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• Where do I apply?

  The application process takes place through the University of Vienna’s u:space (the portal for studies and teaching).
  
  
• What do I need when applying to do a PhD in Demography at the University of Vienna?

  To be admitted to the Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences at the University of Vienna, you
  need the following documents:
  ● Description of the intended doctoral project
  ● Letter of motivation
  ● CV
  ● Indication of willingness to supervise
  ● If you did your Master’s at a foreign University, additional requirements are needed
  ● Proof of language competence
  More information plus where and how to apply can be found here.
• What happens after I am accepted?

  After receiving an admission letter, you are provisionally accepted by the University of Vienna.
  To gain full acceptance two things are required:

  1.  Complete any stipulations of additional exams stated in the admission letter.
  2. Successful completion of the open presentation (FÖP) within 1 year after receiving anadmission letter. Time spent in provisional acceptance:

  a. The aim is to develop an individual research proposal and to prepare for the FÖP.
  b. During this phase, you may complete courses, but only a maximum of 10 ECTS
  will be counted.

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• Who can supervise my dissertation project?

  Your primary supervisor must be a professor at the University of Vienna Department of
  Demography. It is best that you contact that person directly before starting the application
  process. Furthermore, in order to participate in the ViDSS (see below) your advisor will need to
  be a ViDSS member.
• Can I have co-supervisors?

  Yes. In fact, you are encouraged to have a co-supervisor. Co-supervisor can come from the University of Vienna, Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA, ÖAW, University of Vienna), or other academic/research centres. It is good to officially establish your research relationship with your co-supervisor before the open Presentation (FÖP), however, it will not be administratively necessary until the Thesis Agreement.
  *Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA, OeAW, University of
  Vienna). Link: www.wittgensteincentre.org/en/staff.htm
  
  

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• What is the Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences (ViDSS)?

  The establishment of the Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences (ViDSS) is part of a university-wide initiative of providing structured doctoral education in many different disciplines. More information here.
• What are the benefits of joining?

  Already before the FÖP:
  

  •  Networking of doctoral candidates through kick-off retreats, disciplinary and interdisciplinary PhD clubs, peer mentoring and brownbag lectures.

  • Transferable skills trainings, support in writing a doctoral thesis and international workshops.

  After the FÖP:
  

  • Research funds for research-related costs such as travel expenses, self-organised workshops or proof reading.

  • Support for international experiences and networking.

  • Completion grants (sowi:doc Completion Scholarship).

  • Awards for outstanding doctoral theses (sowi:doc Awards).
• How can I join?

  With a ViDSS supervisor and a funded position you simply need to fill a form. Information for self
  funded candidates is available here.

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• What are credits from external sources [recognitions]?

  There are a variety of recognitions you can receive that will count as ECTS. They can make up
  only 10 out of 30 needed for successful completion of the doctoral studies. They include:
  ● Participation in conferences (2 ECTS)
  ● Presentation at conferences (paper) (4-5 ECTS)
  ● Organisation of conferences (3-4 ECTS)
  ● Academic publications (not applicable for thesis by publication) (4-5 ECTS)
  ● Curating of exhibitions (3-4 ECTS)
  ● Teaching (3-4 ECTS)
  ● Participation in appraised academic research projects (1-3 ECTS)
  ● Internal summer schools at the Faculty (3 ECTS)
• How many credits are required for completion of doctoral studies at the University of Vienna?

  A total completion of a minimum of 30 ECTS is required before being able to defend your
  dissertation.

  • At least 20 ECTS must be obtained through courses from the Social Sciences doctoral programme.

  • A maximum of 10 ECTS can be covered by recognition and/or completed Master courses (in case of Master courses this must be stated explicitly in the Doctoral Thesis Agreement).

  • A maximum of 10 ECTS can be completed before the completion of the Doctoral Thesis Agreement (completed after finishing the FÖP).

  • A maximum of 10 ECTS can come from external sources [recognitions] (see below).

  All completed grades are registered on u:space > Studies > Examination results

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• Which types of dissertations are possible?

  Doctoral thesis (Monograph or Thesis by publications). There are several guidelines concerning
  length, language, inclusion of materials published before and during the doctoral program,
  format, independent contributions and formal structure. Specifics can be found here.
• What are the requirements for a monograph?

  Information can be found here. It is at the point not clear if the Department of Demography staff
  will accept a Thesis by Monograph.
• What are the requirements for a thesis by publication?

  • Consists of at least three papers;

  • If papers are co-authored, the doctoral candidate must specify their contribution to each paper based on specific rules;

  • Includes a comprehensive discussion of the contribution of the paper to existing literature (8,000 - 12,000 words).

  More information can be found here.

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• What is the Open Presentation to the Faculty (FÖP)?

  The FÖP is a presentation and defence of your research proposal in front of the doctoral
  advisory board (8-10 minutes presentation, followed by a 20 minutes discussion). It takes place
  within 12-months of receiving an admission letter to the University of Vienna. Successfully
  passing the FÖP allows doctoral students to complete the Thesis Agreement. More information
  here.
• When does it take place?

  The FÖP takes place at the beginning (October, March) and end of each semester (January,
  June). Application deadline is about one month before the FÖP. More information can be found
  here.
• What do I need when I apply?

  There are 4 forms in total:

  • Research proposal (4,000 words not including literature, font size 12 pt., font Times New Roman, line spacing 1.5)

  • Half-page abstract

  • Submission of 2 forms: “Registration of the doctoral thesis topic and announcement of the supervisor/s” and “Regulations relating to good scientific practice”

  • CV form
• Which resources are available to help me prepare?

  Members of the ViDSS are offered a FÖP preparation course titled Introduction Course: From
  Research Idea to a Successful Public Presentation. The course is offered each semester and is
  useful for students who want to participate in the FÖP at the end of the current semester or
  beginning of the following semester. More information can be found here.

  
  There is a Peer Mentor program for students in the process of writing the research proposal.
  More information here.

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• What is the thesis agreement?

  The Thesis Agreement is a formal written agreement between supervisor(s) and doctoral
  candidate. It is to be completed after successfully completing the FÖP. It includes the following:
  

  • Topic

  • Extent of supervision

  • Planned participation in courses,

  • Workshops, conferences, etc.

  • Time schedule

  Progress is documented in yearly annexes. More information here.
• Where do I turn it in?

  After all the necessary documents are ready, the Thesis Agreement should be emailed to
  doktorat.sozialwissenschaften@univie.ac.at. The process may take some time. Once the
  agreement has been accepted by the Faculty of Social Sciences the student will be informed.
  The date of the doctoral thesis agreement is added to the examination results page on u:space.
• What other requirements are there?

  After successfully passing the FÖP and completing the Thesis Agreement, doctoral students
  must submit an annual report. This includes statements of progress and milestones as well as
  statements from the supervisor(s). More details can be found here.This form is returned to doktorat.sozialwissenschaften@univie.ac.at.

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• How do I submit my written thesis?

  After completing the requirements for the chosen dissertation type, the written thesis must be
  submitted to the StudiesServiceCenter in both printed and electronic form. Additionally, the
  following documents are required:

  • Three copies of the doctoral thesis, hardbound

  • ‘Doctoral thesis submission’ form (SL/D6)

  • ‘Assignment of a thesis to reviewers’ form (SL/D3)

  • ‘Assignment of a thesis to reviewers - Abstract’ form (SL/D4)

  • ‘Bestätigung der Ablieferung’ - confirmation that you successfully uploaded your electronic doctoral thesis to HOPLA

  (Note: all necessary ECTS credits must be completed)

  
  The thesis is presented to two reviewers. You, with your supervisor, can propose three experts
  to act as reviewers. One reviewer must be an external person. The CV and list of publications of
  the external reviewer must be submitted with formed SL/D3 and SL/D4

  
  Information is available here.
• Review of the thesis

  Once the dissertation has been submitted, the reviewers have up to four months to review it. If
  both reviewers submit a positive report, you can then register for the public defense. If one
  reviewer submits a negative review, the thesis will be given to a third reviewer. If then, the thesis
  receives a negative review, the doctoral candidate is required to rewrite the dissertation before
  submitting.
• How do I arrange my public defence?

  Upon receiving a positive review, you may register for the public defence. The Directorate of
  Doctoral Studies is responsible for assigning members to the examination committee. The
  committee usually comprises three individuals, which you may suggest to the Directorate of
  Doctoral Studies. It is the doctoral candidates responsibility to find a date and time for the
  defence. More specific information available here.

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• What is the Demography PhD Club?

  The Demography PhD Club is a meeting place for doctoral candidates to share and discuss
  their latest research, working papers, methodological and theoretical issues. It is a chance to
  receive feedback and gather as a community to learn from others and strengthen the research
  of the department. The PhD Club is open to all doctoral candidates and early stage researchers
  focusing on a topic within the field of demography.
• How do I become a member?

  If you are admitted by the university as a PhD student, you can register as a member of the
  Demography PhD Club by contacting the PhD Club representatives (their contact is on the
  website).
• How do I sign-up for the newsletter?

  When you become a member of the Demography PhD Club, you will automatically be added to
  the newsletter. If you do not wish to receive the newsletter, you may unsubscribe.

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• Do I need a visa to study/live in Austria?

  All third-country nationals need a visa to reside in Austria. If you are not in paid employment,
  you most likely will apply for a student visa. If you receive any funding, please see the next
  question.
• Do I need a visa to work in Austria?

  All third-country nationals must have a valid residence permit to work in Austria, including for
  educational purposes.

  • If your employment is directly tied to your studies in a doctoral programme (i.e., you work as a researcher for the Wittgenstein Centre or similar third party), you should apply for a Settlement Permit - Researcher (“Forschung”).

  • If your studies are not associated with employment, you should apply for a Student permit.

  Note: If you have been living in Austria under a different type of residence permit (E.g.,
  Rot-Weiß-Rot Plus), you do not need to change residence permits. If you have been previously
  studying in Austria under a student permit, you will need to change visas when accepting paid
  employment.
• Can I enroll in university courses/attend classes before receiving a residence permit?

  In many cases, it is possible to enroll in a university and attend courses in Austria while waiting
  to receive a residence permit. However, you may need to request special permission from
  course administrators.
• When should I apply for a visa?

  First visa: You should apply immediately upon arrival in Austria. If you have previously stayed in
  Austria as a student or on a tourist visa, you must apply to update your visa as soon as
  possible. If you are missing any required documents, this will cause delays. Therefore, it is
  essential that you know which documents are required and what (if any) legalisation they are
  subject to:
  

  • Third-country nationals who are citizens of non-Apostille countries may require more time to collect and legalise documents.

  • Citizens of all countries should apply for and collect all required documents (e.g., criminal record checks, educational certifications) well in advance of arriving in Austria.

  Expiring visa: You must apply to renew your visa before it expires, but no more than 3 months
  ahead of its expiration.

  
  Neither the University of Vienna nor any associated research institute can intervene on anyone’s
  behalf if a visa is denied or expires.
• Can I live/work/study here if I have a visa from another EU country?

  It may be possible (under certain circumstances) with a Blaue Karte EU and the
  Daueraufenthalt EU [second link only available in German]. If this is your situation, do not simply
  assume you have the right to live/work/study. Make sure you are properly registered in Austria
  as soon as you arrive.
• Can I live/work/study here if I entered the Schengen Zone on a tourist visa?

  No. This is prohibited and may result in deportation or criminal charges.
• Can I still live/work/study here if my residence permit has expired?

  Yes, as long as you have submitted your renewal before your residence permit expires:
  

  • Third-country nationals are legally entitled to stay in Austria under the same conditions as those with a valid permit (§ 24. (1) Verlängerungsanträge (§ 2 Abs. 1 Z 11). This means that after your permit expires, you can continue to live, work, and study while you wait for the new one. However, the law is only valid if you submit your application before your residence permit expires.

  • Upon submitting a renewal application, you will receive a document called an “Einreichbestätigung,” which confirms your application. If you are employed, you must send a copy of the Einreichbestätigung to your employer in order to continue receiving your salary.
• Can I leave/re-enter Austria while waiting for my residence permit renewal?

  Yes, however, you may encounter challenges when crossing international borders—especially
  when re-entering Austria or the Schengen Zone. To avoid any problems in such cases:
  

  • Keep a printed copy of your Einreichbestätigung with you.

  • If you must leave/re-enter the Schengen Zone, it is better to do so in a country where German is a national language: The Einreichbestätigung is in German only, so border authorities in other countries may not be able to confirm its information.

  To be as risk-averse as possible, it is best to remain in Austria while renewing your residence
  permit.
• Who can help me with visa issues?

  The OeAD has a free legal service for individuals dealing with visa issues: link. Otherwise,
  please contact administrative staff at the Department of Demography as soon as you realise
  there is a problem and they will help get ou in contact with someone who knows more.

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• What are the school fees?

  As long as you study, all students have to pay the Students' Union fee and possibly the
  tuition fee every semester in due time.The amount of the tuition fee varies depending on your
  citizenship. If you are an EU/EEA/CH citizen, it also depends on how long you have already
  been studying. More information is available here.

  
  If you do not pay fees by the deadline, you will lose your admission at the University of
  Vienna. More information about specific issue surround payment regulations and deadlines
  here.
• Where do I pay my school fees?

  Via u:space > Financial matters > Tuition fee/Students' Union fee
  Tuition fees/Students Union fee can be paid on u:space, via online banking or via payment form
  at a bank.
• Where can I apply for a tuition exemption?

  All EU/EEA/CH citizens are not charged tuition fees. Third nationals who have work or
  residence visas for Austria are allowed to apply for tuition exemption. More information here.

  
  If you have a student or tourist visa, you cannot apply for exemption. You cannot apply for
  exemption before receiving your residency card from the MA35.

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• What funding is available?

  There are several different funds available for different purpose from the University of Vienna/
  ViDSS

  • ViDSS Research Funds

  • ViDSS Final Year Fund

  • sowi:doc Completion Scholarship
• What can funding be used towards?

  Research Funds can be used for research-related costs such as travel expenses, self-organised
  workshops or proof reading.

  
  ViDSS students who are not eligible for the ViDSS Research Funds anymore and plan to
  submit their thesis in the upcoming year can apply once for the ViDSS Final Year Fund. Similar
  to the ViDSS Research Funds, the ViDSS Final Year Fund may be used for research-related
  costs such as travel expenses, self-organised workshops or proof reading.

  
  With the sowi:doc sowi:doc Completion Scholarship, the VIDSS supports doctoral candidates in
  the final phase of their doctoral studies. The funding period is up to six months during which the
  doctoral candidates should complete and submit their doctoral thesis. Successful candidates
  receive € 1,200 per month for a maximum duration of six months.

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