Applications
Please check the instructions on the application process before applying
You need to create a u:account to be able to access the application portal.
Please follow the instructions under “How to apply for a PhD position”.
Spring Call 2026 Dates
Part 1 - Written application
Call for written applications opens: 1 March
Deadline submission written applications & references: 15 April (23:59 CET)
*Please note that both referees need to submit their reference before you can submit your application*
Results Issued: Second week of May via email
Part 2 - Online panel interviews & research group interviews
Online Panel Interviews: 26-27 May
Meet the Principal Investigators (PIs): 2 June 3-5pm CET
Meet the PhD students: 2 June 5:30-7:30pm CET
Interviews with the prospective research groups: 8 - 12 June
Part 3 - In person visit
Individually organized in June or July, travel and accommodation costs covered by the PhD Program
PhD start date: Flexible, latest by 1st January 2027
Virtual Information Session
We will hold a Virtual Open Day/Information Session on 26 March (1600 CET, Vienna time) to answer your questions and provide you with information about our campus. If you would like to take part please register HERE
Information
Full-time Employment Contract
Students will be hired by the research institute where their supervisor is based with a full-employment contract.
The salaries offered to our students are comparable to other PhD programs in Europe, between 39,000 euros to 42,900 (gross) per year (2025) depending on the institute you join which is subject to tax.
Vienna is not an expensive city to live in. Students can live comfortably – many even save money – during their time at the VBC.
Other Benefits
- Health/Pension/Accident/Unemployment Insurance
- University of Vienna tuition fees are reimbursed
- Visa Expenses. The HR depts. of the respective institutes will assist you in getting your visa on time before starting your employment. The costs for residence permits for newcomers are normally refunded.
- Language courses are run by the institutes (on an institute specific basis) for you to learn some German while you are in Vienna. English is the working language of the programme but a little German helps you to settle into the city and find your way around!
- Sports and social Activities, the programme and institutes organise numerous sports and social activities throughout the year.
(Please check with your respective institute as some benefits may be institute specific)
EU/EEA Citizens
Students from EU/EEA member states are exempt from tuition fees for the minimum duration of the degree program plus two additional semesters (8 semesters, in case of Doctoral Programmes). Thus, for the first 8 semesters you only have to pay the students' union fee (in the amount of 24.70€). After the eight semester, you have to pay the tuition fee (363.36€), plus the students' union.
The fees have to be be paid every semester, latest at the end of the extended admission period (31 March/31 October). Tuition and Students Union fees shall be paid in full during the admission period. If this does not take place, no admission to or deregistration from studies is carried out.
The data required for payment of contributions are provided to students in their MedCampus account.
Tuition charges may also be paid directly in the Studies and Examinations Department using a bank card (Maestro card).
Non-EU/EEA Citizens
Students who are citizens of a non-EU/EEA country pay a fee of 726.72€ plus the students' union fee per semester. Most students of the VBC PhD Program may apply for an "Equal status with EU/EEA citizens", since they have a researchers' visa.
More information on tuition fees can be found here.
- Applications open - 1 March 2026
Start your application before 10 April 2026 (2359 CET)
Deadline for submission - 15 April 2026 (2359 CET)
Results Issued - Early May 2026 - Online Interview Dates: 26 May - 12 June 2026
In-person visits: Individually organized (June and July 2026)
PhD Start Date: Flexible, latest by 1 January 2027
- Applications open - 1 September 2026
Start your application before 10 October 2026 (2359 CET)
Deadline for submission & references - 15 October 2025 (2359 CET)
Results Issued - Early November 2025 - Online Interview Dates: 24 November - 11 December 2025
In-person visits: Individually organized (December 2026 - January 2027)
PhD Start Date: Flexible, latest by 1 June 2027
