• I have decided on a specific doctoral program for which I would like to submit an application for admission.
  Would you like to learn more about the range of degree programmes we offer? Here you will find an overview of our Doctoral Programmes 
• I have defined my intended doctoral project and found a supervisor for it 
• I have prepared all documents (Ankerlink nach weiter unten "Die wichtigsten Dokumente auf einen Blick") and can provide any required legalisations and translations
• I have familiarized myself with any required standards for language proficiency and can provide the necessary proof 
• I have an active u:account
• You do not have an account yet? You can register here on u:space. If you encounter technical issues or need to reactivate an inactive account, the ZID Helpdesk will be happy to assist you.

1. Gather all the required documents. You’ll find a detailed list in the overview of the doctoral programme of your choice.

2. Upload your application for admission to u:space

   1. Please make sure the name of the doctoral program you select from the dropdown list on u:space matches the name listed on our website under doctoral programmes. If you’re unsure which program to choose, please contact your supervisor or the Doctoral Admissions team.

3. Your application will be reviewed

   1. The Doctoral Admissions team will review your application for completeness. If any documents are missing or were not uploaded in the correct format, we will contact you by email.
   2. The relevant doctoral programme director will conduct a substantive review. If clarification is needed, you will be contacted at this stage to submit additional documents or invited to a personal interview.

   3. Please allow 3–6 weeks for the results of the review of a complete application. Processing times may be longer if additional documents are requested or if you are invited to an interview.

4. You will receive an official notice via email

   1. Admission may be granted either

      1. without further conditions
      2. subject to the completion of supplementary exams from your bachelor’s and master's programmes (up to a maximum of 60 ECTS) or
      3. rejected due to justified deficiencies.

   2. If you receive a positive admission letter, please reply to the doctoral admission team with a brief email stating that you wish to be admitted. Please specify the semester in which you would like to begin your studies.

5. Upon our request, pay the tuition fee and Students' Union fee via u:space

   1. More information on the amount of the tuition fee 

Submit your application for admission now 

All documents must be submitted in German or English.

• Declaration of Willingness to Supervise (link to pdf-form)
• Description of Your Intended Doctoral Project
• Letter of Motivation
• Academic Resume

Guidelines for preparing these documents, as well as any additional documents that may be required, can be found in the overview of your specific doctoral programme under the “Admission” section.

• Degree certificates AND transcripts/Diploma Supplements for your completed bachelor’s and master’s or diploma programs, including the required legalisations
• Scanned copy of passport or ID card (front and back)

• Proof of language proficiency (for more information, see “Language Proof" or the overview of your specific doctoral programme

Contact us!

Email: doktorat.zulassung(at)univie.ac.at 

All doctoral candidates at the University of Vienna are required to apply for admission, regardless of their funding situation. This session provides a concise and structured overview of the admission process.

The following topics will be addressed:

• Required application documents  
• Language requirements
• The application platforms u:account and u:space
• Legalisation and translation requirements for application documents

Date: 28 October 2026, 11:00-12:00 

Join the session to “Admission process in a nutshell”