The PhD-in-Practice is a doctoral program for research in artistic practice, set up by the Institute of Fine Arts and the Institute of Art Theory and Cultural Studies. The program provides participants with the opportunity to pursue their individual research projects in a collective environment with a strongly transdisciplinary and international focus. It provides a concept of arts-based research built upon critical epistemologies, as developed in the context of feminist, queer, postcolonial, ecological, post-Marxist and other political and emancipatory projects.
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Review the official Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien programme page and confirm academic, language, and subject requirements for PhD-in-Practice.
Gather transcripts, degree certificates, passport, CV, motivation materials, and English-language proof required by the university.
Apply through the university or listed admissions route and upload all required documents before the official deadline.
📅 Deadline: 11.5.2026
Verify tuition, student union fees, recognition requirements, and any entrance or supplementary examinations.
After admission, prepare Austrian residence permit documents, proof of funds, housing plans, and scholarship applications.
No scholarships in our catalog match this program yet. Here's how funding works for this type of program.
PhD positions in Europe are almost always funded through advertised research positions — not traditional scholarships. The university or research group pays you a salary or stipend to do your research. The key is finding an open position, not applying for a scholarship.
EURAXESS is the official EU research jobs board. Filter by country and field to find funded PhD positions posted by universities.
Search EURAXESSGo directly to Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien's website and look for "Open Positions", "PhD Vacancies", or "Graduate School" — most funded positions are listed there first.
Find professors at this university whose research matches your interest. A well-targeted cold email explaining your background and research interest is the most effective path to a funded PhD position.
Reach out to the department's graduate admissions or PhD coordinator. Ask specifically about funded positions and whether any research groups are currently recruiting.
What you can earn and how long you can stay after graduation.
What happens after you graduate
Work while studying
20 hrs/week
Up to 20 hours/week. Requires registration with the Public Employment Service (AMS).
Student pay rate
€13.00/hour
Minimum wage varies by sector under collective agreements. Most student jobs pay €12–€15/hour.
Stay after graduation
12 months
Red-White-Red Card (Job Seeker) — One-year permit to find skilled employment after graduation. Must have Austrian degree.
Path to residency
5 years
Settlement permit after 5 years. Red-White-Red Card holders can apply for permanent settlement after 2 years of employment.
Average graduate salary
€40,000/year
Average starting salary. Vienna-based tech and finance roles typically €45,000–€60,000.
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