Admission to the Doctoral Program & Registration for the DSHCS

The doctoral program in Philosophy at the University of Vienna serves to further develop doctoral candidates’ abilities to conduct independent academic work as well as to train and promote early stage researchers. The doctoral program entails independent research of international standard in the doctoral candidate’s respective field of doctoral studies.

There are three ways to pursue a doctoral degree in historical-cultural studies at University of Vienna. While all doctoral candidates have to complete the mandatory coursework and the milestones of the doctoral program, their position differs in terms of employment, access to workshops, and eligibility for funding schemes.

Moreover, for PhD candidates from other universities it is possible to enroll in the doctoral program and the DSHCS as a visiting PhD candidate for up to one year.

1. Funded doctoral candidates at the DSHCS

Funded doctoral candidates obtain a university funded or third-party funded position (“prae doc”) at the University of Vienna under the supervision of a member of the DSHCS or have received a scholarship through the histcult:docs Fellowship Program. As DSHCS candidates, they benefit from the supervisory structure of the DSHCS, attend the DSHCS' workshops and organize/take part in cohort-related activities. Moreover, they are encouraged to apply to the various funding schemes of the DSHCS.

Required steps

  1. Application for an open position
  2. Application for admission to the doctoral program in the Humanities
  3. Application for admission to the DSHCS

2. Self-funded doctoral candidates at the DSHCS

All doctoral candidates can apply for admission to the DSHCS. DSHCS candidates are expected to participate in the activities of the DSHCS and to pass the public presentation of their proposal within the first year. They benefit from the supervisory structure of the DSHCS, attend the DSHCS' workshops and organize/take part in cohort-related activities. Moreover, they are encouraged to apply to the various funding schemes of the DSHCS. The DSHCS will support students without a funded doctoral position at the University of Vienna in their efforts to secure long-term funding for their doctoral project.

Required steps

  1. Application for admission to the doctoral program in the Humanities
  2. Application for admission to the DSHCS

3. Doctoral candidates in the Humanities (but outside the DSHCS)

It is possible to pursue a doctoral degree in the Humanities at the University of Vienna without joining the DSHCS. However, please note that many offers and services provided for doctoral candidates are restricted to members of the DSHCS.

Required steps

  1. Application for admission to the doctoral program in the Humanities

Visiting PhD candidates

The University of Vienna welcomes visiting PhD candidates from all over the world. The Visiting PhD program is a non-degree-seeking program for PhD candidates who wants to join the University of Vienna for a research stay of up to one year. Afterwards, visiting PhD candidates return to their respective home universities. As a visiting PhD candidate you are enrolled at the University of Vienna and work on your research projects. You can join the DSHCS, participate in courses, take exams and benefit form other services provided by the University of Vienna (libraries, Center for Doctoral Studies, computer-services, etc.). We are looking forward to your application!

Required steps

Info session: Doctoral studies at the University of Vienna

The Center for Doctoral Studies organizes info sessions on doctoral studies at the University of Vienna in German and English language on a regular basis.