Once you have accepted a position with a VDSEE supervisor, there are a few important steps to consider:

1. Become a VDSEE member by signing the code of good practice. Afterwards, the executive manager  will provide you with more information about the program and what's expected of you (expose, public presentation etc.).
   • To sign the code and learn more, please visit: Code of good practice
2. Enroll at the University of Vienna by following the instructions on the website of the center for Doctoral/PhD Programmes in Life Sciences
   
   • In accordance with your supervisor, please choose one of the following doctoral research fields: Biology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Sciences or Earth Sciences
     • Find out more about the doctoral research fields at: PhD Programme
   • Once you've enrolled, the admissions office will contact you to get your student ID number (Matrikelnummer) and student ID card.
3. Set up a working contract in accordance with your supervisor.

When starting your PhD please also consider the following points:

• Tuition fee
• Informations for international doctoral candidates
• Welcome Guide & Welcome days for PhD students

Tuition fee

Please be aware that you have to be enrolled at the University of Vienna until you defend.

General semester dates:
winter term (= Wintersemester, WS):  1 October – 28 February
summer term (= Sommersemester, SS): 1 March – 30 September

Deadlines for payment of tuition/student union fees:
General admission period: 15 October (winter term) and 15 March (summer term);
Extended admission period: 31 October (winter term) and 31 March (summer term), with 10% surcharge.

Remember to pay your dues in time in every semester, and to apply online for equal status with EU citizens by March 31 and Oct. 31. 

Find out more at: "Studying at the University of Vienna - Tuition fee"

International doctoral candidates

Moving to a new city and country and navigating a new university can be challenging, especially in the beginning.
Information on finding a place to live, obtaining insurance and a residence permit, and finding a suitable German language course are provided Doctorate@UniVie website and in the Orientation Guide for International PhD Candidates.

Contact

• Liaison Officers: The first contact persons for academic staff (prae- and postdocs) from third countries who wish to establish themselves in Vienna. They provide initial information on visas and residence permits (also with regard to family members). The Liaison Officer of the Faculty of Life Sciences is: Ms. Susanne Menschik-Zunzer
• Human Resources Department for immigration law matters: aufenthaltsrecht.personal@univie.ac.at
• Doctoral candidates who are not employed by the University of Vienna (e.g., fellowship holders) are encouraged to visit the OeAD website, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation, for information on visas and residence permits, including checklists. Contact: either use the online contact form or send an email to recht@oead.at.