ISTA Scholarships

The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) offers prestigious PhD scholarships, giving candidates an exceptional opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research in the natural and mathematical sciences. Designed to attract talented and driven students worldwide, these scholarships provide full financial support, covering tuition fees along with a competitive stipend.

At ISTA, PhD students engage in pioneering multidisciplinary research under the guidance of world-class scientists, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant international academic community. The program is dedicated to shaping the next generation of scientific leaders through rigorous training, personalized mentoring, and collaborative opportunities across diverse scientific fields.

Host Country	Austria
Host Institute	Institute of Science and Technology Austria
Level	PhD
Eligible Nationality	All
Age Limit	There is no age limit
Fellowship Type	Fully Funded
No. of Positions	60 students per cohort usually
Duration	5 year
Opening Date	15 Oct 2025
Closing Date	January 8, 2026

Table of Contents

PhD Program at ISTA

The ISTA PhD program is designed to cultivate scientists who are open-minded, curious, and versatile, capable of collaborating across disciplines and approaching challenges from multiple perspectives. To achieve this, students undertake an innovative interdisciplinary training program that integrates both coursework and research, while receiving close mentorship from leading academics across diverse fields. On average, students complete their doctoral studies within 4.5 to 6 years.

The program is structured into two main phases:

Stage I: Pre-Qualifying Exam
Stage II: Post-Qualifying Exam

Stage I

In the first stage, students:

Complete three research rotations, each lasting two months, with different research groups.
Select a PhD advisor from among ISTA faculty members.
Establish a thesis committee consisting of their supervisor(s) and two additional members, with at least one external to the committee.
Successfully pass the qualifying exam, which includes both an oral defense of the thesis proposal and an oral examination based on the proposal and reading list.
Fulfill the required coursework and credit requirements (outlined below).

Stage II

After successfully passing the qualifying exam, students shift their primary focus to PhD thesis research. While the specific requirements vary by discipline, the core objective remains the same: to work closely with their supervisor and research group in producing high-quality original research that makes a meaningful contribution to their field of study.

Before graduation, students are also required to complete at least one half-semester of teaching assistance (TA). In addition, they participate in biannual progress evaluations with their supervisor(s) and thesis committee members to ensure steady academic and research development.

ISTA Scholarships – No IELTS Required

ISTA admits PhD candidates who, prior to the qualifying exam, engage in coursework, research rotations, and exam preparation. After successfully passing the exam, students join one or more research groups to pursue their PhD thesis projects and may also take on teaching assistance responsibilities.

For ISTA Scholarships, submitting an official English proficiency certificate (TOEFL, CPE, or IELTS) is not required. Since the entire program is conducted in English, candidates are expected to demonstrate strong proficiency in both written and spoken English.

Key Benefits of ISTA Scholarships – No IELTS

All PhD candidates at ISTA receive internationally competitive salaries along with full social security coverage. In addition, students are provided with financial support to participate in workshops and scientific conferences.

Every student is offered an employment contract for five years. Depending on the progress and nature of their research, they may either complete their degree earlier—typically within four to five years—or request a one-year contract extension. As long as satisfactory progress is maintained, students are fully supported until the completion of their thesis defense.

On-campus housing is available, with international students given priority if they choose to reside there. Further financial assistance is also provided to cover travel expenses for attending conferences and workshops.

Importantly, there are no tuition fees at ISTA Required.

Who Can Apply

To be considered for the ISTA Scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Open to international students with no restrictions or quotas.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in science to qualify for admission to ISTA’s PhD program. Official proof of the completed degree must be provided at the time of application.
Eligible academic backgrounds include (but are not limited to):
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Neuroscience
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Interdisciplinary or related fields
Candidates who have not yet completed their degree may still apply, provided they finish their studies before the PhD program begins (September 15 of the application year).
All academic transcripts must be submitted in English translation.
There is no upper age limit for applicants.
Proficiency in spoken and written English is required, although no official language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) is necessary.

Required Application Documents

To apply for ISTA Scholarships, applicants must submit the following documents:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Statement of Purpose
Academic Transcripts and Diplomas – including details of all degree programs, years of study, and current enrollment status. These must be provided both in the original language and with English translations.
Contact Information for Three Referees

All required documents must be uploaded in their original language along with official English translations.

Application Deadline for ISTA Scholarships

The application period for the 2025 intake is now closed. For the September 2026 intake, applications will be accepted from late October 2025 until early January 2026.

Application Process

ISTA invites highly qualified candidates to apply for its PhD program at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria. To apply for ISTA Scholarships, applicants must first register online, which allows them to track the progress of their application at each stage.

How to Apply:

Prepare Application Materials – Gather all required documents in advance (see list above).
Complete the Online Application Form – The form must be filled out on a desktop computer via a web browser, as mobile devices (Android, iPhone, iPad, etc.) are not supported.
Submit the Application – Ensure all information is accurate and all necessary documents are attached before submission. Applications must be submitted before the deadline, as late submissions are generally not accepted.
Confirmation & Follow-Up – After submitting, applicants will receive a confirmation email or notification. The evaluation process by the scholarship committee may take several weeks or months, after which results will be communicated.

For further details and to apply, please visit the official ISTA Scholarships website.