StudyQA — PhD: Economics — University of Vienna

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The Economics bachelor's program at the University of Vienna offers students a comprehensive foundation in the fundamental principles of economic theory, quantitative methods, and policy analysis. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the analytical and methodological skills necessary to understand complex economic phenomena and to develop practical solutions to real-world issues. Throughout the program, students will study microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and various specialized areas such as international economics, labor economics, environmental economics, and public finance. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and empirical skills, enabling graduates to analyze data, interpret economic models, and apply their knowledge to diverse contexts.

Students have the opportunity to engage in research projects, seminars, and internships that provide practical insights into economic practice and policy-making. The program also encourages interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to explore related fields such as political science, mathematics, and statistics, which are essential companions to economic analysis. The University of Vienna’s strong emphasis on research-based teaching ensures that students are exposed to the latest developments and methodologies in economics, preparing them for careers in academia, public policy, business, or international organizations. Additionally, the program offers various electives and specialization options, enabling students to tailor their education according to their interests and career aspirations.

The university provides a vibrant academic environment supported by experienced faculty members renowned for their research and professional expertise. Students benefit from access to modern resources, including economic databases, statistical software, and participating in conferences and workshops. Graduates of the Economics bachelor's program at the University of Vienna are well-prepared to pursue advanced studies or to enter the workforce in roles requiring robust economic knowledge and analytical capabilities. Overall, this program aims to foster critical thinking, quantitative skills, and a deep understanding of economic systems, empowering students to become informed, responsible, and innovative contributors to economic development and policy.

The regular duration of the PhD Program in Economics is 3 years (6 semesters).

Students are required to successfully deliver the following performances:

Courses to the extent of at least 60 ECTS points;
Participation in workshops and presentations of their research at national and international conferences and meetings to an extent that is specified in their dissertation contract;
The submission of a research proposal for their dissertation project within one year after enrolling in the program;
A public presentation of their dissertation project in the “Graduate and Staff Seminar” of the Department of Economics;
The submission of an annual progress report to the program committee;
The completion of a dissertation;
The public defense of their dissertation.

The total requirements listed above will normally not exceed 180 ECTS points.

Applicants must have a master degree in economics (or a closely related field) which has a level that is comparable to the master degree in economics from the University of Vienna.

If all legal requirements are satisfied, the suitability of the applicants for the PhD Program in Economics will be checked by the program committee. Suitability requires that the applicants a) possess demonstrated knowledge of advanced macroeconomics, advanced microeconomics, and advanced econometrics; b) possess demonstrated knowledge of formal methods for economic analysis (e.g., mathematics and statistics); c) possess knowledge of English that is sufficient to follow the program; d) are sufficiently motivated for a research-oriented career in economics.

For the program committee to check the suitability of the applicants, the latter must supply transcripts of their previous studies, documentation about their English skills, a personal statement detailing their motivation for a research-oriented career, and letters of recommendation. Supplementary material can be requested by the program committee, and applicants may also be asked to be available for an interview.

There is the possibility to apply for the program of the Vienna Graduate School of Economics (VGSE). VGSE is funded through a grant of the Austrian Science Foundation and in VGSE faculty members from different departments of the University of Vienna, the Institute of Advances Studies and the Vienna University of Economics and Business are collaborating. Using a highly competitive selection process, VGSE provides the best students funding. Successful applicants obtain a PhD positions at the University of Vienna.

Fellowship Programme for Doctoral Candidates

The uni:docs fellowship programme is an individual scholarship which aims at financing excellent doctoral candidates for a period of three years. The scholarship will provide outstanding early stage researchers with conditions that allow them to focus exclusively on their research and thus make substantial contributions to science. The fellowship programme will be offered once a year. It will be awarded on the basis of a multilevel review process including personal interviews with the candidates and external evaluations of the submitted proposals. Currently, three calls for applications are planned. Target group: Highly qualified (prospective) doctoral candidates at the University of Vienna.

Requirements

The fellowship programme is open to doctoral candidates of all disciplines;
Applicants need not necessarily already be enrolled as PhD candidates at the time of application.

Funding level

Uni:docs fellows will be employed at the University of Vienna for 30h/week according to the current collective agreement;
Uni:docs fellows are members of the scientific staff who enjoy all rights and duties involved in such a position.

Dissertation Completion Fellowship

Target Group: PhD candidates in the last phase of their PhD. With the dissertation completion fellowships the University of Vienna supports early stage researchers of all disciplines in the last phase of their PhD. It is the aim of the fellowships that the funded PhD-projects should be finalised and submitted within the funding period of up to six months.

Amount: EUR 1.000,-- per month

Duration: up to 6 months

Full Financing for your Thesis Project

Full financing of your thesis project can be arranged by fellowships awarded by the Austrian Academy of Sciences or employment in a research project either financed by the University of Vienna or a third party funding body.

Structured doctoral programmes at the University of Vienna

Doktoratskollegs and Initiativkollegs at the University of Vienna are structured doctoral programmes combining several doctoral candidates to work on individual thesis topics within a common research project. Following a competitive selection, successful candidates will be employed at the University of Vienna for the duration of their thesis projects. The international call for applications and selection of candidates is done by the respective programme.

Fellowships of the Austrian Academy of Sciences

Fellowship programmes and awards for outstanding scientific achievements financed by the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) support highly qualified young researchers. The ÖAW’s fellowship programmes DOC and DOCteam for instance support thesis projects of individual doctoral candidates in all fields of research and groups of doctoral candidates in the field of humanities, social- and cultural sciences.