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, official application
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.

Programme introduction · 2026

What is translational medicine, and how can it directly improve patient care?

Prof. Péter Hegyi introduces the concept of translational medicine and the Translational Medicine PhD Program at Semmelweis University, showing how clinical work, scientifically grounded questions, methodological support, and practice-oriented doctoral training can be integrated to improve healthcare.

Prof. Péter Hegyi · Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University

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