Background

The CIHLMU-PhD-Program International Health combines health related research in the widest sense, and development cooperation. Special focus lies in educating young researchers to become in their turn educators within developing countries of the next generation of health professionals. Not only acquisition of knowledge for their personal interest, but to import knowledge to areas in need and multiply it there should be one leading work ethic while being a PhD-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 developing countries.

From this stance arises a certain focus on candidates from developing countries, in order to supply their home countries with competent and responsible researchers and health professionals. However, the PhD-Program is open to anyone sharing the interest in health-related issues in the field of development cooperation. Therefore we encourage all professionals of any nationality to become part of the CIHLMU-PhD-Program, people working in the field of health or in health related areas, that are willing to improve local research and health situations both through manpower and knowledge.
Personal Requirements

The PhD-Program in International Health at CIHLMU is designed for health professionals, and those working in related fields. Principal requirement will be a completed university degree in medicine, or a master degree in a health related field in the broader sense (e.g. Economy with focus Health Economy). The program language will be English, proof of sufficiency will be mandatory upon application. Find more details under Requirements.
PhD-Research Projects

It is most important for candidates to understand, that CIHLMU is not procuring research projects. CIHLMU is an institution that provides the framework for doing research, offering founded knowledge and experience, based on a long history of research conducted within the Department of Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine, and the different other departments at LMU. In three module blocks, held in Munich at LMU, students will be provided up-to-date and state-of-the-art knowledge, making use of outstanding facilities available at LMU.

Applicants will be required to have their research-project at hand upon application, possibly in their coutries of origin, and to be in contact with their future local supervisor already. Our program will thus mostly, but not exclusively, address students that are incorporated in institutional research activity already, that are willing to rededicate their research work in order to get an academic degree: their PhD. At the same time CIHLMU can not provide any research funding.
Selection Process of PhD-Candidates

If a candidate disposes of an adequate research project, together with a potential future supervisor, then he can apply for the PhD-Program at CIHLMU. Please note, that CIHLMU does not provide research funding, which has to be covered by other sources. Adequate research funding has to be proved upon application.

All applications are redirected through the Online-Registration- and Application-Tool, where information on the applicant, his qualifications, and the planned research project will be asked. Only applications fulfilling minimum requirements and containing all required documents, can be submitted. At the same time, outstanding candidates from low-income-countries, and those from established LMU-partnerships, can apply for a scholarship at the same time. A selection board from LMU will then choose the candidates. An invitation to an interview at LMU, to an interview at a local embassy, or a telecommunicative interview, are optional and will be decided by the board. From the selected candidates, those eligible for a scholarship will be selected in a second step.

A key factor in the selection process will be the matching of a LMU-supervisor. The selection board will contact the department within LMU that is covering the field of research of the applicants research project, in order to identify a suitable co-supervisor. This step is conducted exclusively by the CIH-Selection-Board members. Applicants should refrain from contacting potential LMU-Supervisors on their own. Once accepted, candidates will receive a letter of confirmation and invitation, in order to prepare for the necessary travel requirements. Those awarded a scholarship will receive a scholarship-certificate.

If the candidate confirms the letter of acceptance, contact will be established between the local supervisor, the LMU co-supervisor, and the student, in order to communicate on the first draft of a study proposal. The PhD-Program is starting officially with the opening ceremony in the beginning of October every year.