Doctorate at the University of Vienna

Standard documents

Description of the intended doctoral project

The description of the intended doctoral project is an important part of your application. It should clearly outline the intended doctoral project, its research questions and objectives, as well as the current state of research that provides the basis for the intended doctoral project.

Length: max. 4 pages in A4 (plus max. 1 page of bibliographical references)

Please make sure to address the following aspects:

  • Brief description of the content of the intended doctoral project
    • What are the research questions and objectives?
  • Brief description of the current state of research
    • What research provides the basis for the intended doctoral project (including bibliographical references to the most relevant publications on the current state of research)?
    • How does the intended doctoral project relate to the current state of research?
  • Preliminary considerations about the theory and methodological approach
    • What theories form the basis for the intended doctoral project?
    • What methods are you planning to use?
    • What research materials (data, sources, etc.) would you like to investigate?
    • Do you have a rough work and time schedule?
  • Extended bibliography
    • List relevant literature that your intended doctoral project relates to and/or builds upon. Please format the publications that you consider the most important (up to five) in bold.

Letter of motivation

Your letter of motivation is an important part of your application. It should give a brief and concise outline of your previous career, your research interests, as well as your motivation for the intended research project.

Format and length: PDF format with a maximum length of 500 words (corresponding to about 1 A4 page)

In your letter of motivation, you should address the following aspects:

  • Your previous academic and professional career, as well as any special, relevant qualifications and previous experience
  • Your motivation for starting a doctoral programme
  • Description of why you would like to complete a doctoral programme at the University of Vienna. If applicable, you can also specify (a) preliminary or desired supervisor(s) at this point.
  • Please outline to what extent your intended doctoral project relates to the doctoral programme of your choice as well as to the academic thematic focus at the faculty/department.

Curriculum vitae

 Your curriculum vitae is an important part of your application. It should give a brief and concise outline of your academic and professional experience, as well as any information relevant to your research project, in tabular form.

Format and length: PDF format (1-3 pages, A4) The applicant is responsible for format and layout.

Usually, an academic curriculum vitae provides the following information:

  • Education and academic career in reverse chronological order
  • Relevant professional experience
  • Language skills
  • Skills and competences
  • Academic achievements (publications, grants, awards, participation in conferences, etc.)
  • References