PhD in Medical Research – International Health
A three-year sandwich PhD programme focusing on global health challenges in low- and middle-income countries.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries with a master’s in health sciences, prior research experience, and a focus on global health challenges.
Overview
This PhD programme at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) is designed for young researchers from low- and middle-income countries, though applicants from other regions with a focus on these settings are also eligible. The programme combines intensive training at LMU with field-based research in candidates’ home countries, supervised jointly by LMU faculty and local mentors. Participants spend three months at LMU for foundational modules, followed by remote research and a second three-month residency in Munich for advanced training. The programme emphasises infectious diseases, epidemiology, public health, and qualitative/quantitative methods, with strong support for intercultural collaboration and thesis development. Funding is provided by DAAD’s ‘Exceed’ programme, targeting scholars with prior research experience and a clearly defined project.
What you'll do
- Complete a structured 6-semester PhD programme combining intensive training at LMU with field-based research in your home country.
- Develop and execute a research project under joint supervision of LMU faculty and a local mentor.
- Attend three months of foundational modules at LMU, covering international health fundamentals, statistics, methodology, and research skills.
- Participate in a second three-month residency at LMU after one year to advance your thesis with specialised modules.
- Collaborate with international guest lecturers and engage in intercultural training to enhance research skills.
- Present and defend your PhD thesis in Munich upon completion of the programme.
- Submit regular progress reports and maintain communication with supervisors throughout the programme.
Requirements
Degree required: A university degree in medicine or a master’s degree in an appropriate health-related subject (e.g., Public Health, Epidemiology, Global Health).
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; C1 proficiency (e.g., TOEFL iBT 100+, IELTS 7.0+, or equivalent).
Instruction: English
- Prior research experience and a clearly defined research topic.
- Experience working with local supervisors or research institutions in your home country.
- Sufficiently funded research project to ensure continuity during the programme.
- Proficiency in English (C1 level) for academic work and thesis writing.
- Ability to conduct research in a cross-cultural and international setting.
- Applicants must be from low- and middle-income countries (or have a focused interest in these settings).
- Priority given to candidates with prior research experience and a funded project.
- No German language skills required.
- Applicants must be able to commit to the full-time programme duration.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
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How to apply
Deadline: 2027-01-31 (Europe/Berlin)
Applicants must submit their application through the official LMU GraduateCenter portal. Required documents include a CV, research proposal, proof of English proficiency (C1 level), academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of funding for the project. A research topic and local supervisor must be presented at the time of application.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Detailed research proposal
- Proof of English proficiency (C1 level, e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement confirming project funding
- Letter from local supervisor (if applicable)
Contact
GraduateCenter (CIHLMU)· Programme Coordinator
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