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40 Fully Funded PhD Positions at University of Vienna

The University of Vienna has opened applications for its Doctoral Recruitment Call 2026, offering at least 40 fully funded PhD positions for outstanding candidates from around the world. These positions are available across the social sciences, humanities, and cultural studies and are funded through formal employment contracts. This means successful applicants will be hired as university employees rather than traditional tuition-paying doctoral students.

This opportunity is particularly attractive for international candidates seeking structured doctoral training, financial stability, and research excellence in Europe. With no application fee and no tuition costs mentioned, the University of Vienna PhD positions represent one of the most competitive and secure doctoral opportunities available for the 2026 intake.

About the University of Vienna

Founded in 1365, the University of Vienna is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It consistently ranks among the top research institutions in Europe and is known for its strong academic traditions, interdisciplinary research, and international outlook.

The university hosts a large and diverse academic community, with tens of thousands of students and researchers from around the world. Its doctoral schools are designed to provide structured training, close supervision, and strong integration into international research networks.

Overview of the Doctoral Recruitment Call 2026

The Doctoral Recruitment Call 2026 is a centralized hiring initiative that brings together multiple doctoral schools under one application framework. Through this call, the University of Vienna aims to recruit highly qualified early-career researchers and support them throughout their doctoral journey.

Key Details at a Glance

Host Country: Austria
Host Institution: University of Vienna
Number of Positions: At least 40
Degree Level: PhD
Funding Type: Fully funded employment contract
Working Time: 30 hours per week
Language of Work: English
Application Fee: None
Application Deadline: 2 March 2026, 14:00 CET
Start Date: Between 1 July and 1 October 2026

International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Fields and Doctoral Schools Involved

The call focuses on doctoral schools in the social sciences, humanities, and cultural studies. Each doctoral school has specific thematic priorities and research strengths.

Applicants must ensure that their proposed research project aligns clearly with the focus of one participating doctoral school. Applications can only be submitted to one school per recruitment cycle.

While the exact list of participating schools may vary, typical areas include:

Sociology and Political Science
Philosophy and Historical Studies
Cultural and Literary Studies
Anthropology and Social Research
Area Studies and Global Studies
Gender Studies and Related Fields

Strong alignment between the research proposal and the doctoral school’s agenda is a key selection criterion.

What the Fully Funded PhD Position Offers

One of the defining features of this opportunity is the employment-based funding model. Successful candidates are hired as predoctoral researchers, which provides both academic and financial security.

Salary and Financial Benefits

Gross monthly salary of approximately €2,786 for 30 hours per week
14 salary payments per year, in line with Austrian employment standards
Stable income throughout the doctoral period

This salary allows doctoral candidates to live comfortably in Vienna while focusing on research.

Employment Status and Social Benefits

As university employees, doctoral candidates receive full employment benefits.

Included Benefits

Health insurance
Social security contributions
Pension contributions
Paid leave according to Austrian labor law

This structure distinguishes the University of Vienna PhD positions from many traditional stipend-based doctoral programs.

Academic and Research Support

Doctoral candidates benefit from a strong academic environment and extensive institutional support.

Research Environment

Dedicated workspace within the university
Full access to libraries, archives, and digital resources
Access to research infrastructure and support services

Supervision and Training

Supervision by leading scholars across disciplines
Access to a pool of around 300 eligible supervisors
Structured doctoral training programs
Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration

Doctoral schools emphasize quality supervision and regular academic exchange.

International Exposure and Career Development

The University of Vienna places strong emphasis on preparing doctoral candidates for academic and non-academic careers.

Professional Development Opportunities

Participation in international conferences
Funding support for research mobility
Publication and dissemination opportunities
Workshops on academic writing and career planning

Doctoral candidates become part of vibrant research communities with strong international networks.

Living and Working in Vienna

Vienna is consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities. It offers a high quality of life, excellent public services, and a rich cultural environment.

Why Vienna Appeals to Researchers

Affordable public transportation
High safety standards
Strong cultural and intellectual life
Central location in Europe

For international doctoral candidates, Vienna offers a balanced environment for both academic focus and personal well-being.

Eligibility Criteria for University of Vienna PhD Positions

Applicants must meet several academic and practical requirements to be considered.

Academic Requirements

Candidates must:

Complete a relevant Master’s or Diploma degree by 30 June 2026
Hold a degree related to the chosen doctoral school
Demonstrate a strong academic record

Applicants who are close to completing their Master’s degree are eligible, provided they graduate by the stated date.

Research Proposal Requirements

A central component of the application is the doctoral research proposal.

Proposal Expectations

Clear research question and objectives
Strong theoretical and methodological grounding
Alignment with the doctoral school’s research focus
Feasible scope within the doctoral timeframe

A compelling and well-structured proposal significantly increases selection chances.

Language and Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the University of Vienna’s general doctoral admission criteria by the start date.

Language Proficiency

Typically C1 level in English or German
Language requirements depend on the doctoral school and discipline

Proof of language proficiency may be required during the admission process.

Availability and Start Date

Candidates must be available to begin employment between 1 July and 1 October 2026, with the official start date set for 1 October 2026.Flexibility within this window is required.

How to Apply for the PhD Positions

The application process is centralized and conducted online.

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Ensure you will complete your Master’s degree by 30 June 2026 and meet doctoral admission requirements.

Step 2: Research Doctoral Schools

Explore the participating doctoral schools and review their thematic focus. At this stage, no contact with supervisors is required.

Step 3: Identify Potential Supervisors

From the doctoral school’s list, identify potential supervisors whose expertise aligns with your topic. Their names must be noted accurately in the application.

Step 4: Create a University of Vienna Account

Applicants must register for a University of Vienna account if they do not already have one.

Step 5: Submit the Online Application

Applications must be submitted through the central application portal, available from 7 January 2026.Required documents typically include:

Doctoral research proposal
Academic CV
University transcripts and certificates
Proof of qualifications
Additional documents specified in the user guide

Applicants may apply to only one doctoral school.

Application Deadline and Timeline

Application Opens: 7 January 2026
Application Closes: 2 March 2026 at 14:00 CET
Position Start: Between 1 July and 1 October 2026

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated based on academic excellence, research potential, and alignment with the doctoral school. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or further assessment as part of the selection process.

Competition is high, and careful preparation is essential.

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EpoMag Opportunities Org provides information on scholarships that are publicly available. Unless explicitly stated, we are not affiliated with or endorsed by the institutions mentioned.

Some listings are drawn from public sources or submitted by users. We aim to share accurate and current details, but we cannot guarantee the completeness accuracy or ongoing availability of the opportunities posted.

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40 Fully Funded PhD Positions at University of Vienna