- Degree
- PhD/Dr rer nat/Dr rer medic/Dr-Ing
- Course location
- Dresden
- In cooperation with
- International Max Planck Research School for Cell, Developmental and Systems Biology (IMPRS-CellDevoSys) under the umbrella of the Dresden International PhD Programme (DIPP)
- Teaching language
- • English
- Languages
- • All courses are held in English.
• The primary language in the labs is English.
• The PhD thesis is written and defended in English.
- Programme duration
- 8 semesters
- Beginning
- Only for doctoral programmes: any time
- Additional information on beginning, duration and mode of study
- Candidates who receive an offer at the end of one of the two annual PhD selection processes may begin doctoral work at any time during the following six months (usually 1 September of the same year and 1 March of the following year). The duration of a PhD at DIGS-ILS is three and a half to four years.
- Application deadline
- Applications are accepted twice a year via an online application system. For detailed information on the calls for 2025/2026, please visit our website: www.digs-ils.phd/phd (https://www.digs-ils.phd/phd#pk_campaign=daad-ip&pk_kwd=application-deadlines).
- Tuition fees per semester in EUR
- None
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- No
- Description/content
- The Dresden International Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Life Sciences (DIGS-ILS) is a well-established PhD programme at TU Dresden, one of Germany’s top research universities.
Since 2006, we’ve been supporting ambitious graduates from around the world as they explore big interdisciplinary questions in Biological Sciences, Biomedicine, Biological Physics, and Bioengineering & Biomaterials. From Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology and Neurobiology to Regenerative Medicine, Biophysics and Computational Biology – we offer the space, tools, and guidance to grow students into confident, independent researchers.
At DIGS-ILS, you’ll benefit from:
• Paid PhD positions – Focus on your research, not your finances
• Interdisciplinary training and access to cutting-edge labs and facilities
• A personal Thesis Advisory Committee and open-door mentorship culture
• Tailored courses in scientific writing, communication, and transferable skills
• State-of-the-art technology at your fingertips – Gain access to high-end microscopes and other advanced equipment through shared central facilities
• A vibrant, international community of scientists and collaborators
• Additional opportunities through TU Dresden’s Graduate Academy and our partnership with the IMPRS-CellDevoSys
Dresden’s unique research ecosystem bridges fundamental science with biomedical and bioengineering applications — all in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment.
Are you ready to take your next step? We welcome curious minds from all backgrounds.