Tuition and Funding
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The Ph.D. Medical Research – Cardiovascular Science is a tuition-free program. However, doctoral students must pay enrollment fees after matriculation and are responsible for their own living expenses throughout the entire three-year program.
The Ph.D. Medical Research – Cardiovascular Science is a tuition-free program. However, all students must pay LMU’s enrollment fees, which currently amount to 97 EUR/ semester. All students must be enrolled for at least 6 semesters.
Supporting yourself financially
Traditional (Munich-based) Track
Candidates in the Traditional Track are typically employed in a research position at LMU, LMU University Hospital, or an associated research institute (e.g. Helmholtz, Max Planck). In most cases, funding and employment are provided directly through the supervisor or hosting institute. This way requires you to apply for a job opening.
Common funding options include:
- Research position (wissenschaftliche Mitarbeit)
- Institutional or third-party funded research projects
- External scholarships or fellowships
Most Ph.D. candidates are employed in part-time research positions (e.g. 65% FTE). Ideally, the Ph.D. project is closely linked to the employment position, allowing research activities to count as working time. Supervisors and host institutes are expected to support participation in the mandatory study blocks and program requirements. Additionaly, they should help you adhere to your three-year project timeline.
Sandwich Track
Candidates in the Sandwich Track usually conduct their research at their home institution abroad or at another research institute outside LMU/ Munich. As this track is not linked to direct employment at LMU, candidates are generally required to secure their own funding.
Funding may include:
- Salary or research support from the home institution
- External scholarships (e.g. DAAD or national funding bodies)
- Institutional funding programs
- Personal or governmental funding sources
Candidates must ensure sufficient financial resources to cover:
- Research expenses
- Travel to Munich for the mandatory study blocks
- Accommodation and living expenses during their stays in Munich
- Visa and insurance costs
Some funding opportunities may only support specific aspects of the Ph.D., such as conference participation, travel grants, or short-term research exchanges.
Cost breakdown for Study Block I and II - Sandwich Track (short-term stays in Munich)
Cost Category
Accommodation
Estimated Costs/ Study Block
1,500 - 4,000 EUR
Basis of Estimate
The cost estimate is based on the LMU average for rooms on the open market of about 750 EUR/ month and a range of 600 to 1,100 EUR/ month for shared or single rooms. While student dormitories may be less expensive, they are limited and not officially intended for Ph.D. students. Hotel costs can amount to 2,000 EUR/ month or more.
Food
500 - 800 EUR
The DAAD estimates that German students spend an average of 198 EUR/ month on food. For short-term stays, where access to a kitchen may be limited, this estimate is higher.
Local Transport
130 - 190 EUR
Two Deutschland-Tickets at 63 EUR/month or approximately eight weekly Zone M tickets at 23.80 EUR / week.
Health and Travel Insurance
0 - 260 EUR
That depends on the applicant's insurance status. If German statutory student health insurance is required and the applicant is under 30 years of age, the DAAD estimates the cost to be approximately 120 - 130 EUR/ month.
Personal Expenses
300 - 500 EUR
Laundry, telephone, study materials, clothing, medication, modest leisure activities, and other minor expenses. Based on the DAAD cost categories and the practical requirements of a short-term stay.
Estimated Total
2,500 - 5,500 EUR
- Accommodation is the biggest expense. Applicants should begin searching as early as possible and not rely on the availability of last-minute hotel rooms.
- LMU advises caution regarding housing scams: Do not transfer deposits or rent payments before the accommodation has been verified!
- For an eight-week stay, the Deutschland-Ticket may be a cost-effective option; however, it is a monthly subscription and the cancellation terms must be reviewed before purchase.
- The LMU admin fee should be checked each semester, as official amounts and deadlines can change.
Grants and Scholarships
The Ph.D. Medical Research - Cardiovascular Science does not currently offer any scholarships, grants, or financial support to students admitted to the program. However, the LMU Graduate Center provides a list of potential funding sources for Ph.D. students to consider. You can find the list here.
Further information on funding options can also be found here: https://www.studying-in-germany.org/scholarships/
