Heinrich F.C. Behr Stipends for International Students, Germany for PhD

  •  PhD
  •  15-Jul-2025
  •   United States
  • $$  12-month stipend equivalent to the maximum BAföG rate

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg is Germany’s leading biomedical research institution focused on cancer. It conducts pioneering research in cancer biology, prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. DKFZ brings together top scientists in an international and interdisciplinary environment and closely collaborates with Heidelberg University and hospitals to translate research into clinical applications.

Applicants must be enrolled in a human medicine program and demonstrate strong motivation for cancer research. They should be prepared to take a one-year break from their medical studies to complete their doctoral thesis (Dr. med.) at DKFZ.

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), located in Heidelberg, is Germany’s largest biomedical research institute dedicated to cancer research. Founded in 1964, DKFZ conducts cutting-edge basic, translational, and clinical research to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. It hosts over 3,000 scientists from around the world and collaborates closely with universities and hospitals, including Heidelberg University.

Heidelberg University Information

Heidelberg University Grants

Heinrich F.C. Behr Stipends for International Students, Germany for PhD Founded in 1850, Heidelberg University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the rural setting of the medium-sized town of Tiffin (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Ohio. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Higher Learning Commission, Heidelberg University (HU) is a very small (uniRank enrollment range: 1,000-1,999 students) coeducational higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Protestant religion. Heidelberg University (HU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 169 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 70-80% making this US higher education organization a somewhat selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Eligible Countries: All nationalities are eligible

  • Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded to students of human medicine conducting cancer research at DKFZ

  • Admissible Criteria:

    • Applicants must be enrolled in a human medicine program.

    • Must be highly motivated to pursue cancer research.

    • Applicants must be willing to take a one-year leave of absence from their medical studies.

    • Must have an approved research project with a DKFZ group or division.

    • Recommendation letters from both the DKFZ group leader and faculty supervisor are required.

    • The student must confirm that no academic credits will be earned during the stipend period.

Offered Benefits

  • A fully funded 12-month stipend covering living costs (at the maximum BAföG rate)

  • Opportunity to conduct research in one of Europe’s leading cancer research institutions (DKFZ)

  • Gain early-career exposure to translational oncology in an international environment

  • Strong mentorship and scientific guidance from DKFZ researchers.

Application Process

Submit the following documents in English as a single PDF file via the DKFZ job portal:

  • Completed cover sheet (template provided on the portal)

  • Curriculum Vitae

  • Independently written project outline (max. 5 pages)

  • Letter of recommendation from the scientific (faculty) supervisor

  • Letter of recommendation from the DKFZ group/division head

  • Confirmation that no academic credits will be earned during the research year

  • Academic transcripts

If you think this scholarship can be helpful to somebody else, please share:

Subscribe for Scholarship Updates

Get a weekly email that thousands of students use to get the latest scholarships and grants.


** Scholarships.plus will not share your details without your permission.

Like our website? Follow us on Facebook

More Suggestions: