Doctoral Studies at FHV
Cooperative PhD with International Partner Universities
FHV is a research-intensive university of applied sciences with seven research centres and groups. Although universities of applied sciences in Austria currently do not have the right to award doctoral degrees, it is possible to undertake a PhD at FHV in cooperation with international partners.
How do doctoral studies work at FHV?
- Project-based: Doctoral candidates are employed by FHV. You work on FHV research projects and write your dissertation based on this work.
- Cooperation with universities: Supervision is provided in collaboration with a partner university, which also awards the doctoral degree (e.g. University of Innsbruck, University of Agder, University of Burgos, Technical University of the Shannon, among others).
- Courses: Parts of the academic training can take place at FHV, while others are held at the partner university.
- Funding: Doctoral candidates are employed by FHV. Tuition fees at FHV are waived, though fees at the partner university may apply. Additionally, FHV provides an annual budget for further training.
Special case: External doctoral candidates
In exceptional cases, the cooperative doctoral programme is also available on a fee-paying basis to external candidates. Prior approval is required. External doctoral studies are possible if:
- The applicant already has solid training in academic research.
- There is a clear subject-related connection to FHV’s research centres and groups.
- A supervisor at FHV can be secured.
- Ideally, there is a cooperative project between FHV and the applicant’s current employer.
Your path to a PhD
Interested in pursuing a PhD at FHV? Here are your options:
- The traditional route: Apply for an open doctoral or assistant lecturer position. Current job postings are available at www.fhv.at/careers
- External inquiry with research interests: If your profile fits, cooperation possibilities will be considered.
Next steps: Whether applying via the traditional route or as an external candidate, please send your CV and a brief description of your research interests to Markus Preißinger, Head of Research at FHV.
