DKFZ International PhD Program - German Cancer Research Center German Cancer Research Center in Germany

The DKFZ International PhD Program lays the foundation for a career path as a world-class researcher for the Center’s over 500 PhD students. This program is fully funded and structured within the DKFZ Cancer Research Academy, providing tailored mentoring and training in cancer research. Doctoral research projects are conducted at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg or Dresden, or its partner sites across Germany. The program covers a wide range of scientific topics, and doctoral researchers are enrolled in top universities across Germany, pursuing various doctoral titles.

Eligibility includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields, a strong research background, English proficiency, and two academic reference letters. The application process involves selecting PhD projects, submitting motivation statements, and undergoing a multi-step selection process. The application deadline is December 15, 2025.