Lab Position

As part of the application, you will be asked to indicate your intended research area and potential supervisors. We therefore recommend reviewing the research groups affiliated with the program in advance and, where appropriate, contacting potential supervisors. Further details on supervision requirements are provided below on this page.

Second Attempt and Technical Issues

If you've already applied to the program once, please contact us in time as we need to unlock a new application for you on DocGS. Please also contact us if you have started an application in the past, even if you have never submitted it as the system won't update to the new semester automatically. No extensions will be granted, also not in case of such technical issues. While we are happy to assist and provide support, our ability to do so is limited by time constraints. We therefore strongly recommend getting in touch with us on time in case you need a new application unlocked or other technical difficulties and submitting your application well in advance.

Preparing Documents

We also strongly recommend preparing all required documents well in advance, as obtaining certain materials such as notarized translations or proof of English language proficiency (also native speakers) may take additional time.

Please ensure that your Master’s degree documents include all relevant information, in particular:

• Admission and graduation date/semester
• Final numerical grade and grading system
• Thesis title and/or grade
• Total credits and credit system

If you hold a foreign Master’s degree, please ensure that the same information is also available for your Bachelor’s degree. So, if any of this information is missing from your official documents (e.g., diploma, transcript, or diploma supplement), please contact your university to request an official confirmation.

Applications that are incomplete or lack the necessary information for proper evaluation cannot be considered in the further selection process.

Applications to the PhD program must be submitted exclusively via the DocGS online portal during the specified application periods.

Application form

The application form includes sections on personal information, educational background, English language proficiency, and a letter of motivation. In your motivation letter, you should outline your reasons for applying, your suitability for the program, and your research interests.

Documents

The following documents are required at the time of application:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates (including final numerical grade and grading system)
• Proof of English language proficiency (also native speakers)
• Curriculum vitae
• Portrait or passport photograph

Detailed requirements for educational background and proof of English proficiency are provided below on this page.

Applicants may also upload additional relevant documents, such as publications, presentations, awards, or evidence of research experience. Please ensure that all submitted materials are directly relevant to your application.

Further Notes

• All documents that are not in English or German must be accompanied by a cerified translation.
• Only unencrypted pdf and jpg documents can be uploaded, other documents will not be processed correctly by the submission system.
• If a document consists of more than one page, all pages should be combined into a single document.
• Once the application deadline has passed, it is no longer possible to submit missing documents and no extensions will be granted. This also applies in cases of technical issues. While we are happy to assist and provide support, our ability to do so is limited by time constraints. We therefore strongly recommend completing and submitting your application well in advance.
• You will receive a confirmation email after submitting your application!
  If you haven't received a confirmation email you haven't successfully submitted your application. Please make sure to check this as there won't be any exceptions if you realize after the application deadline. 

Applications that are incomplete or lack the necessary information for proper evaluation cannot be considered in the further selection process.

After submission, your application will undergo a formal eligibility check.

If information or documents are missing, we may contact you where possible. Please note that this is a voluntary service and cannot be guaranteed. The earlier you submit your application, the more likely it is that we can review your documents in time and notify you of any issues. We won't answer any inquiries on the status of the formal evaluation.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all required documents and information are complete and correct at the time of submission. Applications that are incomplete or lack the necessary information for proper evaluation cannot be processed further.

Following the formal check, your application will be evaluated by at least three reviewers, taking into account your indicated research field and preferences. Please note that reviewers are assigned independently; while your preferences are carefully considered, they do not determine reviewer assignment.

After all reviews have been completed, a decision is made on whether your application will be rejected or invited to the interview stage. Applicants can expect to receive a decision approximately five weeks after the application deadline.

The next scheduled Interview Days will be on: July 13-14

If you successfully pass the previous stages of the application process, you will receive an invitation to the Interview Days approximately three-four weeks in advance. Please keep this timeline in mind, as we require a prompt confirmation or cancellation in order to finalize the schedule. Failure to respond may result in exclusion from the Interview Days.

Your individual schedule will be shared approximately two weeks before the Interview Days. After this point, no further changes can be made. Please ensure your availability on these dates. If you have any scheduling constraints, inform us as early as possible after receiving your invitation. While we will do our best to accommodate such requests, this cannot be guaranteed. Appointments outside the designated Interview Days or time slots are not possible.

Acceptance to the PhD program is based on academic merit. During the selection process, you will be expected to demonstrate your ability to engage in academic discussion, as well as a strong theoretical understanding of your field. Your motivation and overall fit with the program will also be considered.

We wish you the best of luck!

Following the Interview Days, you will receive the reviewers’ decision approximately one week after your interview.

If your evaluation is positive, you will be invited to join the program. Please note, however, that final admission is contingent upon securing a laboratory position. If you have not yet obtained a confirmed lab placement before the start of the semester, you will be granted a provisional acceptance and given up to six months to secure a position. If no placement is confirmed within this period, the acceptance offer will expire. Admission to the program is only possible with a secured lab position. 

Successful applicants will also receive an invitation to participate in the welcome meeting for new doctoral candidates of the phd program, which takes place in person around early to mid-March / September. Please ensure your availability during this time.

During the welcome meeting, you will receive important information about starting the program, including course registration and administrative procedures, as well as details regarding your official admission.

Please note that formal enrollment at TUM is required in order to begin your doctoral research and obtain student status as well as credits. It is your responsibility to complete the enrollment process within the specified deadlines. Missed deadlines cannot be extended, and the respective semester cannot be credited.

We recommend reading the student handbook before starting the program as this document covers all core aspects of the program and indicate which steps are necessary at what time of your study. 

The following tests for English profeciency are accepted:

• TOEFL (minimum score 88/120).
• IELTS Academic (minimum score 6.5/9).
• Cambridge certificate

For any other test an English level of C1 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the minimum language requirement to apply to the PhD program. But be aware that other tests must be approved first by us and are relatively uncommen to get approved.

A completed degree in an English-medium educational system (official confirmation required) is also sufficient as proof of English proficiency. Please be aware that this must be stated on an official document (e.g. Diploma Supplement) or in an official confirmation by the university directly. Studies that were partially taught in English are not sufficient. English must be the sole language of instruction.

Degrees from foreign countries are subject to approval by the Technical University of Munich (TUM), before applicants can be accepted into the program. The eligibility of your degree will get evaluated during formal evaluation of your application.

Regardless of the degree eligibility for the program and the general degree qualification in Germany you must have a final grade of at least 2.5 according to Bavarian regulations in order to be admitted to the PhD program. Therefore, it's necessary to submit a numerical final grade and a legend of the grading system used at your university with your application.
The following TUM tool can give you an indication of how foreign final grades are converted: Grade Conversion. 

In some cases, we are unable to determine whether your degree qualifies you for doctoral studies and would need to consult the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB) ourselves. Since this process may take some time, your application may not be considered for the current application period. We therefore recommend having your eligibility for doctoral studies assessed by the ZAB in advance and including the result with your application.

According to our study regulations, TUM medical students may enter the Ph.D. program while still in medical school, but only after successfully passing the First Section of the Medical Examination. This exception applies only to students enrolled in Human Medicine at TUM. In this case, please submit your certificate of successful completion of the First Section of the Medical Examination together with your enrollment certificate (“Immatrikulationsbescheinigung”) instead of your graduation documents. 

Applicants from other universities must have already completed their medical degree before applying.

The program does not provide its own funding. Doctoral candidates are funded through their respective research group, and supervisors must confirm that funding is secured for three years of full-time doctoral research.

Please note that this does not necessarily correspond to a full-time employment contract. In many cases, positions are offered at 65%, although the exact terms and conditions are determined individually between you and your supervisor.

Unfortunately, we are unable to assist with visa applications for Germany or provide information about the process. However, you can find more details, information sessions, and further support regarding visas here.

You can find more information, guidance and support about life in Munich here. 

Can you check my documents before I submit my application?

No, unfortunately we are unable to offer this service.

Is my Abitur sufficient as proof of English proficiency?

No, the Abitur is not accepted as proof of English proficiency. 

The deadline for application is May 15, and I plan to submit my Master’s thesis at the end of May. I will therefore graduate before the start of the new semester on October 1. Can I still apply?

No, you must have completed your degree by the time you submit your application.

I successfully finished my Master’s degree but I have not received any official documents yet. Can I still apply?

Yes. In this case, you must upload an official confirmation from your university stating that you have completed your degree, instead of the diploma. Once available, please send us a scan of your official diploma and transcript of records, as these documents are still required for final admission.

Do I need to have secured a lab position before applying to the program?

No, a secured lab position is not required at the time of application. However, finding a lab position is your own responsibility. Final admission to the program is only possible once you have secured a lab position, so we strongly recommend contacting potential supervisors as early as possible. If you successfully complete the application process but do not have a lab position at the start of the semester, you will have up to six months to secure one. Otherwise, your preliminary acceptance will be withdrawn.

If my application is rejected, can I apply again?

Yes, you may apply to the program a maximum of two times. If your application is rejected twice, you cannot apply again.

I’ve already applied once and would like to apply again, but I cannot open a new application in DocGS. What should I do?

Please contact us directly via gcmh.mh@tum.de so that we can unlock a new application form for you.

Can I get accepted to the program while working in an external (not TUM related) lab?

Yes, but it's important that your supervisor is affiliated with TUM. Please read the requirements for your TAC committee in the study regulations and the student handbook carefully. 

Can I have an additional job during my time as phd student in the program?

No, as this is a full-time study program, you can't have additional jobs or do any clinical work during your dissertation research.

If you have any further questions or need additional guidance, please contact the program coordinators via gcmh.mh@tum.de and include Medical Life Science and Technology (or short MLST) in the subject line so that we can process your request more easily and quickly.

You can find the program coordinators here and in our team. 

Please be aware that delays are to be expected, especially during the application period.

Additionally, please note that between December 20 and January 10, contact options may be limited due to the holiday season. Responses to inquiries may take longer than usual during this time.