FAQ – General
How many PhD Program selections do MFPL offer per year? MFPL offers two PhD Program selections each year – one summer and one winter selection.
What qualifications do I need for my application to be considered for the MFPL PhD Program? You need to hold a master degree or an equivalent university degree (4-year BSc hons.) and you should have finished your studies with a thesis.
Can I apply before I receive my master degree? Yes. Applications can be submitted before obtaining the degree. Instead of the certificate, upload your latest academic transcript. We expect you to present the master certificate within 6 months after the interviews/selection week.
Does the MFPL PhD Program have specific language requirements? The program and working language at MFPL is English. Proficiency in English is therefore required. A formal proof of competence in English (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) is not necessary.
Is there an age limit? The MFPL PhD Program does not have a strict age limit. However, PhD students should not be older than 30 years by the time they start their thesis. In case there are major time gaps in your career or special circumstances to be considered, please specify them.
Am I allowed to apply a second time if I have been invited and not passed the interviews? No. Re-applications will not be considered unless you can prove substantial new information on research experience.
Is there an application fee? No, MFPL does not charge an application fee for applying to the MFPL PhD Program.
FAQ – Application
Can I correct mistakes or update my application? Yes. Upon submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with the link you will use for further access to your application form. You may not be able to make corrections in some of the fields. In this case, contact the the MFPL Program Manager by e-mail (positions@mfpl.ac.at).
My university uses a percentage system instead of grades or scores. What do I indicate? Indicate the percentage you obtained and which percentage is required to pass at your university.
Upon clicking the “SAVE” button, I was redirected to the PhD programs homepage, without any confirmation that my application had actually been sent. How can I be sure that my application has been received? All received applications will be acknowledged by an automated confirmation e-mail. If you do not receive one, make sure that you have filled in all fields and resubmit your application. Also try to make the pdf file you upload as small as possible and try using a different web browser.
I cannot find a submit button. How do I submit my application? Your application is automatically submitted each time you click the “SAVE” button.
I have been trying to submit the application form but received an error message. This may occur for several reasons. Try to save your entries after completing each field of the application form. Also, stick to the word limit and make sure that the pdf files you upload are unprotected and as small as possible. If the problems persists, try using a different web browser.
Can I exchange one referee for another one? You are welcome to replace one referee by another. Please send an e-mail to the MFPL Program Manager (positions@mfpl.ac.at) indicating which referee you want to replace and all information (title, family name, first name, university, institute, street, postal code, city, phone at work, email) regarding the referee you would like to include.
Can I add an additional (third) referee? Feel free to nominate additional referees if you wish to add more support to your application.
Why have my referees not been contacted by MFPL? It is your responsibility to contact the referees and ask them to send reference letters. Note that MFPL do not contact referees, without exception.
What if my referee does not hold an institutional e-mail address? Please appoint another referee who does hold an institutional e-mail address.
My referee is currently on vacation/at a meeting. Can he/she send the recommendation after the deadline? No, the application tool will close upon the deadline and no further entries will be possible. If necessary, appoint another referee.
Will I receive a notification once my application is complete? No. Please understand that due to the large number of applications it is impossible to inform each of you about the status of your application.
Do I contact the group leader with whom I would like to work before applying to the MFPL PhD Program? No, it is not necessary to contact group leaders individually.Students who are invited for an interview will receive a list of open positions and project descriptions before coming to Vienna.
Do I need to have my certificates translated into English and authenticated? No. Official translations and authentications of your documents will only be required for registration at the University of Vienna/Medical University of Vienna.
Should I also post (snail-mail) a hardcopy of my application and curriculum vitae? No, please do not send any documents by post. You will only need hardcopy documents for registration at the university.
How long after the application deadline does it take until I am notified about the outcome of my application? You will receive an email approx. 3 weeks after the application deadline.
FAQ – Studying in Vienna
When do I start my PhD? Accepted students may start their PhD any time of the year, upon agreement with the supervisor. You are expected to start work within 6 months after acceptance. Enrolment at the university is possible twice per year. Your program manager will inform you about the exact registration periods.
At which university do I enrol for my PhD studies? All PhD students joining a group leader from the University of Vienna enroll at the University of Vienna. All PhD students who join a group leader from the Medical University of Vienna register at the Medical University of Vienna.
What are the university’s term dates? The university year is comprised of two semesters. The winter semester is from October – January, the summer semester from March to June. During this time the university courses are held.
How long do I have to be enrolled at the university before submitting my PhD thesis? You can submit your PhD thesis at the earliest in your 6th semester.
How long does it take students to complete their PhD? Our students are expected to submit their thesis within three to four years.
Do I need to pay a university tuition fee? Currently EU citizens are exempted of paying a tuition fee for their first seven semesters. Though they do have to pay the Students’ Union fee (~ EUR 17,-) every semester to stay enrolled. Non EU citizens have to pay a tuition fee of approx. EUR 380,- (incl. the Students’ Union fee) within the registration period each semester to stay enrolled. MFPL reimburses the tuition fee (excl. the Students’ Union fee) at the end of each semester.
How will I finance my PhD studies? Your group leader will provide a competitive salary based on the regulations of the Austrian Science Fund (FWF). Your work contract includes full health insurance and your salary is transferred to your bank account once per month.
How will I finance the trip to Vienna for the interviews/selection week? MFPL will fully refund your travel costs and provide accommodation.