
The Ph.D. program Medical Research - International Health combines health-related research in the widest sense and development cooperation. Special focus lies in educating researchers who in turn become multipliers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and thus the next generation of health professionals. Not only acquiring knowledge for one's own interest, but importing and multiplying the knowledge to areas in need should be a guiding working motive while working as a Ph.D. student at CIHLMU . This motive is complying with global development strategies that have recognized the human resource crisis as a key factor in the deterioration of health systems in low- and middle-income countries.
From this stance arises a certain focus on candidates from LMICs to provide their home countries with competent and responsible researchers and health professionals. However, the Ph.D. program is open to all who share an interest in health-related issues in the field of development cooperation. Therefore, we encourage all professionals of any nationality to become part of the Ph.D. program, people working in health or health-related fields who are willing to improve the local research and health situation both through manpower and knowledge.
The Ph.D. program Medical Research - International Health is part of the Munich Medical Research School (MMRS), a central institution of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München’s Medical Faculty. One of the main tasks of the MMRS is to establish Ph.D. core areas under the examination regulations for "Ph.D. Medical Research", in order to promote the faculty's internationalization. All doctoral students are automatically members of the MMRS upon admittance to the Ph.D. program Medical Research - International Health.
Please note: a new scholarship program EPOS is available for the intake 2025. For more information, please refer to "Scholarships" on this page below.
- Duration and Attendance
3 years full-time sandwich program
The doctoral project is supervised by both a local supervisor and two to three LMU supervisors. Doctoral candidates start their doctoral degree in Munich during Module Block I (Oct-Dec), but subsequently spend the research periods in their home country. After the first research period, Ph.D. candidates come to Munich for Module Block II (Jan-March) before completing the doctorate in their home country with the participation of the LMU supervisors
- Total Credits
180 ECTS
- Qualification
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Medical Research – International Health
- Awarding Institution
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
- Language of Instruction
English
- Tuition Fees
There are no tuition fees. However, please note that you need to be able to finance your research and the stays in Munich. Please see more details under "Costs".
- Application Period
01 December 2024 to 31 January 2025, via the MMRS registration portal.
- Study handbook
Our Ph.D. MR-IH study handbook contains important information about the course of study and the degree in a bundled format.
- Info Session
If you would like comprehensive information about the Ph.D. program or have specific questions, we offer an Information Session each year before the application period begins. The next information session will be announced in due time. Registration is required.
Further Information
- Curriculum
- Research projects
- Costs
- Supervision of your Ph.D.
- Ph.D. Thesis Submission
- Thesis evaluation and Oral Defense
- Obtaining the degree
- Scholarships
Application
Before applying, make sure to carefully read about the application requirements and selection process, and click here to register.
Helpful Links for Ph.D. Candidates
The support by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development is part of the EDCTP2 programme supported by the European Union.
Contact

T&TU, LMU Klinikum, Munich, Germany
Adea.Borova@med.uni-muenchen.de
CIH.PHD@lrz.uni-muenchen.de