ISTA PhD Programme 2027 in Austria: Fully Funded PhD
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) PhD Programme 2027 is a fully funded doctoral programme in Austria for students interested in advanced research across science, technology and related disciplines.
- FundingSalaried PhD + social security
- DurationPhD programme
- Who can applyGlobal
- Application feeFree
Overview
PhD students are employed by ISTA and receive a competitive salary, full social-security coverage and financial support for scientific conferences and workshops. The 2027 application deadline is January 8, 2027.
The ISTA Graduate School offers an interdisciplinary PhD programme designed for students pursuing research in scientific and computational disciplines.
Students begin with coursework and research rotations before progressing to their PhD thesis research. Applicants apply to the PhD programme as a whole rather than to one specific advertised PhD position.
At a glance
About
- Opportunity type
- PhD Programme
- Institution
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)
- Location
- Klosterneuburg, Austria
- Duration
- PhD programme
- Detail
- Information
- Programme start
- September 15, 2027
- Applications open
- Late October 2026
- First review
- February 2027
- Interviews
- Late February–Early March 2027
- Admission decision
- After interviews
- Programme begins
- September 15, 2027
Funding
- Application fee
- Free
- Tuition fee
- None
- Funding
- Salaried PhD + social security
Eligibility
- Minimum degree required
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
- Age limit
- None
- Work experience
- None
- Nationality
- Global
Who can apply
The programme is open to applicants with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific, mathematical, computational or related discipline.
Final-year students can also apply, provided they complete their current degree before the PhD begins.
ISTA’s programme is taught in English and welcomes international applicants.
Applicants should prepare the required academic and application materials through the ISTA online application portal.
The application includes academic information, research interests and supporting documents, including referee details. Recommendation letters must be submitted by January 12, 2027 at 11:59 PM CET.
What you get
ISTA PhD students are employed by the institute and receive:
- Competitive salary
- Full social-security coverage
- Financial support for scientific conferences
- Financial support for workshops
For reference, the 2026 gross salary range is €3,053–€3,673 per month, depending on degree status and stage of the PhD. Salaries are paid 14 times per year. The 2027 salary figures may be updated by ISTA.
Fields & areas
The programme currently has seven main PhD tracks:
- Biology
- Chemistry & Materials
- Computer Science
- Data Science & Scientific Computing
- Mathematics
- Neuroscience
- Physics
Interdisciplinary research across related fields is also possible.
How to apply
- Check that your academic background matches an ISTA research area.
- Explore ISTA’s research groups and potential supervisors.
- Prepare your academic and supporting documents.
- Complete the online PhD application.
- Add your referees.
- Submit the application by January 8, 2027, 3:00 PM CET.
- Ensure your recommendation letters are submitted by January 12, 2027.
Minimum Degree Required
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field.
ISTA accepts applicants from a range of scientific and related academic backgrounds.
Nationality
The programme accepts international applicants. ISTA does not impose a separate international-student quota for the programme.
Are There Any Hidden Charges?
No application fee and no tuition fee.
ISTA explicitly states that it does not charge tuition fees and that no application fee is required for its PhD programme.
The PhD is salaried, but the published salary figures are gross, so applicable taxes and statutory deductions will apply.
Is the ISTA PhD Programme Fully Funded?
Yes. ISTA describes the programme as a fully funded PhD. Students are employed by ISTA and receive a salary and full social-security coverage.
Official Link
Final Note
The ISTA PhD Programme 2027 is a strong fully funded doctoral opportunity for students seeking research careers in science, technology, mathematics and interdisciplinary fields.
Application deadline: January 8, 2027, 3:00 PM CET.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ISTA PhD Programme 2027 open?
Yes. The 2027 application call is currently open.
Is the PhD fully funded?
Yes. PhD students are employed by ISTA and receive a salary and full social-security coverage.
Is there an application fee?
No. ISTA states that there is no application fee.
Is there a tuition fee?
No. ISTA does not charge tuition fees for the PhD programme.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The programme is open to international applicants.
What is the deadline?
January 8, 2027, at 3:00 PM CET.
When does the PhD start?
September 15, 2027.
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