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The next call will open in the Fall of 2021 (second half of October) for a start in September 2022. We encourage you to check our website for the link to the online application tool in the 2nd half of October 2021.
The deadline for applications will be Jan 8, 2022 (23:59 CET) for a program start in September 2022.
BACHELOR’S AND MASTER’S STUDENTS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY
IST Austria 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 biology, neuroscience, mathematics, computer science, physics, data science and scientific computing and related areas are encouraged to apply.
HOW DO I APPLY?
IST Austria processes applications to its PhD program once a year. The application portal will be available in the Fall. To apply, you have to create an online account, which will allow you to track your application through its various stages. We do not accept applications and documents received outside of this system.
Please download the instructions manual here.
Please fill out the form using a web browser on a desktop computer. Web browsers on mobile devices (i.e. Android, iPhone, iPad, etc.) are not supported.
The call for 2022 will open in the 2nd half of October 2021. The deadline for applications is Jan 8, 2022 (23:59 CET) for PhD entry in September 2022.
WHAT APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE REQUIRED?
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 IST Austria 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.
WHAT ARE THE SELECTION CRITERIA?
The selection committee uses a collection of indicators to evaluate the applicant’s preparedness, motivation, and potential. The following will be considered:
Scientific promise:
- undergraduate performance: overall, with a special focus on relevant field-specific courses
- reference letters provided by professors and senior scientists: one letter from industry is acceptable, but letters from an academic background are given priority; referees are asked to address analytical capabilities, technical proficiency, ability to work independently and motivation/commitment;
- statement of purpose: the applicant’s past research experience and motivation for applying to this particular PhD program: is it a good academic fit? does the program contribute to the candidate’s future career plans?, etc.;
- additional relevant skills (field-specific): demonstrated in, e.g., internships and/or participation in research projects, participation in science Olympiads, programming languages, lab techniques, etc.
Background:
- quality of the undergraduate background, i.e. quality of the institution attended
- transferable skills: e.g. communication skills, experience with working in teams, previous mobility and international experiences, leadership experience as demonstrated in student organizations, etc.;
- diversity: e.g. a woman in computer science/math/physics; an applicant who switched fields, etc.;
APPLICATION AND SELECTION TIMELINE
The application call opens mid-October and ends in January. The first review process is completed in early February. Candidates are notified about their status by mid-February.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews in mid-March. Offer letters go out in late March and candidates can accept or decline the offer of admission by April 15. The start of the PhD program is uniformly on September 15.
| Application opens | mid-October |
| Application closes | January 8 |
| Pre-selection meetings | end of January |
| Student Interview Days | mid-February to mid-March |
| Final selection meetings | late March |
| Offers sent out | after the final selection meeting |
| Offer need to be accepted | mid-April |
| Start of PhD program | September 15 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
For more information about the application process and PhD admissions, please read the FAQ page.
Download an instruction manual here.
If you have any questions about the PhD program, please contact gradschool@ist.ac.at
DOWNLOAD BROCHURES & POSTERS
You can also obtain an overview of the IST Austria PhD program from the “The IST PhD Experience” brochure
