Doctoral Recruitment Call 2026 — Social Sciences, Humanities & Cultural Studies
Call for Applications: at least 40 Doctoral Positions in the Social Sciences, Humanities & Cultural Studies
The University of Vienna invites applications for at least 40 fully funded, 4-year doctoral positions in the social sciences, humanities and cultural studies.
We are actively seeking international talent committed to cutting-edge research who wish to join a doctoral programme at the University of Vienna. A broad pool of eligible supervisors across multiple SSH doctoral schools and faculties allows applicants to identify the best possible academic fit for their proposed project within one of Europe’s largest research environments.
The University of Vienna offers first-class supervision, vibrant research networks, and opportunities to network internationally, publish, and grow.
Online Information Session
10 February 2026 / 13:00–14:00 (CET) / Online (MS Teams)
How to apply
Make sure to start the application process early!
- Step 1: Before applying, please ensure that you will have completed a subject-related diploma or master's degree by 30 June 2026 and that you meet the doctoral admission requirements of the University of Vienna by the start of employment.
You do not need a confirmation of supervision for applying to the SSH Call 2026. Please do not contact supervisors prior to your application in this regard. Matching and confirmation of supervision takes place exclusively during the selection process. If you are already enrolled in a doctoral programme at the University of Vienna, your admission must not have taken place before the winter semester 2025/2026. For a full list of eligibility requirements, please consult our FAQs.
- Step 2: Search for the relevant Doctoral School below.
- Step 3: Choose from the list of eligible supervisors, no prior contact needed.
Make sure to list the correct faculty and supervisor in the application process!
- Step 4: To apply, first set up a u:account and then continue with the “Apply” link below.
Please refer to the User Guide for instructions on how to create and submit your application.
Doctoral Schools (SSH Call)
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Advanced Research School in Law and Jurisprudence (Ars Iuris Vienna)
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Doctoral School of Philological and Cultural Studies – PhilKult
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Vienna Doctoral School in Cognition, Behavior, and Neuroscience (CoBeNe)
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Vienna Doctoral School in Education (DSE)
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Vienna Doctoral School of Historical and Cultural Studies (DSHCS)
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Vienna Doctoral School of Philosophy (VDP)
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Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences (ViDSS)
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Vienna Doctoral School of Theology and Research on Religion (VDTR)
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Vienna International School in Earth and Space Sciences (VISESS)
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All Doctoral Schools and Supervisors