Marie Skłodowska-Curie Industrial PhD Fellow, Hilal from Turkey, Completed a Doctorate in Experimental Medicine at the University of Bonn and Amsterdam UMC

Hi, I’m Hilal. I’m from Turkey, and at the time of writing, I just completed a PhD in Experimental Medicine at the University of Bonn in Germany. My journey into science started during my bachelor’s. Back then, I was simply curious about how our bodies manage to keep us alive every single day. That curiosity slowly grew into a passion for understanding disease and a motivation to contribute to solutions for serious health problems.

Chasing that passion has taken me on quite a journey! I’ve lived and studied in five different countries, each experience supported by scholarships or research grants. Along the way, I’ve not only grown as a scientist but also gained new perspectives, friendships, and a deep appreciation for how much science contributes to the betterment of our society.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Industrial PhD Fellowship Details

I was awarded a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Industrial PhD Fellowship for my joint doctoral studies at the University of Bonn and Amsterdam UMC. This fellowship provided a living allowance, a mobility allowance, and funding to support research, training, and networking activities.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

During my bachelor’s studies at Middle East Technical University, I was awarded an Erasmus traineeship to support my summer internship at the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic in Prague. This covered my living expenses for three months. For my master’s studies at Radboud University, the Netherlands, I received both the Radboud Scholarship and the RadboudUMC Study Fund, which supported two years of study (2015–2017) by covering my tuition fees and living expenses.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor’s degree in biology at Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey, graduating with honors and a GPA of 3.41/4.00. Towards the end of my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong interest in molecular medicine and was accepted into the Molecular Mechanisms of Disease master’s program at Radboud University. After two years of study, I graduated with a GPA of 7.9/10.0. My background in molecular medicine provided a strong foundation for a PhD in experimental medicine, which I conducted at the University of Bonn.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Bonn?

In addition to researching the postgraduate programs of these institutions online, I also tried to find connections in those institutions to get more insights on the structure of the program, support for international students, student life, etc. I typically began gathering information a year before applying, which gave me sufficient time to explore options and familiarize myself with the opportunities available. For my master’s applications, I was required to take the TOEFL test, for which I prepared mainly by working through practice exams and focusing on improving my weaker areas.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Industrial PhD Fellowship?

I began preparing my CV and cover letter for these applications well in advance. After drafting them, I shared the documents with my friends, family and teachers to receive as much feedback as possible. I also reached out to previous awardees of the same or similar scholarships for advice. Many of my applications included an interview stage, so whenever I was invited, I made sure to familiarize myself with the format. If a presentation was required, I sought feedback on my slides, and I also reviewed relevant topics to ensure my knowledge was up to date. Particularly for my PhD scholarship applications, I thoroughly read the publications of the supervisor I wished to work with and made it clear in my online application and during the interview that I was interested specifically in their field of research.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or German?

All of my studies were conducted in English.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Rather than sending a generic CV, I tailored both my CV and cover letter to each program I applied for. I made sure to highlight how my knowledge and experience were directly relevant to the study program I wanted to pursue, which was particularly important for my PhD scholarship applications. Importantly, I also explained my career plans and how the specific program would help me achieve them. I believe having published papers, strong recommendation letters, and seminar presentations also let me stand out.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Looking back, I wish I had made myself more aware of the varying expectations for CVs and cover letters, as these can differ significantly between countries. For instance, while some countries encourage including a photo on a CV, in others it is not permitted. Becoming familiar with these differences earlier on would have helped me prepare better.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Applying for scholarships while studying can be demanding, so start early and create a clear application plan. Focus on universities and programmes that genuinely align with your background and future goals. This way, your energy will be spent on the opportunities that are right for you.

Make full use of the resources available to you: online platforms, webinars, mentors, and workshops can all help strengthen your applications. For PhD scholarships, especially, don’t hesitate to email potential supervisors and arrange informal conversations. This not only helps you understand what they are looking for in an ‘ideal’ candidate but also gives you a valuable opportunity to demonstrate your motivation and interest.

Remember that rejections are a normal part of the process. Stay resilient, reflect on what could be improved, and try again. Persistence and preparation are just as important as strong application documents.