Program Overview

PhD in Health Data Sciences

The PhD in Health Data Sciences is a program offered by the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

Recognition of Degrees Acquired Abroad

Applicants who acquired their degree outside of Germany must obtain certification that the responsible German authority deems their previous international academic qualifications as equivalents in the German system. This process takes place through Anabin, which is the informational portal for the recognition of international degrees in Germany.

• Applicants should search for the following on Anabin:
  • Prior institution(s) of study for their relevant, completed degrees (both Bachelor and Master's, or equivalents)
  • Degree(s) acquired from that institution. Applicants should save screenshots of any listings they are able to locate and send them. Sometimes, the institutions and/or prior degree programs of applicants are not listed. If this is the case, then the applicant's degrees will have to be formally evaluated by the responsible German authority, the ZAB 'Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen'.

Visa Requirements

Applicants without German citizenship may be required to obtain a visa in order to enter Germany to study with the Health Data Sciences PhD Program, and/or work in Germany.

• The exact timeline to obtain a visa will vary for each individual and is dependent on the prospective student's country of residence and the type of visa.
• Applicants should anticipate that this process will last several months.
• Prospective students who require a visa should start the visa application process as soon as possible to be able to ensure they can be physically present in Germany at the beginning of the semester.

English Language Requirements

The official language of instruction of the Health Data Sciences PhD program is English.

• Applicants must provide documentation of their advanced proficiency in English (at least B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)). To fulfill the English language requirement, the applicant must demonstrate they are a native speaker or submit documentation of one of the following items:
• Native speaker of English
• Completion of a degree program (e.g., Bachelor, Master) in English
• Completion of a degree program with transcripts demonstrating at least 20 ECTS (or equivalent) of English language coursework/examinations at an internationally recognized university.
• High school diploma (with English as the language of instruction) or equivalent
• IELTS - International English Language Testing System: Minimum required score: 5.5
• TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language: Minimum required score: 72
• DAAD Language Certificate or Proof (Sprachzeugnis/Sprachnachweis): Minimum required level: - At least ** (4 stars) in all skills - At least C in all skills (according to the old rating scale)
• Cambridge English Qualification:
  • Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
  • Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC V)
  • Cambridge English: Business Higher (BEC H)
• UNIcert® UNIcert®II Certificate: Minimum required score: 3.0 - UNIcert® III- or IV Certificates
• BULATS – Business Language Testing Service: Minimum required score: 60
• LCCI (London Chamber of Commerce and Industry) English for Business (EFB): Minimum required level: Level 3
• TOEIC – Test of English for International Communication: Minimum required score: - Speaking and Writing: 310 - Listening and Reading: 785
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE): Minimum required score: 51
• ICFE – International Certificate in Financial English
• ILEC – International Legal English Certificate
• Graded certificates of proficiency for language courses from a state or federally-recognized university: Minimum of 4 hours per week to the minimum level of language proficiency indicated in the relevant evidence of formal B2 qualifications according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and with a respective minimum grade of 2.3.