Applications
Application Procedure
Application Methods
Applications for the October 2012 intake will be accepted from 1st December 2011! Please note that we only accept applications made through our online system which can be found here:
Deadline for Applications
Our application system will be open from 1st December 2011 until 1st April 2012. You can start your application and come back to change it or finish it as often as you like until then or until you submit it (no changes possible after submission!). After 1st April all incomplete applications will be disregarded.
Your Application
Once you have completed our online application process you will be notified automatically regarding the following steps. Please refrain from contacting us in the meantime as this will slow down our work enormously.
Interview
Interviews for shortlisted candidates are planned for 29th/30th May and 21st/22nd June 2012.
Interview format
The interview lasts approximately 20 minutes. The interview is broken down into a 7-minute Powerpoint presentation in English on your diploma/finals (or similar) project. The final slide of your presentation should be used to summarize your education and relevant experience.
Subsequently, questions are asked by the interview panel on the project and general questions on your studies and yourself. The panel is made up of the chairman of the program as well as the supervisors of the projects on offer. Additional time will be available during various breaks during the day to make personal contact with supervisors.
On invitation to the interview, candidates will also be sent details on all the projects available. It is, therefore, strongly recommended that candidates arrange an appointment with the supervisor of the project(s) in which they are interested. This can be before or after your interview. This is an invaluable opportunity to find out more about the project, meet the team involved and visit the corresponding laboratories.
Acceptance
Successful candidates will be informed in writing by the coordination office shortly after the interview and will be sent an official letter of acceptance by email and by post.
Program start
Students are to arrive in Hannover at the beginning of October.
The orientation week usually commences on the first Monday of October.
Term starts in mid-October.
FAQs
Can I apply with a BSc?
Only on very rare occasions if you have a BSc with Honours from a Scotish, Irish or Australian University. Please click here for a list of accepted degrees.
Is this program open to all international students?
Yes, as well as many German students, we currently have students from Austria, China, France, India, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, Tanzania, the Ukraine, Venezuela and Vietnam.
How will my studies be financed?
Scholarships are provided for all places. The monthly stipend amounts to approximately 1,350 €. This is to cover all living costs including compulsory health insurance.
What final degree will I achieve?
Students with a first degree in a life science can choose the PhD or Dr. rer. nat. title. Students with a medical or vet. med. background will be awarded the title of PhD.
What language is used?
English is the language for both teaching and communication between students and colleagues.
German language courses are available for international students and are strongly recommended.
How will I be accommodated?
It is possible to apply for a room in one of our student's residences. The office is able to assist you in finding something suitable. Hannover is a city with a good transport network, allowing students easy access from most of the city to the Medical School, Veterinary School or University and thus making private accommodation a good option. The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research also offers support in finding accommodation in Braunschweig.