TU Wien offers three doctoral programs: Engineering Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Social and Economic Sciences. All programs are based on a common curriculum; students are assigned to a program based on their prior education. 

The standard duration of the program is six semesters. It consists of writing a dissertation worth 162 ECTS credits and completing courses totaling 18 ECTS credits.

Further information can be found on the website for doctoral programs.

TU Wien offers three doctoral programs:

• Doctoral Programme in Engineering Sciences
• Doctoral Programme in Natural Sciences
• Doctoral Programme in Social and Economic Sciences

The curricula for the doctoral programs can be found in TISS, under “Academic Programmes, opens an external URL in a new window.” If you have any questions, please contact the relevant Dean of Studies.

In order to start your doctoral journey at TU Wien, you will need to find a supervisor and discuss the details of your doctoral research proposal with them. All TU Wien faculties and institutes are listed on this website. Identify the relevant institute for your interests, and contact the relevant professors directly for more information about their availability to supervise a doctoral thesis.

Additionally, new positions for doctoral candidates at TU Wien (Prae-Doc employment) may be advertised from time to time. Visit the TU Wien job portal, opens an external URL in a new window or the Doctoral Center's website on vacancies in doctoral colleges to find opportunities to which you can apply.

The curricula for the doctoral programs can be found in TISS, under “Academic Programmes, opens an external URL in a new window.”

Unfortunately, the Doctoral Center does not offer scholarships for doctoral candidates.

Depending on your background and desired field of study, however, there are various external organizations that award scholarships and grants. Please note that the Doctoral Center cannot assist with research or the application process.

The Admission Office at TU Wien oversees the admissions process. Further information can be found here under “Admission.”

Along with the application, you must submit a research proposal/exposé and a confirmation of supervision from a TU Wien professor. Further information on the admissions process can be found here.

If you are applying with a degree from another national or international postsecondary educational institution (university or university of applied sciences), you must submit a written application to the Admission Office. The relevant Dean of Studies must first conduct an equivalency review to determine if your program is equivalent to the corresponding program at TU Wien.

However, certain diploma and master's programs at Austrian universities of applied sciences are recognized as equivalent, qualifying students for admission to a doctoral program without the need for a prior equivalency assessment. If full equivalency is not established, the doctoral program will be extended by one or two semesters to align with the university's master's program.

Further information can be found on the Admission Office website.

The required courses for the scientific specialization (18 ECTS credits) can be taken in either German or English, depending on availability. In consultation with the advisor, the dissertation can be written in German or English.

For pre-doctoral positions at TU Wien, specific language skills may be required.

Within the doctoral program, a total of 180 ECTS credits must be earned:

• As part of the scientific specialization, 18 ECTS credits must be earned through coursework.
• A total of 162 ECTS credits are awarded for completing the dissertation.

The Rectorate may establish different rules for doctoral colleges.

The Doctoral Center can only provide templates for reports submitted as part of doctoral colleges.

The DOC Center does not provide general templates for dissertations. We recommend contacting the Dean's office of your respective faculty or your supervisor regarding this matter.

Further information is available on TU Wien websites, such as the website for doctoral programmes.

TU Wien employees with questions related to their employment can contact the Human Resources department. For doctoral students, specific points of contact within the Human Resources Department are also available and can be found here.

The “International Relations and Global Affairs” team provides support for questions regarding international mobility.

The International Welcome and Engagement Center supports international students and staff at TU Wien.

The Doctoral Student Council (Fachschaft Doktorat), opens an external URL in a new window represents the interests of doctoral candidates at TU Wien. The Council is a group of volunteers, including five officially elected representatives, who advocate for doctoral candidates' interests in various TU Wien committees. The Council also supports doctoral candidates by providing advice and assistance with questions related to their studies and research. Additionally, the Council organizes workshops and events where doctoral candidates can learn new skills and meet other students.

The Student Support office offers psychological counseling and mental health support.

TU Wien employees can also access counseling as part of the workplace health promotion program.

In addition, there are numerous resources available, such as those offered by HTU, the City of Vienna, or the emergency psychological service. A list of these resources can be found on the Student Support website, for example.

The Ombuds Office for Academic Affairs can help with conflicts arising in everyday student life. The office can provide advice, support, and help with communication. The office contacts the parties responsible and works with them to find solutions.

Depending on the specific case, the TU Wien Works Council may also be able to provide support for workplace conflicts.

TU Wien has several points of contact for diversity, gender equality, and inclusion:

• Diversity Management
• Gender Equality Office
• TU Wien barrier-free
• LGBTIQ* at TU Wien

TU Wien has a Disability Officer and a Disabilities Representative who provide support on accessibility issues. Their contact information can be found on this website.

The TU Wien Library, opens an external URL in a new window offers advice and support on researching literature, publishing, and other topics.

TU Wien’s Responsible Research Practices, opens an external URL in a new window team supports researchers and lecturers in questions concerning research ethics and research integrity.

The Innovation Incubation Center (i²c), opens an external URL in a new window is TU Wien’s center for deep tech entrepreneurship and innovation with the aim of empowering individuals to turn bold ideas into global impact.