Visiting-PhDs

The University of Vienna welcomes Visiting-PhD students from all over the world. The Visiting PhD Programme is a "non-degree-seeking" programme for guest PhDs who would like to spend a research period at the University of Vienna, lasting a maximum of one year. Following the stay, PhD candidates return to their respective home-universities. Visiting-PhDs are enrolled at the university to run their research projects, participate in courses and pass exams as well as to benefit from university's services (libraries, Center for Doctoral Studies, computer-services, etc.).

How can I apply for a Visiting-PhD research stay?

In order to enroll you as a Visiting PhD, we need written confirmation of your mentoring professor at the University of Vienna. It is within the scope of your responsibility to contact a professor and negotiate the mentoring during your research stay at the University of Vienna. As soon as an agreement is reached, we kindly ask you and your mentor to get in touch with us. For the subsequent steps please prepare the following:

  1. copy of your master diploma in German or English
  2. passport photo 35x45mm
  3. copy of your identity card or passport

Please be aware that the University of Vienna does not provide particular funding for Visiting-PhDs. Funding possibilities can be found here.

Visiting PhDs do not pay tuition fees (only the student union's fee).

As a Visiting PhD at the University of Vienna you will for sure spend an exciting time here by getting to know a new research group and exploring a new city.

You have access to the following services of the University of Vienna:

Courses at the faculty

The faculties are offering course for PhD candidates. These you will find in the course directory.
Online registration is possible for almost all courses. In the course catalogue you will find the application periods and the link to the registration via u:space.

Events organized by the doctoral schools

The doctoral schools are very active in bringing doctoral candidates and researchers from the faculty together by different events. Please check the website of the doctoral school you are affiliated to. An overview of the schools you will find here.

Workshops in transferable skills and events from the Center for Doctoral Studies

Every semester, workshops on topics such as literature research and management, academic writing and publishing, time and project management etc. are offered by the Center for Doctoral Studies. Additionally, there are events on topics like well-being or postdoc funding programmes. Check out the website.

Vienna University Library

Of course, you have access to all services our library is offering. With the u:card you already have a valid library card. Inform yourself about the different research tools and services on the website of the Vienna University Library. 

Vienna University Computer Center

The u:account is your personal access to the IT services of the University of Vienna. Students receive a personal e-mail address including a mailbox free of charge as part of their u:account. It is essential to activate and check these e-mails regularly, because important information for example concerning the courses you registered for are sent to this e-mail address.
How to activate the account and what services you can profit from can be found on the website.

University Sports Institute

From aqua fitness to ball sports, gymnastics, or popular new sports such as Zumba – the University Sports Institute Vienna offers more than 1,200 courses (from over 120 different types of sport) in modern sports facilities all over Vienna. Check them out on the website. 

Language Centre of the University of Vienna

The Language Center of the University of Vienna offers language courses for German and more than 30 foreign languages.