Join us as a student

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

Translational medicine, strong mentoring, 4-year (2+2) structure. During the 2nd application phase, applications are open for all CTM centres until 24 August.

Apply in the 2nd phase 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

2nd application phase: open until 24 August.
Available centres: Budapest, Szeged, Szombathely, Pécs and Vienna.
Pre-registration: ongoing, no later than 24 August.
Official application: according to the current requirements of the relevant university/centre.
Interviews: after application, based on individual scheduling.
Notification: after completion of the admission procedure.

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 / PTE. In the 2nd phase, Budapest, Szeged, Szombathely, Pécs and Vienna are available.

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

In the 2nd application phase, all CTM centres are available: Budapest, Szeged, Szombathely, Pécs and Vienna.

SZTE: requirements & steps — u-szeged.hu/dokint/felveteli/jelentkezes
Semmelweis: requirements & steps — semmelweis.hu/phd/felveteli
PTE: requirements & steps — https://pte.hu/hu/form/doktori-kepzes-jelentkezes

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): in the 2nd application phase, the Budapest, Szeged, Szombathely, Pécs and Vienna centres are available; details: SZTE / Semmelweis / PTE.

▶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.

All you need to know

Curated videos about the application process, programme structure, and student journey.

Featured webinar

Rewatch the information webinar about the Translational Medicine programme

Get a complete overview of the programme structure, application process, training opportunities, and key practical details in one comprehensive video.

Centre for Translational Medicine