Use the official portal and submit by 8 January 2027 at 3:00 PM CET. Applications sent outside the portal are not accepted.
Open step linkSubmit the CV, statement of purpose, required written responses, transcripts and diplomas, plus contact details for three referees. Provide English documents and original-language transcripts; arrange translations when needed.
Open step linkAt least three letters are required; at least two should be academic or research references. Letters must be received by 12 January 2027 at 11:59 PM CET.
Open step linkOnly groups listed in the current portal are recruiting for this cycle. Applicants should identify research groups that fit their interests in the application.
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The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is accepting applications for its 2027 PhD intake. This is an interdisciplinary doctoral programme based at ISTA’s campus in Klosterneuburg, Lower Austria, near Vienna.
The programme begins on 15 September 2027. Students complete coursework and research-group rotations before affiliating with a group for thesis research. The PhD is full-time and typically takes 4.5–6 years, depending in part on whether the student starts with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Applicants may hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in science, including biology, computer science, chemistry, neuroscience, mathematics, physics, or a related interdisciplinary field. ISTA also lists data science and scientific computing, astronomy, and earth science among relevant areas.
Final-year students may apply if they will complete the required first degree by August 2027 at the latest. Applicants must demonstrate research interests that match at least one ISTA group recruiting in this cycle. The programme is conducted in English, and applicants are expected to have strong written and spoken English.
ISTA welcomes applications from all countries and states that it does not set an age limit. Applicants who already hold a PhD or are restarting doctoral study should explain their circumstances in the statement of purpose.
ISTA describes its PhD students as employees and offers five-year employment contracts. The programme is fully funded, with salary and social security coverage. Students may also receive financial support to attend scientific conferences and workshops.
ISTA’s funding page currently lists gross 2026 salaries of €3,053–€3,673 per month, paid 14 times a year. The amount depends on degree status at admission and increases after the qualifying exam. This is 2026 information; the exact 2027 salary is not confirmed here.
ISTA charges no tuition fees and no application fee. On-campus accommodation is subject to availability and is not guaranteed.
Submit the application through ISTA’s online portal. Required materials include:
All documents must be in English. Transcripts must also be provided in their original language. If the university does not issue English documents, applicants must arrange English translations.
ISTA requires at least three reference letters through its online referee form. At least two should be from academic or research settings; one may be from a work setting. Letters sent by email are not accepted. Referees have until 12 January 2027 at 11:59 PM CET.
Applications must be submitted by 8 January 2027 at 3:00 PM CET. The same deadline applies to changing referee details. Referees have until 12 January 2027 at 11:59 PM CET to submit letters.
Shortlisted candidates are expected to interview in late February or early March 2027; interviews may be remote or on site. The programme starts on 15 September 2027. Offers must be accepted or declined by 15 April 2027.
Applicants apply to the programme as a whole, then indicate research groups of interest. Not all groups are recruiting in this cycle; check the live portal’s group list before choosing.
The application is competitive, and eligibility does not guarantee an offer. Research fit matters: applicants need a suitable match with a group recruiting in this round.
The official portal says applications and supporting documents sent outside the portal are not processed. ISTA recommends applying from a desktop browser; mobile browsers are not supported.
ISTA does not guarantee on-campus housing. Any accommodation should be confirmed separately.
ISTA states that applicants who are not citizens of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland will need a visa to take up employment and register as a PhD student. It says successful applicants will receive information on applying for a visa from abroad.
This does not confirm visa sponsorship, payment of visa costs, or guaranteed visa approval. Applicants should confirm their individual requirements with the relevant authorities.
