Frequently Asked Questions
About the call and timeline
When does the call open, and what is the timeline?
Applications are open from 1 September to 1 November 2026. Online panel interviews are planned for 30 November–1 December 2026, the onsite visit in Vienna for 27–29 January 2027, and the programme starts on 1 September 2027.
What are the key deadlines?
Application deadline: 1 November 2026, 23:59 CET (Vienna time)
Reference deadline: 3 November 2026
Written-stage outcomes are planned by around 20 November 2026
When does the PhD programme start?
1 September 2027.
Are applications open now?
Applications can only be submitted during the call window: 1 September–1 November 2026.
How and where do I apply?
Apply directly through the official online application portal (University of Vienna u:account). Create a u:account, complete the form, and ensure two references are submitted. Applications via agencies or recruiters are not accepted. Portal details will be published when the call opens.
How can I stay informed?
Check this website and the programme pages for updates. AITHYRA will be part of the Doctoral Insights Symposium and will offer a Virtual Open Day on September 30. For questions not covered here, please contact phd@aithyra.at.
Eligibility
Who can apply?
We welcome applicants from AI/ML and computational fields, life sciences, chemistry, medicine, and interdisciplinary backgrounds. A biology background is not required for AI/ML applicants, and a computational background is not required for life-science applicants.
Typical fields include computer science, computational biology, bioengineering, engineering, physics, statistics, mathematics, medicine, biology, chemistry, and related scientific or technical disciplines.
What degree do I need?
You should hold, or expect to hold by September 2027, a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field. You must also meet the doctoral admission requirements of the relevant partner university.
Can I apply if I am still finishing my Master’s?
Yes, if you expect to receive your final degree certificate by September 2027. Please state your expected completion date clearly in the application.
Can I apply with only a Bachelor’s degree?
In most cases a Master’s (or equivalent) is required by the programme start. A four-year Bachelor’s with excellent grades (first-class or upper second-class / 2.1; equivalent to 240 ECTS), significant research experience, and full transcripts may be considered where it meets Austrian doctoral admission requirements.
Are medical doctors (e.g. MBBS/MD) eligible?
Yes, in principle. Medicine backgrounds and MDs interested in AI and/or life sciences are welcome, provided other eligibility requirements are met. Applicants must not already hold a PhD.
I only have wet-lab experience and limited coding skills. Can I apply?
Yes. Life-science applicants do not need a computational background at entry. The programme is interdisciplinary and supports development of quantitative and computational skills during the doctorate.
I only have dry-lab experience and limited life science knowledge. Can I apply?
Yes. Machine learning/AI applicants do not need a life science background at entry. The programme is interdisciplinary and supports development of life science knowledge/skills during the doctorate.
Are candidates with industry or non-linear career paths considered?
Yes, if they meet the formal eligibility requirements (degree/equivalent, research experience, references, etc.). Applications are assessed on merit, research trajectory, motivation, and fit. Career breaks and varied pathways can be explained in the application. Applicants must not already hold a PhD.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The call is international. Students of all nationalities are encouraged to apply. The working language at AITHYRA is English.
Do I need to speak German?
No. English is the working language of the programme. German can help with daily life in Vienna but is not required.
What English level is required?
A high level of spoken and written English is required. An official English certificate is not required at the AITHYRA application stage. Partner universities may request formal proof at enrollment (for example, MedUni Vienna lists a minimum of B2).
Do I have to have any specific English language exam qualifications or grades?
No, we do not ask for any specific language exam qualifications or grades. However, the working language at AITHYRA and CeMM is English, so excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required.
Do I need to have my certificates translated into English and authenticated?
No, there is no need to have your certificates translated or authenticated during the online application process. The official translation and authentication of the certificates and degrees is only required at a later stage for registration at the University of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna or the Technical University of Vienna.
I already have a PhD, can I apply?
No, the PhD program only accepts students who are currently enrolled in Master programs or who have recently completed their Master’s degree.
Can I apply without scientific publications?
Yes, while publications strengthen your application, it is no requirement. You may include publications that are currently under review.
Funding and practicalities
Is the PhD fully funded?
Yes. Successful candidates receive a fully funded employment contract for four years, covering research costs and work-related travel, with access to institute infrastructure.
What is the salary?
The minimum gross monthly salary is EUR 2,832.10, paid 14 times per year, in line with FWF recommendations (as stated in the call materials).
Is funding available for UK and other international students?
Yes. Funding is provided through the AITHYRA employment contract for successful candidates, regardless of nationality.
Is visa support available?
For invited onsite candidates, travel and accommodation are covered, and an official invitation letter can be provided for visa applications if needed. After an offer is accepted, HR/administration support contracting and first steps in Vienna (e.g. residence registration, insurance, onboarding). Non-EEA candidates typically need a residence permit.
Is the programme remote or part-time?
The programme is a full-time, in-person doctorate in Vienna. Accepted students are expected to relocate to Vienna.
Are there separate RA/TA posts or extra scholarships at admission?
The main offer is the fully funded PhD employment contract. Separate RA/TA schemes are not part of the standard open-call package.
Application materials and selection
What do I need to prepare?
Through the portal you will be asked to provide:
- Education details and relevant certificates/transcripts
- Research experience (supervised projects of at least 8 weeks full-time each)
- Optional training, courses, or study visits
- Research outputs (up to 3)
- Career-break or non-linear path context, if relevant
- Research motivation / personal statement and research-group preferences
- Two references from institutional email addresses
Incomplete or late applications are not considered. Exact formats follow the live portal when the call opens.
Will there be interviews or exams?
There is a multi-stage selection process, not a traditional entrance exam:
- Written application, eligibility checks, and faculty review
- Online panel interviews
- Onsite visit in Vienna (presentation, meetings with faculty, lab tours, panels, and matching)
- Offers based on evaluation and mutual match
Should I contact a specific group leader with whom I wish to work before applying to the joint AITHYRA PhD Call?
No. The standard route is the open call and central portal. Supervisor matching is part of the later interview and onsite stages. You do not need to secure a PI before applying and are encouraged not to contact them in advance.
Can I apply by emailing my CV and motivation letter to the PhD program coordinators?
No, you must submit your application through the centralised online application system.
How are supervisors assigned?
In the application you indicate research groups of interest. During the onsite stage you meet faculty, then select up to three PIs (ranked). Offers follow mutual matching. Each student has a primary group-leader supervisor and a thesis committee (typically including additional advisors), with regular progress meetings.
Which university awards the PhD?
The degree is awarded by one of AITHYRA’s partner universities – University of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, or TU Wien – arranged with the supervisor after arrival based on project and background.
Programme environment
What kind of training and research environment can I expect?
Doctoral researchers combine independent thesis research with structured training: introductory activities, seminars, workshops, mentoring, and a thesis committee. Training covers scientific communication, good practice, career development, and related skills, with access to advanced technologies, automation/robotics, conferences, and an interdisciplinary collaborative environment.
Is the programme only computational or only wet lab?
Neither exclusively. Projects may center on AI/ML or life sciences, but the environment is interdisciplinary by design.
Contact
Who should I contact with further questions?
Please read the eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and this FAQ first. Questions not answered here can be sent to phd@aithyra.at.