4 years / 8 semesters (full-time)
scholarship / self financed
Plus application fee is required
credits (academic / research credits)
Admission Process: :
Oral exam (mandatory for all applicants)
Application Period: :
January 1, 2025 (no mid-year intake) Program starts: September 1, 2025.
About the Clinical Translational Medicine Program
The Clinical Translational Medicine Training Program is integrated into the doctoral division system of Semmelweis University in a matrix structure, providing PhD students with the opportunity to conduct their research in a multidisciplinary environment. It is designed for those committed to bridging medical research and clinical practice. The program aims to transform theoretical knowledge into practical solutions while contributing to healthcare innovation and facilitating the rapid bedside application of existing research findings. Participants have the opportunity to conduct research across various fields, such as cardiology, gastroenterology, and endocrinology, while integrating different disciplines.
The training is led by experienced supervisors and research methodology experts who provide personalized support to ensure the success of students’ research projects.
PhD students can demonstrate their expertise not only nationally but also on the international stage. The program offers opportunities to attend prestigious conferences, publish in high-ranking scientific journals, and establish connections with leading researchers worldwide. Additionally, the program places a strong emphasis on developing practical skills through interactive seminars, workshops, and hands-on training in modern research techniques, equipping students with the practical experience needed to apply scientific findings effectively.
Program types
Traditional PhD Program
During the traditional PhD program, the training covers all aspects of the Translational Medicine cycle. It helps students become critical consumers of medical research articles, collect primary data on health issues through questioning and observation, and conduct biomedical research. Students participate in study groups led by experienced members of the Center for Translational Medicine, where they plan a long-term project and gain insights into clinical research design, including systematic reviews, patient registries, and clinical trials.
The key outcomes of the program include developing research skills, conducting independent scientific work, publishing in prestigious journals, and actively engaging in the scientific community. Additionally, students must learn to effectively communicate and apply their research findings within their field.
Bilateral PhD Program
The Bilateral PhD Program is a unique doctoral training opportunity designed to strengthen international scientific collaborations. Unlike a traditional PhD program, this training is conducted jointly with a university outside Hungary, allowing students to pursue their studies and research at two institutions simultaneously.
Participants in the program hold dual affiliations, meaning they are students of both the domestic and the foreign partner institution. The doctoral training is structured around a jointly defined research project supervised by advisors from both universities, ensuring international exposure, the development of a broader scientific network, and the acquisition of cutting-edge research methodologies.
The Bilateral PhD Program is an ideal choice for those who wish to obtain their doctorate in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and internationally recognized research environment.
MD-PhD Program
The MD-PhD Program is a special doctoral training opportunity that offers Semmelweis University students a unique chance to engage in scientific research alongside their medical or health science studies, starting their doctoral studies before earning their degree.
Unlike the traditional PhD program, the MD-PhD Program is specifically designed for students enrolled in any faculty at Semmelweis University, who will begin their penultimate or final year of studies in the same academic year as their PhD studies begin.
Participants can immerse themselves in the scientific community during their undergraduate studies, take part in innovative research projects, and achieve internationally recognized research results. The MD-PhD Program provides a strong foundation for a scientific career, allowing students to combine academic and clinical experiences.
Hybrid PhD Program
The Hybrid PhD Program is a unique opportunity for those who wish to pursue scientific research while simultaneously working in practical healthcare. The program is primarily open to Hungarian citizens who are engaged in professional training, perform clinical work, or are already working in various healthcare fields.
What makes the Hybrid PhD Program special is that participants are involved in doctoral training while simultaneously working—typically in patient care. This model enables scientific research and clinical practice to support each other directly, allowing PhD students to integrate their research findings into everyday medical and healthcare work.
Documents
[slb_exclude]
[/slb_exclude]
Gallery
7images
Entry requirements:
Who can apply for PhD training?
Those with a university degree (MSc, MA) can apply for PhD training (proof of education is not yet required in the admissions process, but studies can only be started with proof of education).
In case of proof of excellent research results, doctoral training can also be started with a bachelor's degree and started master's studies or in the last two years of the undivided studies.
Division, program and topic selection (TMP)
As part of the application process, in addition to personal documents, applicants are required to submit a brief, one-page research plan. This serves two important purposes: first, it helps us direct applicants without a supervisor to the most suitable expert, and second, it determines which Doctoral Division the student will be assigned to. The research topic is developed jointly by the student and their supervisor.
If an applicant does not yet have a specific research question or plan, that is not a problem! The TMK team provides support in selecting an appropriate research topic.
General admission requirements (TMP)
The admission interviews are organized by the Center for Translational Medicine. Typically lasting 15-20 minutes, the discussion covers the applicant's previous studies, any research activities (e.g., Scientific Students' Associations), and the proposed research activities (including the research topic, objectives, international relevance, methodologies, and feasibility). The committee assesses whether the candidate possesses the necessary skills and commitment for successful completion of the doctoral program.
Evaluation during the admission process is based on the applicant's prior achievements and the knowledge and suitability demonstrated during the interview. Advantages include experience in scientific work, presentations, publications, a well-developed research plan, proficiency in the foreign language required for professional work, and outstanding academic performance.
Applicants can earn a maximum of 60 points:
Evaluation of Previous Achievements – up to 28 points:
- Average results of university studies – up to 8 points
- Assessment of prior scientific work – up to 14 points
- Other achievements (e.g., advanced-level English language exam, second degree, outstanding professional performance) – up to 6 points
Evaluation of Admission Interview – up to 32 points:
- General professional knowledge and suitability – up to 16 points
- Specific, topic-oriented knowledge and suitability – up to 16 points
The committee members anonymously evaluate the applicant's performance during the interview, and the final score is determined by aggregating the results. The committee chair calculates the average score obtained by the applicant based on the anonymized evaluation sheets collected from the committee members. The admission result is determined by the sum of the applicant’s pre-existing points and the averaged obtained score.
Our goal is to support applicants on their path to the doctoral program and ensure that they can present their best performance during the admission process.
Language requirements
A sufficient level of English proficiency necessary for conducting research in the respective scientific field is required.
Accepted documents for proof of language proficiency:
- At least an intermediate-level (B2) comprehensive language exam
- A document issued by the University's Institute of Specialized Languages certifying at least intermediate-level English proficiency
- A statement issued by the supervisor or consultant
Contact - Translational Medicine Program
Director: Prof. Dr. Péter Hegyi
hegyi.peter@semmelweis.hu
Deputy Director General: Prof. Dr. Gábor Varga
varga.gabor@semmelweis.hu
Educational coordinator: Réka Kaltenecker
kaltenecker.reka@semmelweis.hu
Phone: +36 30 016 4407
Central Email Address: tmk@semmelweis.hu
Learn more about us
Semmelweis University Translational Medicine PhD Program
MY SEMMELWEIS – Study at Semmelweis University and live in Hungary's vibrant capital, Budapest
SEMMELWEIS UNIVERSITY –MORE THAN 250 YEARS IN THE SERVICE OF HEALTH (short version)
Why Earn Your Degree with Us?
- Practice-Oriented Research – Direct application of scientific results in patient care.
- International Connections – Opportunities to attend international conferences, engage with guest speakers, and collaborate with leading research institutes.
- PhD and Clinical Work in Parallel – The possibility to work as a resident or specialist while pursuing a doctoral degree.
- Publication and Research Support – Assistance with scientific publications and conference participation.
- Outstanding Scientific Achievement – High-impact factor publications and successful research projects.
- Let's shape the future of patient care together through scientific advancements – Join us!
How to apply
Application and admission periods for the TM program
General information:
Application period: Year-round
Entrance exam: Early July
In the academic year 2025/2026
Registration start: January 1, 2025
Webinar date&link: April 17, 2025 1PM (CEST) - Join via Zoom
Pre-application: May 1, 2025
Completing the registration: May 18, 2025
Interviews: July 1-3, 2025
Acceptance by: July 6, 2025
Start of the program: August 25, 2025
Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us: tmk@semmelweis.hu
How to apply to the cross-divisional program
Application Process
Step 1. Pre-registration at the Center of Translational Medicine (CTM)
Step 2. The educational coordinator of CTM contacts the applicant
Step 3. Submission of the official application via the official doctoral application interface.
Documents required for application
Documents have to be uploaded during the online application:
- Curriculum Vitae with detailed work/professional experience (1-2 pages)
- a photocopy of the university diploma(s),
- if a non-Hungarian diploma: an authenticated translation or its naturalisation document should be submitted,
- if required, the equivalence decision of the Hungarian Ministry of Education (of a non-Hungarian diploma)
- in case of application without MSc, MD etc. degree: Certification of the examination results, the credit certificate from Neptun
- proof of at least one intermediate state accredited language examination C type, or the certificate of an equivalent language examination, or certicate of the supervisor about the necessary English knowledge, or certificate of English language university studies
- in case of application for trained Phd program short research plan, which is the outlines of the selected research tasks if you apply for a specific theme attached to a particular supervisor (2-3 pages)
- list of publications (if you have any publications)
- proof of payment of the application fee
- documents which can certify the additional points (second degrees, awards, publications, etc.)
- in case of application for untrained Phd progam written recommendation of the supervisor/ consultant
(please note that the untrained Phd program is not available for the cross-divisional Translational Medicine program)
Payment of the application fee
Payment of the application fee is a condition for acceptance of the application for doctoral training.
- The admission fee is HUF 9,000 (except the applicants of the cross-divisional Translational Medicine Program in case of non-EU applicants or appilcants of the bilateral-program. In these cases please click here)
How to pay?
- by online card payment (by onlinebank card payment initiated from the registration interface via with Simple pay)
-
by transfer, on the basis of an invoice (please upload the payment proof to the admission interface)
How to get an invoice?
If you choose bank transfer, please send the following information to the staff of the Financial Management Unit – Doctoral School (titkarsag.digh@semmelweis.hu) regarding the payment of the admission fee. Based on the data given, an invoice will be sent to the applicant, who can transfer the application fee by referring to this invoice.
When requesting an invoice for an individual person:
- applicant’s name, address,
- passport number,
- phone number,
- e-mail address.
When requesting an invoice for a company:
- name of applicant,
- company name,
- headquarter address,
- tax number,
- phone number,
- email address
- the company’s statement in email about whether it accepts electronic invoices
- the company’s signed, attached pdf statement about its bank account number.
If you choose to pay by bank transfer, please upload the payment proof to the admission interface, also send it to the staff of the Financial Management Unit – Doctoral School (titkarsag.digh@semmelweis.hu). Finalization of the application is possible only after uploading the payment proof.
Admission fee for the applicants of the cross-divisional Translational Medicine Program - non-EU or bilateral program
- The admission fee is EUR 75.
- Application fee can be paid via bank transfer, based on an invoice, which can be requested at tmk@semmelweis.hu.
If you choose to pay by bank transfer, please upload the payment proof to the admission interface, also send it to the staff of the Center of Translational Medicine (tmk@semmelweis.hu). Finalization of the application is possible only after uploading the payment proof.
Things to do before starting the studies
-
Enrollment: enrollment takes place in person, at a pre-specified time (at the beginning of the first semester) in the Doctoral Office. Accepted students will be notified by e-mail of the exact date and the required documents. Attention, the condition for starting doctoral training is the presentation of a moral certificate not older than three months. Read more →
-
Activating the Neptun semester and recording the subjects
-
Applying for a student ID card
-
In the case of self-funded students, payment of the tuition fee
- The students of the cross-divisional Translational Medicine Program have to sign a cooperation agreement involving the Center of Translational Medicine, the supervisor, the student, and the respective organizational unit.
Scholarships, tuition and other fees
About the Doctoral College