Vienna BioCenter PhD Program — Autumn Call 2026
The Vienna BioCenter PhD Program is accepting applications for its Autumn 2026 call. The official deadline for the written application and both references is 15 October 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Vienna BioCenter PhD 2026: key details
| Programme | Vienna BioCenter PhD Program |
|---|---|
| Current call | Autumn Call 2026 |
| Application deadline | 15 October 2026 at 23:59 CET |
| Duration | 4–5 years |
| Funding model | Fully funded PhD based on an employment contract with benefits |
| Research environment | More than 60 research groups across four research institutes |
| Partner universities | University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna |
| Start date | Flexible; Autumn Call candidates must start by 1 June 2027 |
The programme covers a broad range of modern life-science research, including molecular mechanisms, genome biology, cell biology, developmental biology and related interdisciplinary areas. Applicants should review the recruiting research groups for the Autumn 2026 call before selecting research interests.
Who can apply?
The official eligibility rules require applicants to hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in a life-sciences-related subject, or to expect the qualifying degree within six months after the application deadline. Applicants also need more than six months of full-time research experience in a relevant area.
- Two referees are required, using institutional email addresses.
- At least one referee should have supervised the applicant in a research project.
- A high level of written and spoken English is required; an official English-language certificate is not required by the programme.
- A four-year Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours may be accepted as Master’s-equivalent when accompanied by substantial research experience and the required academic records.
- Applicants who have already applied to the Vienna BioCenter PhD Program are not eligible to apply again under the programme’s current rules.
How to apply for the Autumn 2026 call
- Review the open research groups. Identify laboratories and research areas that genuinely match your training and interests.
- Create the required university account and start the written application. The programme specifically advises applicants to begin before 10 October because referee submissions can take time.
- Enter two referees. Both references must be received before the application can be finalised.
- Submit the complete application and references by 15 October 2026 at 23:59 CET.
- Prepare for the selection stages. Shortlisted candidates progress through online panel interviews and research-group interviews.
Autumn Call 2026 timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications opened | 1 September 2026 |
| Written application and references deadline | 15 October 2026, 23:59 CET |
| Written-stage results | Second week of November 2026 |
| Online panel interviews | 24–25 November 2026 |
| PI and student sessions | 1 December 2026 |
| One-to-one interviews with recruiting PIs | From 4 December 2026 |
| Campus visits | Typically December–January |
| Latest PhD start | 1 June 2027 |
Application strategy
Use the research-group list as the starting point rather than submitting a generic life-sciences application. Your research experience, motivation and preferred scientific questions should form a coherent fit with groups that are actually recruiting in the Autumn 2026 call. Give referees enough time to submit their letters because the programme will not allow final submission until both references are received.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Vienna BioCenter PhD Autumn 2026 call open?
Yes. The official programme lists the Autumn Call 2026 as open, with a deadline of 15 October 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Is the PhD funded?
Yes. Vienna BioCenter describes the programme as a fully funded 4–5 year PhD based on an employment contract with benefits.
Can I apply before finishing my Master’s degree?
Yes, if you expect to receive the qualifying degree within six months after the application deadline and meet the other eligibility requirements.
Do I need an English-language test certificate?
The programme requires strong spoken and written English but states that an official English certificate is not required.
