To finish a PhD and submit the thesis the student should have reached the learning outcomes stated here, namely have contributed with new knowledge in their research field and demonstrate that they can conduct independent scientific research.   

The Vienna BioCenter PhD Program recommends that the thesis should only be defended once the thesis project is completed.  It is the responsibility of the thesis advisory committee, together with the student and supervisor, to assess the project status and recommend when the thesis should be written/submitted. This recommendation should be given at the third committee meeting. If it is clear that the thesis project cannot be finished within the four years, another meeting should be scheduled.