The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is inviting applications for its fully funded PhD Program 2026, offering exceptional training across multiple scientific disciplines in a world‑class research environment just outside Vienna.
Programme Overview
ISTA offers fully funded, 5‑year PhD positions in:
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Chemistry & Materials
- Data Science & Scientific Computing
- Earth Science
- Mathematics
- Neuroscience
- Physics
Students receive competitive salaries, full social security coverage, and financial support for attending international conferences and workshops.
ISTA is consistently ranked among the top young scientific institutions worldwide, recognized for excellence, interdisciplinarity, and impactful research.
Why Choose ISTA?
- International environment: Over 80 nationalities represented across faculty, researchers, and students.
- English-speaking campus: English is the official language for research and instruction.
- Interdisciplinary training: Students complete coursework and research rotations before selecting a research group.
- Cutting-edge facilities: Access to advanced instrumentation, computation centers, and specialized core facilities.
- Career development: Comprehensive training in transferable skills, guidance from the Career Services team, and innovation-focused events through XISTA.
Funding and Duration
- All PhD students receive 5‑year employment contracts.
- Continued funding is guaranteed for all students making satisfactory progress up to their thesis defense.
- Financial support provided for conferences, workshops, and scientific training activities.
Eligibility
Students with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in any of the supported scientific fields are welcome to apply. ISTA encourages applicants from diverse academic backgrounds.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents via the ISTA online application portal:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose (1–2 pages) outlining research experience, motivation, and up to three preferred research groups
- University transcripts and diplomas (in English and original language)
- Contact details of three referees
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 13 January 2026
- PhD Start Date: September 2026
Virtual Student Open Day
25 November (online) – An opportunity to learn more about ISTA’s PhD program, meet faculty and current students, and explore the campus virtually.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the ISTA online platform. The portal allows applicants to upload documents and track application progress.