Question: I found all the information about the program not only in the official web page but also in the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst Dienst) webpage. Can I participate with a DAAD scholarship in SpaceLife?
Answer: Yes, that is possible. We have at least six thesis topics available for DAAD scholarship holders. Please send your application including the SpaceLife Application Form. This will help us to forward your application to the prospective supervisors.
Question: I've seen that the number of available scholarships is 13 and the number of doctoral candidates is 25. Are the SpaceLife scholarships only for German students?
Answer: The SpaceLife scholarships are for German and international students. But it is also possible to participate with another scholarship in SpaceLife (e.g. DAAD).
Question: Reading the information about the PhD program, I don't understand when we are supposed to choose the research topic of the PhD. Could I eventually contact the topic supervisors?
Answer: You can choose up to three subfields in the SpaceLife Application Form. If you already have a preference for a specific topic, you can mention the preferred topic in the short essay about your scientific interests.
Question: As for my major concerning mechanical engineering during post student and graduate stage, what is your specific curriculum about your research school? Is there any course about mechanical or electronic aspects?
Answer: The main focus is on life sciences, but you can choose courses in mechanics or electronics as elective courses or advanced lectures.
Question: Can I apply with having studied mechanics/electronics?
Answer: You can apply with your background. However, please find more information on the thesis topics in the SpaceLife Booklet.
Question: What is your selection procedure?
Answer: There is some information on the selection procedure on the webpage and in the booklet. The interview days will be in the last week of August (27-31/08/2012). We might set up a videoconference with Non-European applicants.
Question: Do you cooperate with ESA frequently in the PhD training program?
Answer: We share lectures and courses with the ESA European Astronaut Center (EAC) in Cologne.
Question: Are there any other research institutes of DLR that recruit Ph.D students as well?
Answer: You can check the DLR website for other PhD positions: http://www.dlr.de/jobs/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-3431/
Question: In regards to an English language test, should I take GRE or TOEFL?
Answer: I prefer the TOEFL. It is not mandatory, but a good way to show that your English is sufficient to follow the courses.
Question: Can I apply as medical doctor for this program?
Answer: Yes, you can apply though such an approach may not be recommended since in Germany, a doctor in medicine (Dr. med.) can often be completed with one year of lab work rather than the requisite three that SpaceLife students undergo. At the same time, there may be a possibility of obtaining a Dr. rer. medic., but this depends on the topic being studied, and is available in certain space physiology topics.
Question: Is there any tuition fee for SpaceLife?
Answer: There is no tuition fee for SpaceLife, but you have to enroll at one of the partner universities. This enrolment fee for doctoral students depends on the university but is usually not very high (100-300 EUR per semester). Please check the websites of the partner universities for more information.
Question: Do I have to enroll as PhD student in the University where I did my masters degree, or do I have to enroll in a different university??
Answer: At the moment, you don't have to enroll at a university. After being selected, depending on the topic, you will enroll at one of the SpaceLife member and partner universities (please check in the SpaceLife Booklet).
Question: I'm finishing my master's degree and I don't know if I should wait until I finish the degree or if it is possible to apply now?
Answer: You can apply without your final master's certificate and hand your certificate in later. Your master's degree has to be finished when you start as PhD student in SpaceLife.
Question: Does the school accept applicants with a bachelor's degree? Or is it exclusively for those with master's degrees only?
Answer: In general, a master's or diploma degree is required for admission for PhD studies at a German university and therefore also for admission to SpaceLife. But there are exceptions in the case of an at least 4-year fast-track bachelor that allows direct admission to PhD studies. This has to be noted explicitly on the bachelor certificate. With your application documents, we can inquire at the prospective partner university whether admission is possible.
Question: I am doing a LICENCIATURA in Biology. Actually, this is equivalent to a Bachelor plus a Master Degree, all together but it is not divided into the fields that appear in the application form. I do not know if I should complete just the second part (Second Degree) or if there is another option. Also there is no intermediate certificate (like the Bachelor), just the one received after finishing the Licenciatura.
Answer: Please list the Licenciatura in the first degree part and give your explanation in the second degree part.
Question: In relation to the certificate of my degree, I am not going to have it ready before the deadline because I am finishing in July of this year and few months are needed to attend to it. I would like to know which kind of certificate I could send in place of that one, just to certify the master's degree before the 31st July.
Answer: Please attach any relevant interim report if you don’t have the final certificate now.
Question: In the SpaceLife Flyer 2012 it is stated that a copy of the final thesis is needed. How should I send it?
Answer: Please send your final thesis as pdf file to spacelife@dlr.de together with the other application documents.
Question: I would like to apply to the PhD program. My age is 32 and I have a few years research experience. Am I eligible to apply?
Answer: In general, a SpaceLife stipend requires at the beginning of the doctoral thesis that the graduation must not date back longer than 3 years. Servitors must not have completed their 30th year of age. There are some exceptions possible: if you interrupted your career for rising children, if you have accomplished two different courses of studies or if you have performed an apprenticeship before starting universities studies.
Question: I would like to apply to the PhD program. I am not citizen of an EU country. Am I eligible to apply?
Answer: Non-EU citizens are also welcome to apply for a SpaceLife scholarship.
For questions concerning