Doctorate at the University of Vienna

Doctoral journey in a Nutshell

Have you completed the admission process and enrolled as a PhD student at the University of Vienna? This page provides an overview of the key milestones in your doctoral studies. For further details and guidance, please contact your doctoral school.

Your First Year

During your first year, you will develop your research proposal and present it to the faculty as part of the public presentation (“FÖP”).

  • Develop your research proposal – make use of the resources and support offered by your doctoral school. Many doctoral schools offer support in preparing for the faculty’s public presentation
  • Schedule regular feedback meetings with your supervisor
  • Form a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC)
  • Register for the faculty’s public presentation (“FÖP”) at the StudienServiceCenter (SSC)
  • Present your research proposal (exposé) to the faculty
  • Sign and submit the dissertation agreement at the SSC
  • Find out about the course programme and training opportunities offered by your doctoral school
     
Students walking the hallways of the university of Vienna.
Ian Ehm

Research Phase

In this phase, you focus on conducting your research, writing your dissertation, and developing your academic profile.

  • Conduct your research and write your dissertation.
  • Submit your annual progress reports to the SSC.
  • Meet regularly with your Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC).
  • Complete the courses and other activities required by your doctoral programme.
  • Engage with the academic community by participating in summer schools and conferences, and working towards publishing your research findings
  • Plan your career early! Your doctoral school and u:rise offer practical support, trainings and guidance to help you explore career oportunities and plan your next steps.
Four people are sitting on the stairs of the University of Vienna and talk to each other.
Ian Ehm

Final Phase

From submitting your dissertation to your doctoral defence!

  • Finalise your dissertation. 
  • Submit your final progress report to the SSC.
  • Submit your dissertation to the SSC.
  • Make sure you have completed all required courses for your doctoral programme before your doctoral defence.
  • Register for your doctoral defence with the SSC. Contact your SSC for information about the organisational arrangements, including booking a room and scheduling the date.
  • Defend your dissertation in your doctoral defence.
  • Celebrate your achievement! Mark the completion of your doctoral studies by attending the University of Vienna’s academic graduation ceremony.

For further details, get in touch with your doctoral school or SSC.

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