Master-Programme: FAQ
Which previous study courses are eligible?
Candidates should hold a Bachelor degree (BSc or equivalent) in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry or a related subject.
Which principal investigators are available as mentors?
All Principal Investigators available as mentors are listed in our online application portal. Please check the research area of the groups and select a mentor during the online application process. Once you have been accepted into the Master Fellowship Programme, you will join the respective group and have regular meetings with your mentor. During your time on the programme, you will be able to change your mentor if you wish. Once you have found a suitable mentor, you can choose this group as your host group for your Master thesis.
How to apply?
Applications for our Master Fellowship Programme are made through our online application portal.
For the online application you will be asked to provide the following information:
- Statement on past and current research interests (250 words)
- Statement on the motivation to join the Master Fellowship Programme (250 words)
- Specification of one desired mentor (see list of possible mentors in the application portal)
- Contact details of two academic advisors as referees
- CV, certificates, transcripts and other supporting documents as separate pdf files
- Confirmation of application to one of the above-mentioned Master programmes at the University of Cologne
Application and admission to one of the Biological Sciences MSc programmes (Computational Biology, Genetics and Biology of Aging and Regeneration or Neuroscience) or to the MSc programme in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the University of Cologne is a prerequisite for the award of a Master Fellowship and an independent step.
For the relevant MSc programmes in Biological Sciences (Computational Biology, Genetics and Biology of Aging and Regeneration or Neuroscience), please apply here: https://biologie.uni-koeln.de/studium-lehre/master-of-science/how-to-apply
For the MSc programme of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, please apply here: https://bc.uni-koeln.de/master-of-science/application
The decision about your admission to the respective Master programme at the University of Cologne will be communicated to you by their recruitment committees in summer 2024.
Master students who have started their MSc studies in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the University of Cologne in the summer term 2024 and have achieved excellent grades in the first subject modules are also welcome to apply!
How can I apply for a MSc programme and the Master Fellowship in parallel?
If you are not already enrolled in one of the possible MSc programmes at the UoC, it is even intended that you apply for both programmes in parallel with the same application deadline. For the Master Fellowship programme, we only require proof of your completed application to one of the MSc programmes. We receive the information about a successful offer of a place internally and automatically include this in the selection for the Master Fellowship programme.
When does the programme start?
The Fellowship Programme will start on October 1, 2024, the same date as the start of the Master of Science programmes at the University of Cologne.
Will the programme be entirely conducted in English?
Yes, all Master courses and rotations are taught in English! In addition, the CGA faculty is very international and many students have an international background.
Will I receive financial support during the Master Fellowship Programme?
Master Fellowship holders will be supported with a monthly fellowship of €934 for max. 1.5 years and until the start of the Master thesis. During the Master thesis project, students are equipped with an equally remunerated working contract.
Is it necessary to hold a Bachelor or equivalent degree at the time of application?
Your application will also be accepted if the Bachelor degree has not yet been awarded by the time of application. However, it must be awarded before the start of your Master studies on October 1, 2024. If you receive your degree after submitting the application form, please send it to cga-coordination[at]uni-koeln.de.
Please note that diffrent regulations may apply to your application for the Biological Sciences or Biochemistry Master Programmes at the University of Cologne.
Can I apply for the Master Fellowship Program even though I already have a Master degree?
We will also accept your application for the Master Fellowship Programme if you already have a Master degree, provided there is an understandable reason for obtaining a second Master degree. However if you have a Master degree in a relevant field, we strongly encourage you to apply directly to our graduate programme.
Please note that diffrent regulations may apply to your application for the Biological Sciences or Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Master programmes.
What is my responsibility as referee?
Have you been asked to write a letter of recommendation? Please refer to the applicant's registration code as stated in the e-mail you received from us. Please use the link that has been sent to you, evaluate the applicant and submit the letter of recommendation in English to our online application portal until July 25, 2024 at the latest. Please note that applicants are not allowed to submit letters of recommendation on your behalf, they have to come directly from you.
Which level of English proficiency is required for an admission to the CGA?
All candidates will need a very good command of written and spoken English for their studies.
My degree didn't include a thesis or my thesis has not been completed yet. What should I indicate in the abstract field?
Please indicate 'not applicable' if your degree does not include a thesis. If your thesis has not yet been completed, please indicate this and provide a preliminary abstract. Please distinguish between results obtained and experiments planned. If your degree does not require a thesis, but you have carried out a scientific project as part of a rotation, please specify this in the abstract field then, but clearly indicate it as a rotation project.
In which languages can I submit my certificates?
For online applications, we accept documents in all languages using the Latin alphabet, however we regret that we are unable to accept application documents in foreign language characters/alphabets such as Cyrillic, Devanagari, Greek or Chinese. In these cases, please provide an official translation of your certificates.
How does the recruitment procedure work?
All candidates will be recruited in mid-August 2024, on the basis of their online profiles and submitted documents.
Application and admission to one of the Biological Science MSc programmes (Computational Biology, Genetics and Biology of Aging and Regeneration or Neuroscience) or to the MSc programme in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the University of Cologne is a prerequisite for the award of a Master Fellowship and an independent step.
For the relevant MSc programmes in Biological Sciences (Computational Biology, Genetics and Biology of Aging and Regeneration or Neuroscience), please apply here: https://biologie.uni-koeln.de/studium-lehre/master-of-science/how-to-apply
For the MSc programme in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, please apply here: https://bc.uni-koeln.de/master-of-science/application
We can only admit students to the Master Fellowship Programme who have been accepted as Master students by the University of Cologne!
Admitted students can start their Master studies as fellowship holders in October 2024.
Does the University of Cologne charge tuition fees?
No, there is only a social fee of approximately €320 per semester, which includes a fee for the student use of the cafeteria as well as for the General Students´ Commitee ("AStA"), the public transport pass for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the university sports. You can find more information on costs and financing here.
How much does living cost in Cologne?
A single apartment at the student housing costs approx. €300/month. On the private market, apartments cost around €500/month, depending on size, location and facilities.
For more information on accommodation for international students, click here.
What is the advantage of being a Master fellow?
Master Fellowship holders will be supported with a monthly fellowship of €934 for the duration of their studies (maximum 1.5 years). They will be provided with an employment contract for the duration of their Master thesis project. All admitted students will choose a Principal Investigator from our internationally renowned faculty as a student mentor. As part of the mentor's group, Master Fellows actively engage in scientific and social activities of the chosen group and have regular advisory meetings with their mentor. This gives our students a unique opportunity to identify the research area they are most passionate about for their future PhD studies at an early stage in their scientific career.
Why choose Germany, Cologne and the CGA?
The German scientific education system enjoys an outstanding reputation worldwide due to its long scientific tradition and an excellent infrastructure for research work . Germany not only offers state-of-the-art technology and well-equipped research institutions, but is also known as the "land of ideas" with a high standard of living. Find more information here.
Cologne offers an outstanding international research environment at Germany's most prestigious ageing research cluster, including the "Cologne Excellence Cluster on Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases" (CECAD), the University Hospital Cologne, the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing and the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research. Cologne has emerged as leading global research centre with a stellar constellation of institutes and scientists dedicated to ageing research.
Find out more about Cologne's vibrant city life here.
What prospects do I have after receiving my Master degree at the University of Cologne as a CGA Master fellow?
Of course, we encourage all students, who successfully complete their Master studies as Master Fellow to apply for a PhD at the Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research! But it is really up to you - with an educational background in biological sciences and ageing research many doors will be open for you!
Is there support for students with disabilities?
Support for students with disabilities is available at all collaborating institutions. Please indicate your disability status in your application and upload any relevant certificates. Please inform us if you require any additional support so that we can make early arrangements (e.g. assistive technology or adaptation of learning material).