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Universität zu Köln
Bachelor English 🧪 Mathematics & Natural Sciences

Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research

Bachelor

About the Program

Our aim is to train a new generation of biomedical scientists who can take on the diverse challenges of making fundamental scientific discoveries in the basic biology of ageing and translating them into improvements in health and life for people as they grow older. In order to do this, we need to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms that promote healthy ageing and identify interventions and potential drug targets. Our research areas include: DNA Damage & Repair Genetics & Epigenetics Immunology & Inflammation Membrane & Lipid Biology Metabolism & Nutrient Sensing Mitochondrial Biology Neuroscience & Neurodegeneration Protein Homeostasis RNA Metabolism Stem Cells & Tissue Regeneration Systems Biology & Bioinformatics Tumour Biology The Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA) offers a comprehensive PhD training in the highly interdisciplinary field of ageing. The programme provides excellent research conditions with intensive supervision and state-of-the-art facilities in an international environment. The curriculum is complemented by individual career-development mentoring, scientific and professional skills courses, lecture series, journal clubs, and scientific retreats. During an on-site recruitment week, candidates can visit up to five laboratories of their choice. Up to 12 candidates will be selected for the three-year programme that starts on an individual basis between 1 July and 1 October. In October, the Welcome Days for all new CGA PhD candidates take place. Stories of our students with interesting insights about their live in Cologne can be found here: https://www.ageing-grad-school.de/about-us/cga-stories. For students holding a BSc degree, the CGA offers a Master's fellowship programme as well. Master's fellows receive hands-on training in ageing research, have regular meetings with mentors of the CGA faculty, and participate in various CGA events already at an early stage in their careers!
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Our aim is to train a new generation of biomedical scientists who can take on the diverse challenges of making fundamental scientific discoveries in the basic biology of ageing and translating them into improvements in health and life for people as they grow older. In order to do this, we need to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms that promote healthy ageing and identify interventions and potential drug targets. Our research areas include: DNA Damage & Repair Genetics & Epigenetics Immunology & Inflammation Membrane & Lipid Biology Metabolism & Nutrient Sensing Mitochondrial Biology Neuroscience & Neurodegeneration Protein Homeostasis RNA Metabolism Stem Cells & Tissue Regeneration Systems Biology & Bioinformatics Tumour Biology The Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA) offers a comprehensive PhD training in the highly interdisciplinary field of ageing. The programme provides excellent research conditions with intensive supervision and state-of-the-art facilities in an international environment. The curriculum is complemented by individual career-development mentoring, scientific and professional skills courses, lecture series, journal clubs, and scientific retreats. During an on-site recruitment week, candidates can visit up to five laboratories of their choice. Up to 12 candidates will be selected for the three-year programme that starts on an individual basis between 1 July and 1 October. In October, the Welcome Days for all new CGA PhD candidates take place. Stories of our students with interesting insights about their live in Cologne can be found here: https://www.ageing-grad-school.de/about-us/cga-stories. For students holding a BSc degree, the CGA offers a Master's fellowship programme as well. Master's fellows receive hands-on training in ageing research, have regular meetings with mentors of the CGA faculty, and participate in various CGA events already at an early stage in their careers!

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Subjects / Topic Areas

Biochemistry

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research at Universität zu Köln

Is Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research at Universität zu Köln taught in German or English?

This Bachelor programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research programme cost?

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research at Universität zu Köln?

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline?

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research?

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Universität zu Köln — directly or via uni-assist?

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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