Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the PhD program, including application and admission and student life

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• Why ISTA?

• At a Glance

• Interdisciplinary Learning & Research

• Funding & Awards

• World-Class Research Facilities

• Careers & Alumni

• Current Students

• For Current Students

• Academic Calendar

• Courses

• Organization, People & Governance

• Student Resources

• Graduate School Office

• Faculty Resources

• PhD Program

• Recruitment and Admissions

• Internship Information

• Teaching

• Supervision

• Organization, People & Governance

• Prospective Students

• PhD Program Overview

• PhD Application & Admissions

• Structure of the PhD Program

• For BSc Students

• Recruitment Events

• Support & Resources

• PhD Program FAQ

• Research

• All Research Groups

• Biology

• Chemistry & Materials

• Computer Science

• Data Science & Scientific Computing

• Mathematics

• Neuroscience

• Physics

• Internships

• Internships Overview

• Scientific Internships

• BSc/MSc Research Projects

• ISTernship Summer Program

• Campus & Community

• ISTA Campus

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• At a Glance

• Interdisciplinary Learning & Research

• Funding & Awards

• World-Class Research Facilities

• Careers & Alumni

• For Current Students

• Academic Calendar

• Courses

• Organization, People & Governance

• Student Resources

• Graduate School Office

• PhD Program

• Recruitment and Admissions

• Internship Information

• Teaching

• Supervision

• Organization, People & Governance

• PhD Program Overview

• PhD Application & Admissions

• Structure of the PhD Program

• For BSc Students

• Recruitment Events

• Support & Resources

• PhD Program FAQ

• All Research Groups

• Biology

• Chemistry & Materials

• Computer Science

• Data Science & Scientific Computing

• Mathematics

• Neuroscience

• Physics

• Internships Overview

• Scientific Internships

• BSc/MSc Research Projects

• ISTernship Summer Program

• ISTA Campus

• Housing & Dining

• Health & Wellbeing

• Student Life

• Family Life

• Student Stories

• Alumni Network

• PhD Program Overview

• PhD Application & Admissions

• Structure of the PhD Program

• For BSc Students

• Recruitment Events

• Support & Resources

• PhD Program FAQ

• 2027 APPLICATIONS

• PhD Call 2027 open: late October - January

• Application deadline: January 8, 2027

• More about ISTA

• Meet our PhD Students

• In what subject areas can I do a PhD?

The subject areas in which you can do a PhD are closely related to the research topics which our faculty members specialize in. You will conduct your research within the framework of the research group, so your research specialization should fit alongside with the work of the group in general. The ISTA Grad School set up also supports co-affiliation between two groups, and encourages interdisciplinary student-driven project-based work with other groups on campus

A good starting point is to browse through the scientific research topics being conducted at ISTA, and see which area suits your background and interests best, as well as whether you have the relevant experience. If you cannot find a group in the area you are most interested in, then ISTA is not a good academic fit for you.

Ultimately, however, you will be awarded a PhD from ISTA: no subject specialization will be listed on your diploma.

• What is the Interdisciplinary Communication in Science course about?

The Interdisciplinary Communication in Science course is the ISTA signature course designed to foster competency in interdisciplinary scientific communication through tailored, hands-on sessions. The course is rooted in collaborative learning. It conveys best practices on how to fruitfully exchange about research with peers of different scientific backgrounds. You will practice how to overcome domain/field-specific jargon and how to convey feedback effectively.

You will widen and deepen you conceptual understanding of your scientific field by practicing in small, moderated groups. You will develop proficiency in communicating overarching concepts and ideas by explaining ground breaking papers in your fields to colleagues from different scientific backgrounds, and by presenting your rotation project(s).

The course allows you to connect with your peers from vastly different scientific backgrounds. This network can serve as the foundation of potential future research collaborations.

• What is the Essential Skills series?

The Essential Skills for Scientists series supports students in developing key research and professional skills. In Phase 1, all students receive training in research integrity & ethics, scientific writing, and navigating the PhD at ISTA (core Essential Skills course, 2 ECTS credits).

Beyond this, students can choose from a wide variety of additional workshops, including communication and presentation skills, data visualization, teaching and outreach, research data management, and career development. These workshops offer flexibility, enabling students to tailor their learning to skills most relevant to their personal career goals (4 ECTS credits before graduation).

• Does ISTA offer bachelor's or master's degree programs?

No, we do not.

You may be able to perform research for your bachelor’s and/or master’s thesis as a scientific intern in one of the research groups. Please check the page “BS/MS Thesis” for more information.

ISTA offers the Master’s degree en-route to PhD option. This is not a separate Master program but an optional component of the PhD program. With this option, students can earn a “Master of Science (MS)” degree in addition to their PhD degree, under the condition that additional curricular components are fulfilled whilst working towards their PhD. Please see the “For BSc Students” page for more information.

• Is there funding for the PhD?

All our PhD students are fully funded, at internationally competitive salary levels, and receive full social security coverage (i.e., inclusive of health insurance).

During your studies additional financial support is available to cover travel expenses for attending scientific conferences and workshops.

ISTA cannot provide funding for visa and relocation expenses.

See our funding page for more information.

• How much is the tuition fee?

ISTA does not charge any tuition fees.

• How do I find a supervisor?

The purpose of the rotation system is to find an academic home and a supervisor. All ISTA students start as unaffiliated, i.e. they are not yet part of a research group. The first year is designed to allow you to explore and find the group you will do your thesis work in.

At ISTA, the PhD program is set up in such way that students do rotations with at least three different research groups, before they find a home with their thesis supervisor. This way, students experience what it is like to perform research in the respective research groups, and demonstrate their capability to a potential supervisor, while learning useful cross-disciplinary skills along the way.

Previous knowledge and skills also factor into whether or not you are considered a good fit to the research group. Some skills can be brought in or obtained by training at ISTA, as long as there is student-supervisor agreement.

Students may also choose to be co-supervised by two or more professors (subject to the agreement of these PIs).

If you’re thinking about applying for a PhD at ISTA, a good starting point would be to explore the different research topics that our faculty specialize in and think of whether you’d like to join any of the research groups to conduct your future PhD research.

Since it is quite a commitment to do a PhD and work towards a thesis, it is important that the student’s research interests match those of the PhD supervisor and the research conducted in their group.

A supervisor guides a student throughout Phase 2 of the PhD studies, when the student performs research towards their thesis.

• How long is the PhD program?

The PhD program is typically 5 years in length, depending on the student’s individual progress and the conventions of the field. Doing a PhD in an experimental lab typically takes longer, than in a theoretical group.

• What if I already know who I want as my supervisor?

At ISTA, students apply to the PhD program, rather than to individual research groups. They will only commit to their thesis supervisor at the end of the first year, after successful rotation and a mutual agreement that the student should join the respective research group.

Our experience is that even those students who already have a clear idea of whom they want to work with (and this intention is shared by the group leader in question) greatly benefit from the rotation process. In some cases, rotations confirm a student’s original choice, and in other cases rotations open up new horizons or help catalyze collaborations. In all cases, rotations help ensure a match between the student and their future thesis supervisor—one of the key requirements for a successful PhD experience

• What are tracks?

Tracks are a loose, flexible organizational structure within the ISTA Graduate School. During the first year every student is assigned to a track based on their choices of rotations and courses. After the qualifying exam, the track assignment is based on your the thesis project you are working on. It helps us to advise you best in Phase 1, and to discuss you and your project in the right forum in Phase 2.

Your track assignment does not limit which courses you can choose from, nor which courses will count towards your course credit requirement.

Tracks currently at ISTA are: Biology, Chemistry and Materials, Computer Science, Data Science & Scientific Computing, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Physics.

• What is the track core course?

Track core courses (3-6 ECTS credits) are designed to convey a broad view of topics to students within their specific field of research and to encourage them to think beyond the boundaries of their primary research focus. These courses also fulfill a community-building role, promoting exchange and collaboration between students affiliating in different research groups.

Currently, track core courses are offered in: Biology, Chemistry & Materials, Computer Science, Data Science & Scientific Computing, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Physics.

• Can I start my PhD earlier than September?

The annual start date for the PhD program is 15 September. It is not possible to start your PhD earlier than September.

However, some students choose to request a research internship with a group of their choice before this date. For more information, have a look at the internship possibilities we offer.

• Why does the PhD consist of two phases?

At ISTA, our mission is to equip students with the technical know-how and skills to communicate and perform research across disciplines. This interdisciplinary spirit is fundamental to the excellence of scientific research conducted at ISTA. The PhD program at ISTA is therefore designed with both breadth and depth of scope in mind.

Since it is quite a commitment to do a PhD and work towards a thesis, it is important that the student’s research interests match those of the PhD supervisor. In Phase 1, students perform rotations, which allow them to gain research experience in three different labs and find a home for their thesis research. On the basis of this experience, students will ultimately be taken in by a PhD supervisor and join the respective research lab, as well as prepare a research proposal and reading list for the qualifying exam.

Students also attend interdisciplinary courses, in addition to more specialized courses. Students also have the option to take courses at the University of Vienna or TU Wien: please see the Courses page for more information. This breadth of exposure helps students to gain a wide variety of skills and to identify their strengths and research interests.

In Phase 2, students focus on their chosen specialization within the framework of their research group and perform research towards their PhD thesis. Students are also expected to offer teaching assistance (TA) for at least one half-semester course before graduating.

It is through the combination of these two phases that our PhD students obtain a well-rounded scientific education, which forms a solid foundation for a future career in science, but also equips them with transferable skills beyond academia.

Find more information on the structure of the PhD program here.

• What is a rotation?

Rotations are periods in which students spend time in an ISTA research group and work on a mini research project. You will need to do three rotations in three different research groups. The ultimate goal of the rotations are to find your academic home and the group you will conduct your PhD project in. A rotation typically lasts two months. Your performance in the rotation is the basis for your affiliation.

You should choose rotations in the groups at ISTA you are most interested in affiliating with. They are an opportunity for you to get to know your potential PhD supervisor and their supervision style, the lab culture, projects conducted in the group, techniques used, etc. You should use the time to learn new skill sets and build connections across groups. For the PIs they are an important component to get to know you, assess your research skills, imitative, motivation, work ethic and independence.

Rotations are typically done in your field of interest, but we also recommend that you do an rotation outside of your field. An out-of- field rotation allows you to experience research outside of their main area of scientific interest. It is also an excellent opportunity for you to learn to think across disciplines and build up cross-disciplinary skillsets.

It is possible to do a rotation at another institution; this is recommended, if you already have an agreement with a professor to affiliate you. An external rotation is useful to learn skills/ techniques/ method otherwise not available at ISTA and academically relevant to your PhD project.

It is on the basis of this experience that students and professors come to a mutual agreement on where the student will conduct their PhD work (affiliation).

For more information, have a look at our PhD program requirements page.

• How do I find out more about ISTA?

The best way is to browse our website, the most up-to-date source for events and institute-related announcements. If you’d like to find out more about the PhD program at ISTA, please visit: http://phd.ista.ac.at

You’re also invited to “like” our Facebook page, follow us on Instagram, connect with us via LinkedIn, or via Bluesky to stay in the loop about ISTA and the whereabouts of our scientists!

• What is a qualifying exam?

A qualifying exam is an exam which students need to pass in order to transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the PhD studies.

In preparation, students need to appoint a thesis committee, prepare a research proposal, and a reading list. The qualifying exam trains students to establish a road map for their own independent research project, a first step to becoming an independent scientist.

• What is a thesis defense?

A thesis defense is the final examination that decides whether a PhD student can successfully obtain a PhD degree. The thesis committee is the same as that for the qualifying exam.

After a student passes the thesis defense and submits the final copy of their PhD thesis, they will be awarded a PhD.

The subject areas in which you can do a PhD are closely related to the research topics which our faculty members specialize in. You will conduct your research within the framework of the research group, so your research specialization should fit alongside with the work of the group in general. The ISTA Grad School set up also supports co-affiliation between two groups, and encourages interdisciplinary student-driven project-based work with other groups on campus

A good starting point is to browse through the scientific research topics being conducted at ISTA, and see which area suits your background and interests best, as well as whether you have the relevant experience. If you cannot find a group in the area you are most interested in, then ISTA is not a good academic fit for you.

Ultimately, however, you will be awarded a PhD from ISTA: no subject specialization will be listed on your diploma.

The Interdisciplinary Communication in Science course is the ISTA signature course designed to foster competency in interdisciplinary scientific communication through tailored, hands-on sessions. The course is rooted in collaborative learning. It conveys best practices on how to fruitfully exchange about research with peers of different scientific backgrounds. You will practice how to overcome domain/field-specific jargon and how to convey feedback effectively.

You will widen and deepen you conceptual understanding of your scientific field by practicing in small, moderated groups. You will develop proficiency in communicating overarching concepts and ideas by explaining ground breaking papers in your fields to colleagues from different scientific backgrounds, and by presenting your rotation project(s).

The course allows you to connect with your peers from vastly different scientific backgrounds. This network can serve as the foundation of potential future research collaborations.

The Essential Skills for Scientists series supports students in developing key research and professional skills. In Phase 1, all students receive training in research integrity & ethics, scientific writing, and navigating the PhD at ISTA (core Essential Skills course, 2 ECTS credits).

Beyond this, students can choose from a wide variety of additional workshops, including communication and presentation skills, data visualization, teaching and outreach, research data management, and career development. These workshops offer flexibility, enabling students to tailor their learning to skills most relevant to their personal career goals (4 ECTS credits before graduation).

No, we do not.

You may be able to perform research for your bachelor’s and/or master’s thesis as a scientific intern in one of the research groups. Please check the page “BS/MS Thesis” for more information.

ISTA offers the Master’s degree en-route to PhD option. This is not a separate Master program but an optional component of the PhD program. With this option, students can earn a “Master of Science (MS)” degree in addition to their PhD degree, under the condition that additional curricular components are fulfilled whilst working towards their PhD. Please see the “For BSc Students” page for more information.

All our PhD students are fully funded, at internationally competitive salary levels, and receive full social security coverage (i.e., inclusive of health insurance).

During your studies additional financial support is available to cover travel expenses for attending scientific conferences and workshops.

ISTA cannot provide funding for visa and relocation expenses.

See our funding page for more information.

ISTA does not charge any tuition fees.

The purpose of the rotation system is to find an academic home and a supervisor. All ISTA students start as unaffiliated, i.e. they are not yet part of a research group. The first year is designed to allow you to explore and find the group you will do your thesis work in.

At ISTA, the PhD program is set up in such way that students do rotations with at least three different research groups, before they find a home with their thesis supervisor. This way, students experience what it is like to perform research in the respective research groups, and demonstrate their capability to a potential supervisor, while learning useful cross-disciplinary skills along the way.

Previous knowledge and skills also factor into whether or not you are considered a good fit to the research group. Some skills can be brought in or obtained by training at ISTA, as long as there is student-supervisor agreement.

Students may also choose to be co-supervised by two or more professors (subject to the agreement of these PIs).

If you’re thinking about applying for a PhD at ISTA, a good starting point would be to explore the different research topics that our faculty specialize in and think of whether you’d like to join any of the research groups to conduct your future PhD research.

Since it is quite a commitment to do a PhD and work towards a thesis, it is important that the student’s research interests match those of the PhD supervisor and the research conducted in their group.

A supervisor guides a student throughout Phase 2 of the PhD studies, when the student performs research towards their thesis.

The PhD program is typically 5 years in length, depending on the student’s individual progress and the conventions of the field. Doing a PhD in an experimental lab typically takes longer, than in a theoretical group.

At ISTA, students apply to the PhD program, rather than to individual research groups. They will only commit to their thesis supervisor at the end of the first year, after successful rotation and a mutual agreement that the student should join the respective research group.

Our experience is that even those students who already have a clear idea of whom they want to work with (and this intention is shared by the group leader in question) greatly benefit from the rotation process. In some cases, rotations confirm a student’s original choice, and in other cases rotations open up new horizons or help catalyze collaborations. In all cases, rotations help ensure a match between the student and their future thesis supervisor—one of the key requirements for a successful PhD experience

Tracks are a loose, flexible organizational structure within the ISTA Graduate School. During the first year every student is assigned to a track based on their choices of rotations and courses. After the qualifying exam, the track assignment is based on your the thesis project you are working on. It helps us to advise you best in Phase 1, and to discuss you and your project in the right forum in Phase 2.

Your track assignment does not limit which courses you can choose from, nor which courses will count towards your course credit requirement.

Tracks currently at ISTA are: Biology, Chemistry and Materials, Computer Science, Data Science & Scientific Computing, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Physics.

Track core courses (3-6 ECTS credits) are designed to convey a broad view of topics to students within their specific field of research and to encourage them to think beyond the boundaries of their primary research focus. These courses also fulfill a community-building role, promoting exchange and collaboration between students affiliating in different research groups.

Currently, track core courses are offered in: Biology, Chemistry & Materials, Computer Science, Data Science & Scientific Computing, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Physics.

The annual start date for the PhD program is 15 September. It is not possible to start your PhD earlier than September.

However, some students choose to request a research internship with a group of their choice before this date. For more information, have a look at the internship possibilities we offer.

At ISTA, our mission is to equip students with the technical know-how and skills to communicate and perform research across disciplines. This interdisciplinary spirit is fundamental to the excellence of scientific research conducted at ISTA. The PhD program at ISTA is therefore designed with both breadth and depth of scope in mind.

Since it is quite a commitment to do a PhD and work towards a thesis, it is important that the student’s research interests match those of the PhD supervisor. In Phase 1, students perform rotations, which allow them to gain research experience in three different labs and find a home for their thesis research. On the basis of this experience, students will ultimately be taken in by a PhD supervisor and join the respective research lab, as well as prepare a research proposal and reading list for the qualifying exam.

Students also attend interdisciplinary courses, in addition to more specialized courses. Students also have the option to take courses at the University of Vienna or TU Wien: please see the Courses page for more information. This breadth of exposure helps students to gain a wide variety of skills and to identify their strengths and research interests.

In Phase 2, students focus on their chosen specialization within the framework of their research group and perform research towards their PhD thesis. Students are also expected to offer teaching assistance (TA) for at least one half-semester course before graduating.

It is through the combination of these two phases that our PhD students obtain a well-rounded scientific education, which forms a solid foundation for a future career in science, but also equips them with transferable skills beyond academia.

Find more information on the structure of the PhD program here.

Rotations are periods in which students spend time in an ISTA research group and work on a mini research project. You will need to do three rotations in three different research groups. The ultimate goal of the rotations are to find your academic home and the group you will conduct your PhD project in. A rotation typically lasts two months. Your performance in the rotation is the basis for your affiliation.

You should choose rotations in the groups at ISTA you are most interested in affiliating with. They are an opportunity for you to get to know your potential PhD supervisor and their supervision style, the lab culture, projects conducted in the group, techniques used, etc. You should use the time to learn new skill sets and build connections across groups. For the PIs they are an important component to get to know you, assess your research skills, imitative, motivation, work ethic and independence.

Rotations are typically done in your field of interest, but we also recommend that you do an rotation outside of your field. An out-of- field rotation allows you to experience research outside of their main area of scientific interest. It is also an excellent opportunity for you to learn to think across disciplines and build up cross-disciplinary skillsets.

It is possible to do a rotation at another institution; this is recommended, if you already have an agreement with a professor to affiliate you. An external rotation is useful to learn skills/ techniques/ method otherwise not available at ISTA and academically relevant to your PhD project.

It is on the basis of this experience that students and professors come to a mutual agreement on where the student will conduct their PhD work (affiliation).

For more information, have a look at our PhD program requirements page.

The best way is to browse our website, the most up-to-date source for events and institute-related announcements. If you’d like to find out more about the PhD program at ISTA, please visit: http://phd.ista.ac.at

You’re also invited to “like” our Facebook page, follow us on Instagram, connect with us via LinkedIn, or via Bluesky to stay in the loop about ISTA and the whereabouts of our scientists!

A qualifying exam is an exam which students need to pass in order to transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the PhD studies.

In preparation, students need to appoint a thesis committee, prepare a research proposal, and a reading list. The qualifying exam trains students to establish a road map for their own independent research project, a first step to becoming an independent scientist.

A thesis defense is the final examination that decides whether a PhD student can successfully obtain a PhD degree. The thesis committee is the same as that for the qualifying exam.

After a student passes the thesis defense and submits the final copy of their PhD thesis, they will be awarded a PhD.

• Who is eligible to apply?

If you want to do a PhD program at ISTA, you need to have a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in science. You will need submit transcripts and degree certificates of all your previous degree(s) when applying.

Students who have a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in the following (or related interdisciplinary) areas are eligible to apply:

• Biology

• Computer Science

• Chemistry

• Neuroscience

• Mathematics

• Physics

• and interdisciplinary or related areas (e.g., biochemistry, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, statistics, etc.)

We encourage you to use this resource as a first step, as all successful PhD applicants must find a match between the area of their own research interests and that of the professors working at ISTA. If you cannot find a group that matches your research interests then your application will not be successful.

Admission to the program is highly competitive with several thousands of people applying each year for approx. 80+ PhD positions we can offer. In order to find out whether you are suitable to join the program eventually, we have installed a multi-level and thorough application and evaluation process.

Successful applicants are typically within the top tier of their respective institutions and countries. Check the FAQs regarding GPA expectations and other requirements. Please understand that we cannot give you a more detailed answer as to whether or not your application will be successful, based on brief information about an academic record or a CV that you send us via email.

The entire program is conducted in English and we expect you to be proficient in English oral and written communication.

Download the instructions manual here.

• When will a decision about my application be made? When can I expect to hear back from you about the status of my application?

The selection committee will start its review process after the deadline for submission of the reference letters. The first part of the review process will be completed in late February.

Candidates will be notified about their status by early March at the latest. All decisions are final. We do not entertain requests for extensions or review of decisions.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for further interviews. Interviews may be conducted either remotely (usually over Zoom) or on site. Interviews will take place in the course of late February to mid March.

The majority of offers will go out in the second half of March; candidates have to accept or decline by 15 April. The start of the PhD program is uniformly on 15 September.

• What are the GPA requirements?

We do not have a fixed GPA requirement for applicants. However the GPA of successful candidates typically is in the top quartile of their field of study and institution. We expect a top 15% or better GPA from institutions and countries where we receive a high volume of applications such as Pakistan, India, Iran, Nigeria, Ghana, and Ethiopia.

Note that a top GPA in itself is not sufficient to gain a place: you also need to demonstrate that you have the correct skills to be able to affiliate with at least one of the groups on campus. Entry to our program is very competitive and we are unable to make offers to many suitable candidates.

• What can you tell me about the interview process?

You will typically interview with a minimum of two professors (sometimes more). The decision is based on (a) your research interests and chosen professors in your application and (b) which professors who have indicated an interest in talking to you. Although we ask in the application form which professors you would like to work with, please note that your choices here may not reflect which professors will ultimately interview you.

The majority of interviews will be online. Some professors may reach out to you individually to invite you for onsite interviews. In case you are invited for onsite interviews, we will reimburse your travel and accommodation costs (up to a certain limit). The interview process should be completed by mid-March.

The interview format and interview styles will vary by field and by professor, ranging from one-on-one meetings with individual professors, to group interviews consisting of 2-5 professors. A typical interview slot will last 20-40 min, with group interviews typically lasting longer than one-on-one interviews. In most cases you will not need to prepare a presentation on previous work done and/or articles unless you are explicitly asked to do so by the interviewing professor(s). You can expect to be asked to talk about your past research experience, to explain some of your work and/or concepts (on a blackboard, if you have an onsite interview) and to be asked why you want to do a PhD and what attracts you to this particular program.

• What documents do I need to provide during the application process?

The following documents are required:

• CV

• Statement of purpose

• Address all required questions listed in the portal

• University transcripts/score sheets and diplomas of ALL degree programs and ALL years you have attended and/or are currently enrolled in (in English and in original language if other than English)

• Contact details of 3 referees

All documents need to be in English; copies of university transcripts should also be uploaded in their original language. Make sure to combine multi-page documents into a single file PDF.

Failure to provide one or more of the items listed above will result in your application being deemed incomplete, and not progressed further.

Upload all documents as PDFs. Other formats are not supported. Maximum size per upload is 39 MB.

A instruction manual is available here.

• How many positions are available?

We typically admit around 80 students per cohort/intake. The exact number hired per field depends on the quality of the applications.

You will be applying to the program as a whole, not to a particular group. We do not advertise individual positions. Professors are open to new students in every call: a few may only consider exceptional candidates, some may be looking for a student with a particular profile. Professors who are explicitly not hiring will not be listed in the application form.

In the online application, you will find a form in which you can list any three to five research groups you are interested in. These group leaders should be working in the fields you are interested in. In the application portal you are asked to reflect on how you think about your affiliation destinations, in case your primary target group – for whatever reasons – turns out to be not an option. To this end, familiarize yourself with the research groups in your field of interest. Be explicit why you find their research interesting, what appeals to, and what you bring to the table.

• Do I need to contact a specific group leader with whom I wish to work before applying?

No. It is not necessary to contact group leaders directly at the application stage. In the online application, you will find a form in which you can list three to five research groups you are interested in. These professors will then review your application. The professors you choose need to be in the research fields you indicate you are interested in, otherwise your application will not be successful.

Download the instructions manual here.

• Do I need to have my certificates translated into English and authenticated?

We need ALL transcripts to be provided in English, plus in the original the working language of your university if this is a language other than English. This includes applicants coming from German speaking countries!

There is no need to have your certificates authenticated or legalized prior to the online application, and you may provide the translation yourself for this purpose.

Applicants coming from the European Research Area are recommended to use the diploma supplement, which is issued in the original language and in English.

Download the instructions manual here.

• I am an international student: can I apply?

Yes. ISTA does not have any quota on international students and we do not differentiate between local or international applicants.

• I have not yet completed my studies: can I already apply?

Yes you can, but only you are a final-year student. You must finish your stated course of study before the start of the PhD program in Austria (15 September in the year of application). As a minimum requirement, you must be able to demonstrate that you have completed your first degree by August, before the program starts, at the very latest.

Download the instruction manual here.

• What is the age limit for PhD admissions?

ISTA does not have any age limit. However, if there has been a significant gap between your last academic degree and the start of the program, you should explain why you wish to now pursue a PhD in your Statement of Purpose.

• I was not accepted the last time, can I apply again?

Yes you can, but you should be able to demonstrate significant additional experience and improvement.

Please also be aware that you will need to create a new application, submit all required documents and request letters of recommendation again.

• Who do I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions about our PhD program, feel free to contact the Graduate School Office team.

We would be more than happy to tell you about our PhD program.

If you want to do a PhD program at ISTA, you need to have a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in science. You will need submit transcripts and degree certificates of all your previous degree(s) when applying.

Students who have a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in the following (or related interdisciplinary) areas are eligible to apply:

• Biology

• Computer Science

• Chemistry

• Neuroscience

• Mathematics

• Physics

• and interdisciplinary or related areas (e.g., biochemistry, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, statistics, etc.)

We encourage you to use this resource as a first step, as all successful PhD applicants must find a match between the area of their own research interests and that of the professors working at ISTA. If you cannot find a group that matches your research interests then your application will not be successful.

Admission to the program is highly competitive with several thousands of people applying each year for approx. 80+ PhD positions we can offer. In order to find out whether you are suitable to join the program eventually, we have installed a multi-level and thorough application and evaluation process.

Successful applicants are typically within the top tier of their respective institutions and countries. Check the FAQs regarding GPA expectations and other requirements. Please understand that we cannot give you a more detailed answer as to whether or not your application will be successful, based on brief information about an academic record or a CV that you send us via email.

The entire program is conducted in English and we expect you to be proficient in English oral and written communication.

Download the instructions manual here.

The selection committee will start its review process after the deadline for submission of the reference letters. The first part of the review process will be completed in late February.

Candidates will be notified about their status by early March at the latest. All decisions are final. We do not entertain requests for extensions or review of decisions.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for further interviews. Interviews may be conducted either remotely (usually over Zoom) or on site. Interviews will take place in the course of late February to mid March.

The majority of offers will go out in the second half of March; candidates have to accept or decline by 15 April. The start of the PhD program is uniformly on 15 September.

We do not have a fixed GPA requirement for applicants. However the GPA of successful candidates typically is in the top quartile of their field of study and institution. We expect a top 15% or better GPA from institutions and countries where we receive a high volume of applications such as Pakistan, India, Iran, Nigeria, Ghana, and Ethiopia.

Note that a top GPA in itself is not sufficient to gain a place: you also need to demonstrate that you have the correct skills to be able to affiliate with at least one of the groups on campus. Entry to our program is very competitive and we are unable to make offers to many suitable candidates.

You will typically interview with a minimum of two professors (sometimes more). The decision is based on (a) your research interests and chosen professors in your application and (b) which professors who have indicated an interest in talking to you. Although we ask in the application form which professors you would like to work with, please note that your choices here may not reflect which professors will ultimately interview you.

The majority of interviews will be online. Some professors may reach out to you individually to invite you for onsite interviews. In case you are invited for onsite interviews, we will reimburse your travel and accommodation costs (up to a certain limit). The interview process should be completed by mid-March.

The interview format and interview styles will vary by field and by professor, ranging from one-on-one meetings with individual professors, to group interviews consisting of 2-5 professors. A typical interview slot will last 20-40 min, with group interviews typically lasting longer than one-on-one interviews. In most cases you will not need to prepare a presentation on previous work done and/or articles unless you are explicitly asked to do so by the interviewing professor(s). You can expect to be asked to talk about your past research experience, to explain some of your work and/or concepts (on a blackboard, if you have an onsite interview) and to be asked why you want to do a PhD and what attracts you to this particular program.

The following documents are required:

• CV

• Statement of purpose

• Address all required questions listed in the portal

• University transcripts/score sheets and diplomas of ALL degree programs and ALL years you have attended and/or are currently enrolled in (in English and in original language if other than English)

• Contact details of 3 referees

All documents need to be in English; copies of university transcripts should also be uploaded in their original language. Make sure to combine multi-page documents into a single file PDF.

Failure to provide one or more of the items listed above will result in your application being deemed incomplete, and not progressed further.

Upload all documents as PDFs. Other formats are not supported. Maximum size per upload is 39 MB.

A instruction manual is available here.

We typically admit around 80 students per cohort/intake. The exact number hired per field depends on the quality of the applications.

You will be applying to the program as a whole, not to a particular group. We do not advertise individual positions. Professors are open to new students in every call: a few may only consider exceptional candidates, some may be looking for a student with a particular profile. Professors who are explicitly not hiring will not be listed in the application form.

In the online application, you will find a form in which you can list any three to five research groups you are interested in. These group leaders should be working in the fields you are interested in. In the application portal you are asked to reflect on how you think about your affiliation destinations, in case your primary target group – for whatever reasons – turns out to be not an option. To this end, familiarize yourself with the research groups in your field of interest. Be explicit why you find their research interesting, what appeals to, and what you bring to the table.

No. It is not necessary to contact group leaders directly at the application stage. In the online application, you will find a form in which you can list three to five research groups you are interested in. These professors will then review your application. The professors you choose need to be in the research fields you indicate you are interested in, otherwise your application will not be successful.

Download the instructions manual here.

We need ALL transcripts to be provided in English, plus in the original the working language of your university if this is a language other than English. This includes applicants coming from German speaking countries!

There is no need to have your certificates authenticated or legalized prior to the online application, and you may provide the translation yourself for this purpose.

Applicants coming from the European Research Area are recommended to use the diploma supplement, which is issued in the original language and in English.

Download the instructions manual here.

Yes. ISTA does not have any quota on international students and we do not differentiate between local or international applicants.

Yes you can, but only you are a final-year student. You must finish your stated course of study before the start of the PhD program in Austria (15 September in the year of application). As a minimum requirement, you must be able to demonstrate that you have completed your first degree by August, before the program starts, at the very latest.

Download the instruction manual here.

ISTA does not have any age limit. However, if there has been a significant gap between your last academic degree and the start of the program, you should explain why you wish to now pursue a PhD in your Statement of Purpose.

Yes you can, but you should be able to demonstrate significant additional experience and improvement.

Please also be aware that you will need to create a new application, submit all required documents and request letters of recommendation again.

If you have any questions about our PhD program, feel free to contact the Graduate School Office team.

We would be more than happy to tell you about our PhD program.

• Can I modify my application?

You can modify your application at any time up until the final submission deadline.

Please fill out the form using a web browser on a desktop computer. Web browsers on mobile devices (i.e. Android, iPhone, iPad, etc.) are not supported. After starting the application, you can “save” your application and exit the platform at any time. When logging back into the platform, your saved application is accessible by clicking “Open Application”.

After you have submitted your application, to make changes you need to first click the “unsubmit application” button visible in the frontend of the application platform. This moves your application back from the status “submitted” to the status “created”. You will then be able to access the “Open Application” button again, which allows you to edit your application.

Please do not forget to submit again once you have done so, as this will not happen automatically.

Please note that the deadline for making any changes to your application is the same as the submission deadline, i.e., January 8, 2027 at 3.00pm CET. Be mindful of the time-zone you are in. Thereafter, if you choose to “unsubmit” your application, you will be unable to make any changes or resubmit and will thus effectively remove yourself from consideration.

Download the instruction manual here.

• Can the admission office add or revise information of my application after the deadlines?

No, we will not accept supporting materials received via other channels after the deadline. The admissions team will not add or alter information within applications after the submission deadline. The deadline is firm and extensions are not granted.

• Can I have an extension for submitting my application?

No, we do not grant any extensions.

Note the application deadline and be mindf