Join us as a student

Join our “learning by doing” PhD Programme – As a student

Translational medicine, strong mentoring, 4-year (2+2) structure. Find the steps, funding options, and timelines below.

Pre-register FAQ

What we offer — at a glance

Hybrid PhD & residency track
Healthcare delivery science in practice
Meta-analysis, registry, clinical trial focus
Biostatistics & clinical pharmacology foundations
Independent research with mentorship
Career pathway (SML → SME, coordination roles)

Target audience

  • Holders of a university MSc (bicyclic higher education) and final-year MSc students (≤ 6 months to graduation) from medical, dental, pharmaceutical or related faculties.
  • Good English communication skills recommended (min. B2; see CEFR).

Funding & fees

Hungarian/EU students HU/EU

  • State scholarship: HUF 140,000/month during coursework, then HUF 180,000/month.
  • Stipendium Hungaricum — available under specific conditions.
  • Self-funded option also available per institutional rules.

International students International

  • Registration fee: €75
  • Tuition (non-EU): €20,000 / year
  • Stipendium Hungaricum — available via scholarship call.

Exact eligibility and amounts depend on institutional and applicant status.

Key dates

  • Registration opens: 1 January
  • Webinar: 15 April, 18:00 (CET)
  • Pre-registration: 1 May
  • Final application: 17 May
  • Interviews: 1–3 July
  • Notification: 19 July
  • Programme start: 24 August

How to apply

Pre-registration on this page — provide your name, contact details, and preferred field/topic.
Phone consultation — we help you prepare the official application, clarify details, and advise on topic selection.
Official university application — follow current requirements: SZTE / Semmelweis.
Application fee — upload proof of payment to the form.
Interview — short professional and motivation discussion.
Decision & enrolment — upon acceptance, you’ll receive the next steps.

What you need to apply

For pre-registration

  • Name
  • Contact details (email, phone)
  • Field / proposed topic

Official application — by university

The required data and document list varies by institution.

FAQ

▶Eligibility
MSc graduates and final-year MSc students (≤ 6 months to graduation). Good English communication skills recommended (min. B2).
▶Format & location
Hybrid delivery: e-learning courses + in-person workshops/consultations and research.
▶Supervision model
You’ll work with an assigned or chosen supervisor by topic, supported by a methodology advisor and a biostatistician to ensure efficient, high-quality research.
▶Research areas
Broad translational medicine portfolio (paediatrics, OB-GYN, gastroenterology, critical care, dentistry, etc.).
▶Publication & PhD requirements
  • To obtain a PhD degree, at least two (2) first-author papers are required; the extent and quality of research also matter.
  • Quality thresholds: SCImago Q1 journals and cumulative IF ≥ 5.0; justified exceptions may apply.
  • Study designs: everyone starts with a meta-analysis; then registry/clinical trial/case report/systematic review, etc.

See the Rules & Regulations for full details.

▶How does the 2+2 structure work?
Complex Exam at the end of Year 2; focused research and publications in Years 3–4.
▶Scholarships or discounts
State-funded places for eligible EU students; Stipendium Hungaricum available; non-EU applicants typically self-funded tuition.
▶Installments
Not available.
▶Documents to submit

For pre-registration: name, contact details, field/topic.

Official application (varies by university): SZTE / Semmelweis.

▶Interview
20–30 min online discussion about background, motivation and project ideas.
▶Selection criteria
Motivation, methodological fit, collaboration skills, English, and alignment with topic areas.
▶Deferral / transfers
Possible with justified reasons and approval from your supervisor and the CTM (TMK).
▶Contact
Write to tmk@semmelweis.hu.