Get Started Now Apply for the ISTA Fully Funded PhD Programme 2027 in Austria: Open to Applicants Worldwide who hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
Overview
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria offers a fully funded doctoral programme located in Klosterneuburg, near Vienna. Designed for students interested in original research within a collaborative setting, the programme spans disciplines such as biology, chemistry and materials, computer science, data science and scientific computing, mathematics, neuroscience, and physics. The doctoral training typically lasts between 4.5 and 6 years, during which students participate in research activities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scientific workshops. Successful applicants are not required to secure a supervisor beforehand; instead, they complete three initial research rotations in different research groups before selecting a thesis supervisor.
Who can apply
The programme is open to applicants worldwide. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific or technical discipline, or be in their final year of undergraduate or Master’s studies with the requirement that the degree is completed before the programme begins. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in English, though formal certificates such as IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE are not required.
What you get
Students receive a competitive salary through employment at the institute and are not charged tuition fees. The employment package includes Austrian social security coverage and health insurance. In addition, the institute provides financial support for attending scientific conferences and workshops. Students are initially offered a five-year employment contract, with continued funding provided for those making reasonable progress until their thesis defence. Campus housing is available, and administrative assistance is provided for immigration and residence matters, though visa and relocation expenses are not covered.
Requirements
Applicants must have an academic background in one of the advertised research fields or a related area and demonstrate the potential to undertake advanced research. Candidates must meet all application and documentation requirements and submit their materials through the online application system.
Key dates
The application deadline is 8 January 2027 at 3:00 p.m. Central European Time. The deadline for reference letters is 12 January 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Central European Time. The programme officially begins on 15 September 2027.