Scholarship Overview

The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), located in Klosterneuburg near Vienna, is accepting applications for its 2027 fully funded PhD programme in science, technology, and mathematics. Set to begin on 15 September 2027, the programme allows candidates to perform advanced scientific research across seven broad tracks in a highly collaborative environment. Applicants are not required to contact or secure a thesis supervisor beforehand. Instead, admitted students participate in three initial two-month laboratory rotations to explore various research teams before picking a final supervisor.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for the ISTA doctoral programme, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

  • Welcome applicants from all nationalities globally.
  • Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, or be in their final year of study (must complete the degree before 15 September 2027).
  • Demonstrate the capacity to perform advanced scientific research.
  • Possess strong spoken and written English skills (formal language certificates such as IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE are not required, though English ability is evaluated in interviews).

Benefits

Admitted doctoral candidates receive employment-based funding and administrative support:

  • Full salary through a formal employment contract with ISTA, with zero tuition fees.
  • Austrian social security coverage, including health insurance.
  • Funding support to participate in international academic conferences and workshops.
  • Initial five-year employment contract (programmes typically span 4.5 to 6 years, with continued funding until thesis defence for progressing students).
  • Administrative assistance with visa and residence matters, along with access to campus housing (note that visa and relocation costs are not paid by ISTA).

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit their application online through the official ISTA portal. The deadline for submitting the application is 8 January 2027, at 3:00 p.m. Central European Time (CET). Supporting reference letters must be submitted by 12 January 2027, at 11:59 p.m. CET.

🎓 Official Details & Apply

Source: fully funded scholarships 2026 - BingNews · Published October 25, 2026 · Photo by Colin Cooke Photo via Openverse

Always confirm deadlines and eligibility on the official scholarship website.