers are enrolled in top universities across Germany, pursuing doctoral titles that best suit their scientific expertise. These range from Dr. rer. nat. (natural sciences) to Dr. sc. hum. and Dr. med. (human sciences and medicine) and Dr.-Ing. (engineering sciences).

The DKFZ International PhD Program has a lively network of active members, who organize regular scientific networking activities and social events. In collaboration with the DKFZ Career Service & Alumni Relations, the Program offers comprehensive guidance and career development resources, providing a strong foundation upon which our members take their next career step. Our alumni pursue diverse career paths in both academia and industry.

Application to the 2026/27 Winter Selection is now closed!

The application phase of the 26/27 Winter Selection of the DKFZ International PhD Program is now closed. Applications are currently being reviewed and candidates will be informed in November 2026 if they are invited to the online panel interviews in December.

Further Information

Program Overview
Admission Requirements & How to Apply
Joint Training Programs & Collaborations
Life as a DKFZ PhD Student

Mailing list

Are you interested in receiving information about future calls of the PhD program? Subscribe to the DKFZ Cancer Research Academy mailing list to never miss an application call!
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Curious about life as a PhD Student at the DKFZ?

International PhD Program at the DKFZ in Heidelberg

Watch our video to hear firsthand from current PhD students and discover the unique opportunities the DKFZ International PhD Program offers!
At the DKFZ, Germany’s largest biomedical research institute, over 500 PhD students in 100+ research groups are dedicated to unravel the causes and mechanisms of cancer development and to identify groundbreaking tools for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
 

Sunidhi – Research Program Functional and Structural Genomics

A young woman with long black hair smiles at the camera, standing outdoors with a scenic view of greenery and water in the background. She wears a brown top and appears confident and approachable, representing the international PhD program.

“At first, moving to a new country and working on an unfamiliar challenge was both exciting and daunting, but being surrounded by brilliant minds in a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment has made all the difference. DKFZ’s culture nurtures innovation, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, transforming every challenge into an opportunity for growth.” 

PhD Student in the Division of Genetics and 2024 PhD Student Representative

Contact DKFZ International PhD Program

The DKFZ International PhD Program is managed by Dr. Lindsay Murrells. 

If you aren't able to find the information you're searching for on our website, please contact us by email!

An image split into two halves: on the left, a close-up of a blue immune cell, and on the right, a detailed human eye. The text below reads "Seeing Beyond. Research for a life without cancer. International PhD Program."
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