Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question 1: 

As a student, I currently do not have a job, which makes it difficult for me to cover the course fee. Are there any fee waives or reduced fees for applicants who needs financial support? 

Our Answer:

Unfortunately, we do not have any possibilities to waive or reduce the participation fee. Please consider the attendance mode “100% virtually” which is much more affordable.

Question 2:

Does the German Cancer Research Center cover travel expenses for “online and on-site” participants?

Answer:

No. On-site participants in Heidelberg must cover their own travel expenses, including train / flight tickets, accommodation costs and living expenses.

Question:

Could you provide an approximate breakdown of the expected costs for on-site participation, particularly related to accommodation, daily living expenses and any other recommended expenses for attendees coming from abroad?

Our Answer:

In addition to the flight costs to and from Frankfurt, you will also have to consider the costs for an airport transfer to Heidelberg and return (approx. 100 EUR) and budget around 150 EUR per day for accommodation and living expenses.

If you are coming from abroad and require a visa, you will probably also need to take out health or additional insurance when applying for it. You will be given more information about this at the German embassy/consulate.

Question 1: 

I need a visa to come to Germany for the course. Can you provide an invitation letter for me?

Our Answer:

Yes, our institute can issue an invitation letter for you. However, this is the only support we can offer. Please also have in mind that you need to register and to pay first before DKFZ can issue an invitation letter. 

Question 2:

I would like to attend the course in person. I probably need a visa to travel to Germany for the course. Is it possible to get a visa to attend the course, and what do I need to do to get one?

Our Answer:

If you do not already have a visa for travelling to Germany, you will need to apply for one. Our institute can issue an invitation letter for you. However, this is the only support we can offer. Please note that based on our experience it can take a very long time to get an appointment at an embassy or consulate for applying for visa. Visa processing can also take a long time, meaning that your trip may not be organized in time. So far, it has been very rare for participants requiring a German visa to obtain one in time and to attend on person on site. Please be aware of this. We would strongly recommend that you take advantage of the online-only participation option.

Question 1: 

Can I change my attendance mode after registration, if I later realise that I won't be able to come to Heidelberg in person?

Our Answer:

Yes, however a subsequent changing your attendance mode from on-site to 100% virtual, or vice versa, is only possible in absolutely exceptional circumstances and only upon request by email. The request may be denied if there is no valid reason and you cannot provide proof of the reason. The fee paid is non-refundable after the cancellation deadline. So please think carefully before registering to determine whether you will be able to attend in person the hybrid attendance phase in Heidelberg.

Question 2:

Why do I have to decide at the time of registration whether I want to attend in person or 100% virtually?

Our Answer:

For organizational reasons, particularly regarding catering, we need to know the number of participants attending in person well in advance. Please also keep in mind that if you are ultimately unable to attend in person and cancel your in-person participation at the last minute, this would mean that applicants who have less difficulty attending in person would not have been given a place.

Question 3:

How can I participate if I cannot afford to come to Heidelberg / Germany? 

Our Answer:

You can attend the course 100% virtually. This participation option is particularly designed for applicants who have difficulty travelling to Germany and who have limited financial resources. 

Question 1:

What practical skills and competencies will participants gain, particularly for those interested in radiotherapy applications?

Our Answer:

Participants will gain ideas how to develop a 3D printed object in medical physics and radiotherapy. You will learn the workflow from your idea to the final product. We will use the software 3D Slicer during the workshop day. The software is freely available.

Question 2:

What practical components are included in the online phase for participants who cannot travel?

Our Answer:

During the online phase we will organize groups consisting of experienced users of 3D printing techniques and users with less experience to be prepared for the workshop day on Wednesday. So there is not a big difference between online and on-site attendance. The project management and presentation and rhetoric workshop is also available online and on-site.

Question:

I am currently an undergraduate medical student. I am very interested in the topics that will be covered during the program. I understand that is mainly aimed at students with a background in physics or related fields, so I wanted to ask whether a medical student at my stage of training could still be considered.

Our Answer:

This year's topic of the summer school is '3D Printing Techniques and Concepts in Medical Physics', and in our view, this topic would probably be too technical for you as a medical student. We offer summer schools and summer workshops every year. In the past, the topics may have been more suitable for medical students than this year´s topic, and we may return to similar topics in future. However, generally, medical students are welcome and eligible to attend our summer school.

Question: 

I come from abroad and registered for the attendance mode “online and on site in Heidelberg from 28 September to 2 October 2026”. Why am I being asked to change the mode to “100% virtually”?

Our Answer: 

If you are from a country whose nationals require a visa, we would like to recommend you to change your attendance mode to ““100% virtually”.  This option is designed particularly for applicants who come from countries that are far away from Germany and who may have difficulty travelling to Germany due to required visa or may have limited financial resources for participation. Please note that on-site participants in Heidelberg must cover their own travel expenses, including train / flight tickets, accommodation costs and living expenses. Our institute can only issue an invitation letter for you and cannot provide any further support in obtaining your visa. The visa application process can be very time-consuming, so there may ultimately not be enough time to organise your travel arrangements.