The Vienna Biocenter (VBC) PhD Programme in Life Sciences has been successfully running since 1993, providing students from all over the world with exceptional training. As a student at the VBC PhD Programme you will be supervised by a top scientist and have full access to state-of-the-art facilities, thus giving you an opportunity to launch a successful scientific career.

The Vienna Biocenter Campus is extremely dynamic and highly multidisciplinary with research areas ranging from molecules to populations.

The VBC PhD Programme is jointly organized by IMP, IMBA, GMI and MFPL; the degree is awarded by the University of Vienna. The VBC programme has established itself as one of the premier programs in biology and life sciences in the heart of Europe.

Eligibility

To apply to our programme you must have the following:

Fully completed application form submitted before the relevant deadline
A Master degree or equivalent or anticipate receiving before enrolment, a university degree that would formally qualify you to enter a PhD or equivalent programme in the country where you obtain your degree
Give the full details of two referees
Have a high level of both spoken and written English
Be preferably under 30 years of age at the time of application

Application Process

A panel of VBC faculty first reviews all complete applications. Candidates with strong academic achievements, clear scientific thinking, and dedication and interest in research are invited to Vienna for interviews. All prospective students come to the VBC campus for five days, during which, they have the opportunity to find out more about the programme, life in Vienna, and research at the VBC.

The VBC PhD programme covers travel costs and accommodation during the visit. A formal interview on the second day requires the prospective students to present a short “journal club” and their own research experience to a panel of VBC faculty. More details about the formal interview are provided to students when they are invited.

Candidates who perform well in the interview then have two days to discuss potential research projects with individual group leaders and get to know the different labs. During this discussion period, students prioritize the groups they would like to join. Finally, group leaders offer positions to the students who best fit the project and the lab. Candidates have 3 weeks to accept or decline the offer.

Tuition Fees

EU Citizens

Students from Austria, other EU/EEA member states are exempt from the tuition fee as long as they study within the minimum duration of their degree program plus two additional semesters (six semesters). In this case students pay only the students' union fee of € 18 until the end of the extended admission period. After the six semesters you will have to pay the tuition fee of € 381.36.

Non-EU Citizens

Depending on your citizenship you will need to pay either €381.36 or €744.72 per semester or you will be granted remission from the tuition fee.

Refund of Tuition Fees

All students that are recruited through the VBC PhD programme will have their tuition fees refunded by the respective institute in the event of them having to pay any fees.

Vienna Biocenter PhD Programme

Deadline:

April 30, 2015