Overview

The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is looking for highly qualified candidates with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees to apply for our PhD program. We offer fully funded PhD positions in Astronomy, Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry & Materials, Data Science & Scientific Computing, Earth Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Physics in a world-class research environment on the outskirts of Vienna.

In 2019, ISTA was ranked #3 in the world-wide Nature Index ranking (normalized). In 2018, ISTA was ranked within the top ten of Nature Index Rising Stars “Top 30 academic institutions under 30” list.

All students are offered 5-year contracts, they receive internationally competitive salaries, and full social security coverage.

The application deadline is January 8, 2026 for a PhD program start date in September 2026.

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International and Diverse Scientific Community

Our scientists, from professors to postdocs to students, hail from all corners of the world, representing over 80 different nationalities, and build on research and degrees earned from the finest global scientific institutes and universities.

English-Speaking

We use English throughout the Institute as the language of instruction and communication.

Interdisciplinary

Our Graduate Program is characterized by modern comprehensive training with a special interdisciplinary focus.

Cutting-edge Research Training

Students work closely with outstanding faculty within small research groups and have access to first-rate facilities. Students spend the first year completing coursework and rotations before affiliating with a group.

This first phase of exploration allows students to ensure that the research topic, as well as the research group, are the best match for them before embarking on in-depth thesis research in the second phase

Entry with a Bachelor's or Master's Degree

We welcome students with a Bachelor’s or a Master’s in science to apply for our PhD program.

Funding

All PhD students are offered 5-year contracts. All students making reasonable progress are fully funded until the time of their thesis defense.

ISTA relies on diverse funding sources to support all its researchers. Our Grant Office supports ISTA scientists who would like to apply for external funding. Students also receive financial support to attend scientific conferences and workshops

Careers

Our distinguished alumni have gone on to successful careers after their PhD studies at ISTA.

PhD students receive support through our mentorship and career development programs which focus on training in transferable skills for academia and beyond. Throughout their studies, PhD students are supported by Career Services, which provide career development advice and training.

We also provide xista, an in-house science venture that supports researchers in the commercial development and use of their research results.

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Join our Virtual Student Open Day on November 25!

The Virtual Student Open Day is a great opportunity to explore our programs and campus virtually, wherever you are located. The program includes a range of live sessions from the Graduate School Office, academics, and students.

You can find out about our PhD program, the ISTA research experience, support services, the ISTA campus and much more by attending one of the talks.

Programme Structure

The PhD program comprises two phases:

PHASE I

When joining the program, students are not part of a research group.

In Phase I, students:

Do three rotations with different professors
Find a PhD supervisor (professor at ISTA)
Form a thesis committee
Pass a qualifying exam

Fulfill course and credit requirements

PHASE II

In Phase II, students mostly work on research towards a PhD thesis. They work closely with their supervisor and research group, to produce original research of the highest standard, and make significant contributions to the understanding of a specific topic.

Students are expected to offer teaching assistance. They also have biannual progress reviews as well as give annual presentations on their research.

The thesis defense consists of a public presentation of the draft thesis, followed by questions and answers on the thesis.

Once a final thesis is submitted and accepted by the thesis committee, the PhD degree is awarded by the Institute.

Audience

Equity, Diversity, and InclusionISTA cherishes diversity in personalities, backgrounds, experiences and thoughts among all our employees. Diversity creates a workplace that enables employees to gain new ideas and insights and that will take science into exciting new directions. ISTA is committed to equal opportunities and social equity, regardless of age, gender (identity), ethnicity, race, social/cultural background, creed, religion, sexual orientation, and physical/cognitive abilities. Please see our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion web page for more information.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 54 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-15 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-08 00:00:00

More details

The application deadline is January 2026 for a PhD program start date in September 2026

Language

English

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Klosterneuburg, Austria

Disciplines

Mathematics Chemistry Computer Sciences View 3 other PhDs in Computer Sciences in Austria

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

They do not have a fixed GPA requirement for applicants. However the GPA of successful candidates typically is in the top quartile of their field of study.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

Skills/Qualifications

ISTA welcomes students with different academic backgrounds who can bring their skills and experiences to the scientific setting.

Students with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Astronomy, Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry & Materials, Data Science & Scientific Computing, Earth Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Physics are encouraged to apply.

We ask you to upload the following documents to the application portal:

CV
Statement of purpose that explains your research experience and your motivation for applying to the ISTA PhD program. It should be 1-2 pages maximum. In your statement, specify up to three research groups you find the most interesting. At this stage you do not need to contact potential supervisors.

University transcripts and diplomas of all degree programs and all years you have attended and/or are currently enrolled in (in English and in original language)
Contact information of 3 referees

All documents have to be submitted in English and copies of university transcripts also in their original language.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) and/or in Austria, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

All our PhD students are fully funded, at internationally competitive salary levels, and receive full social security coverage.

Living costs

Klosterneuburg

Austria

800 - 1200 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In all fields of research, funding is a very important topic. ISTA relies on diverse funding sources to support all its researchers. The Grant Office is there to support ISTA scientists who would like to apply for external funding.

All PhD students are offered 5-year employment contracts. All students making reasonable progress are fully funded until the time of their thesis defense.

Students also receive financial support to attend scientific conferences and workshops during their studies.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Fully Funded PhD Positions in Astronomy, Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry and Materials, Data Science and Scientific Computi.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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