Structured doctoral programs designed as graduated school (Kolleg) combine several doctoral candidates who do research to a predetermined topic. In contrast to individual doctoral studies where the financing of the studies is mostly in the hands of the doctoral candidate, the structured programs offer funding in addition to the program. This means that the doctoral candidates receive a position at the University of Vienna. To receive a place in a structured program a competitive application procedure has to be passed. The international call for applications and hiring is done by the respective Kolleg.

The Doctoral Programs (Doktoratskollegs) funded by the Austrian Science Fund and the Initiative Groups (Initiativkollegs) funded by the University of Vienna are aligned to bring forward young scientists. Doctoral Candidates are employed as “Kolleg assistants” and are supervised by a team of top scientists. They work together in a research area, thereby focusing on their topic but at the same time being part of a comprehensive research project, helping them to network on an international and interdisciplinary level and hence, strengthen their scientific competences. In being part of this kind of structured program, the doctoral candidates are optimally prepared for a carrier within or outside academia.