The University of Vienna, one of Europe’s leading research institutions, has officially opened its Doctoral Recruitment Call 2026, inviting applications for at least 40 fully funded doctoral positions across the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Cultural Studies (SSH). This call is open to international candidates with strong academic backgrounds and a clear commitment to pursuing high-quality, innovative research within a dynamic and globally connected academic environment. These doctoral positions are offered under structured doctoral programmes and provide an exceptional opportunity to conduct independent research while benefiting from first-class supervision, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international research networks. With a rich academic tradition and one of the largest research ecosystems in Europe, the University of Vienna offers an ideal setting for early-career researchers aiming to make meaningful scholarly contributions. About the Doctoral Positions Successful applicants will be appointed to fully funded doctoral positions for a duration of four years. Doctoral candidates will be embedded within one of the University’s established Doctoral Schools, which bring together supervisors, researchers, and doctoral candidates working on related thematic and methodological areas. The programmes emphasize: High-quality doctoral supervision Structured training and mentoring International mobility and collaboration Academic publishing and professional development Candidates will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, academic libraries, seminars, workshops, and opportunities to present their work at conferences and within international research networks. Doctoral Schools Included in the SSH Call Applicants may apply through a wide range of doctoral schools and disciplines, allowing them to identify the best academic fit for their proposed research project. The participating doctoral schools include: Advanced Research School in Law and Jurisprudence (Ars Iuris Vienna) Doctoral School of Philological and Cultural Studies (PhilKult) Vienna Doctoral School in Cognition, Behavior, and Neuroscience (CoBeNe) Vienna Doctoral School in Education (DSE) Vienna Doctoral School of Historical and Cultural Studies (DSHCS) Vienna Doctoral School of Philosophy (VDP) Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences (ViDSS) Vienna Doctoral School of Theology and Research on Religion (VDTR) Vienna International School in Earth and Space Sciences (VISESS) Each doctoral school hosts a diverse pool of supervisors, enabling applicants to identify suitable supervisors and research topics aligned with their academic interests and career goals. Who Should Apply? The call targets highly motivated and academically strong candidates from around the world who are interested in pursuing doctoral research in the SSH disciplines. Applicants should demonstrate: A completed Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline A strong academic record and research potential A well-defined research proposal aligned with the expertise available at the University of Vienna Motivation to engage in interdisciplinary and international research environments Commitment to completing a doctoral degree within a structured four-year programme The University of Vienna strongly encourages applications from international scholars, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in advancing global academic research. Why Choose the University of Vienna? Founded in 1365, the University of Vienna is among the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. Today, it is a modern research university with a strong emphasis on innovation, interdisciplinarity, and global engagement. Doctoral candidates benefit from: Excellent supervision and mentoring structures Integration into vibrant research communities Opportunities for international networking and mobility Support for conference participation and academic publishing Career development training within and beyond academia The University’s location in Vienna—consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities—also offers a high quality of life, rich cultural heritage, and a welcoming international environment. Application Process Applicants are expected to: Identify a suitable doctoral school and potential supervisor Prepare a strong research proposal aligned with the chosen doctoral programme Submit all required academic documentation through the University of Vienna’s official application system Given the competitive nature of the call, candidates are strongly encouraged to carefully review supervisor profiles and research priorities before submitting their applications. Key Highlights at a Glance Institution: University of Vienna Programme: Doctoral Recruitment Call 2026 (SSH) Number of Positions: At least 40 Funding: Fully funded doctoral positions Duration: 4 years Fields: Social Sciences, Humanities & Cultural Studies Eligibility: International applicants welcome Call for Action This doctoral recruitment call represents a significant opportunity for aspiring researchers to join one of Europe’s most vibrant academic communities. With comprehensive funding, structured doctoral training, and access to world-class research networks, the University of Vienna provides an exceptional foundation for a successful academic or research-oriented career. Interested candidates are encouraged to begin exploring doctoral schools, supervisors, and research topics early to ensure a strong and competitive application. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the funding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding