Applications
We welcome applications twice a year, in spring and autumn. Our selection process has three stages: a written application, online panel interviews, and research group interviews — where you meet potential supervisors and find the lab where your PhD will begin. It's a process designed to work both ways: we're looking for exceptional scientists, and we want you to find a place where you'll truly thrive.
Ready to apply? We are looking forward to meeting you!
Before you can get started you'll need a u:account to apply — find out how to set one up here.
Please check the instructions on the application process and eligibility criteria before applying.
Information
Full-time Employment Contract
PhD students at the Vienna BioCenter are employed directly by the institute where their supervisor is based — IMP, IMBA, GMI, or Max Perutz Labs. This means your employment contract, salary, and some benefits will be specific to your institute.
Salary
€39,000 – €42,900 gross per year (2025), depending on your institute. Vienna is an affordable city — most students live comfortably, and many save money during their PhD.
All students receive:
- Full employment contract with health, pension, accident, and unemployment insurance
- Tuition fees reimbursed for the duration of the PhD
- Visa and residence permit support, with costs normally refunded
- German language courses to help you settle into life in Vienna
- Access to institute facilities and campus life
Some benefits are institute-specific — your HR department will walk you through everything when you join.
Regardless of which institute you join, you will be registered with both the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna, and will graduate with a joint doctoral degree from both universities.
EU/EEA citizens: Tuition fees are waived for the standard duration of the program. You'll only pay the students' union fee of €24.70 per semester for the first eight semesters. After the eight semester, you will pay the tuition fee (363.36€), plus the students' union fee for each semester, but you can ask your HR department for the reimbursement of the tuition fees.
Non-EU/EEA citizens: A fee of €726.72 per semester applies — however, VBC PhD students are eligible to apply for EU/EEA equal status by providing details of the researcher residence permit. With equal status, the same tuition fee regulations as for EU/EEA citizens apply (see paragraph above).
For full details on tuition fees, visit the tuition fee page of the University of Vienna or Medical University of Vienna.
We welcome applications twice a year, in spring (Spring Call) and autumn (Autumn Call).
- Applications open - 1 March (Spring Call) & 1 September (Autumn Call)
Deadline for submission - 15 April (Spring Call) & 15 October (Autumn Call)
Results of written application issued - Early May (Spring Call) & Early November (Autumn Call) - Online Interview Dates: end of May/beginning of June (Spring Call) & end of November/beginning of December (Autumn Call)
- Campus visits: Individually organized in June - July (Spring Call) & December - January (Autumn Call)
PhD Start Date: Flexible, latest by 1 January (Spring Call) or 1 June (Autumn Call) of the next year.
