Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)
ISTA (Institute of Science and Technology Austria) PhD Programme
The ISTA (Institute of Science and Technology Austria) PhD Programme is a fully-funded scholarship from Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) for PhD pursuing any field in Austria. Deadline: For the 2027 intake, the portal opens in the second half of October 2026; submission deadline 8 January 2027, 15:00 CET; referee letters by 12 January 2027.
- Funding
- Fully Funded
- Degree levels
- PhD
- Where
- Austria
- Funded by
- university
Key Facts at a Glance
- Amount
- Full funding through employment at a competitive salary with full social security (including health insurance); no tuition fee, no application fee; conference travel support
- Deadline
- For the 2027 intake, the portal opens in the second half of October 2026; submission deadline 8 January 2027, 15:00 CET; referee letters by 12 January 2027
- Host countries
- Austria
- Fields
- Any field
Eligibility Criteria
Open worldwide, no nationality quota Academic background Fields of study Nationality and language There is no nationality quota and no preference for any country or region. The selection is based on your record and potential. All application materials are submitted in English, and you do not need German to study or work at ISTA.
Scholarship Benefits
- A full-time employment contract with ISTA, so you are paid staff rather than a self-funded student
- A competitive monthly gross salary paid 14 times per year, with an increase after you pass the Qualifying Exam
- Full Austrian social security coverage, including statutory health insurance through the ÖGK
- No tuition fee for the duration of your studies
- No application fee
- Financial support for travel to scientific conferences and workshops
- Free German language courses for enrolled PhD students
Important Dates & Deadlines
For the 2027 intake, the portal opens in the second half of October 2026; submission deadline 8 January 2027, 15:00 CET; referee letters by 12 January 2027
Verify eligibility and deadlines on the official scholarship page before applying.