Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) PhD Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded

Scholarships for International

The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) announces the opening of applications for its 2026 PhD program, dedicated to academically outstanding students who wish to pursue advanced studies in scientific and research fields.
The application deadline is January 8, 2026, at 3:00 PM CET, while recommendation letters must be submitted by January 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM CET.

About the Program

The ISTA PhD program aims to train open-minded, interdisciplinary scientists capable of tackling research problems from various perspectives and collaborating across diverse scientific domains.
The program provides a shared academic experience combining interdisciplinary core courses, advanced specialized courses, and hands-on training in small research groups under close supervision.

The program consists of two main phases:
Phase 1: Includes interdisciplinary coursework and practical training in three different research groups (lab rotations) before choosing the final group.
Phase 2: Focuses on preparing and defending the PhD proposal, followed by intensive scientific research under the supervision of an academic committee.

The typical duration of study ranges from 4.5 to 6 years, depending on the research topic and the student’s prior qualification (Bachelor’s or Master’s).

Application and Selection Timeline

Stage	Date
Application opens	Second half of October 2025
Application deadline	January 8, 2026, 2:59 PM CET
Preliminary review	February 2026
Interviews (mostly online)	Late February to mid-March
Final selection meetings	Mid to late March
Offer letters sent	After final meetings
Deadline to accept the offer	April 15
Program start date	September 15 (non-negotiable)

Study and Training Structure

Lab Rotations:

Students work in three different research groups, each lasting about two months, before selecting their final group. This allows them to explore new areas and broaden their scientific skills.

Courses:

The curriculum includes two main types of courses:

Core interdisciplinary courses such as “Interdisciplinary Scientific Communication,” aimed at improving communication skills across fields.
Advanced elective courses providing in-depth training in the chosen research area, with flexibility in course selection.

Essential Research Skills:

Students receive training in scientific writing, research integrity, data management, communication and presentation, and career planning.

Eligibility

The program welcomes students holding a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in one of the following or related fields:

Biology
Chemistry
Neuroscience
Mathematics
Computer Science
Physics
Data Science and Scientific Computing
Astronomy
Earth Sciences

Applicants from diverse academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply and contribute their experience and skills to ISTA’s research environment.

Funding and Financial Support

All ISTA PhD students receive full funding with internationally competitive salaries and comprehensive social security coverage.
Additional funding is provided for conference participation and workshops.
Students are offered five-year employment contracts, extendable by one additional year if needed. Funding continues until the final defense of the PhD thesis.

Program Duration

The study period typically lasts 4.5 to 6 years, depending on the research project and prior academic background.

How to Apply

Applications to the ISTA PhD program are accepted once a year, opening in the second half of October and closing on January 8, 2026.

Applicants must:

Create an online account through the official application portal using a valid email address for all communication.
Complete the application form on a desktop browser (mobile devices and tablets are not recommended).
Download and follow the application guide carefully.
Upload all required documents exclusively via the online portal (no external submissions accepted).

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Statement of Purpose explaining academic motivation, previous experience, technical skills, and reasons for choosing ISTA. The statement must include:
- Up to three suitable research groups at ISTA.
- Discussion of one ISTA faculty research paper (with DOI) and why it interests the applicant.
- Mention of another inspiring research institution outside ISTA and the reason for it.
Academic transcripts and certificates for all previous degrees, both in English and the original language.
Contact details of three academic referees capable of assessing the applicant’s academic and research performance.

All documents must be in English. If not issued in English, an official translation must be attached.

Selection Criteria

The Admission Committee evaluates applications based on several criteria, including:

Academic performance during undergraduate studies, with emphasis on relevant subjects.
Recommendation letters from professors or researchers (academic references are prioritized).
Quality and relevance of the Statement of Purpose and the applicant’s research interests.
Technical skills and practical experience in research projects or scientific competitions.
General competencies such as communication, teamwork, and leadership.
Academic, geographical, and disciplinary diversity.