Frequently Asked Questions: Applications for VSM Positions at the University of Vienna
Questions Related to all Announced Positions at the University of Vienna:
How much is the salary for PhD positions?
You can find the current salary here, by scrolling to "Gehaltsgruppe B1".
However, please consider that the amount mentioned there is for 40 hours per week and pre doc contracts are for 30 hours per week, therefore 3/4 of the amount will be the gross salary you get.
If you want to calculate what that means in terms of net salary, you can find a calculator here (entering your gross salary per month).
Is it mandatory to prove proficiency in English?
Proof of English proficiency is not mandatory. If you are invited to an interview, the committee will get an impression of your English language skills.
Which documents do I have to include in my application file(s)?
That depends on the position you are applying for and is mentioned in detail in the description file of each position, which you can find here.
Questions Related to the Positions Financed via the VSM at the University of Vienna:
There are 9 proposed (directions for) projects for the up to three positions financed via the VSM. For how many of these do I have to apply?
You can apply for a minimum of one up to a maximum of three of the proposed projects. Please choose all project(s) you want to apply for in one application and do not submit more than one application for the positions financed via the VSM. Don't forget to explain your choice of project(s) in your letter of intent.
If I want to apply for more than one of the proposed (directions for) projects, how do I do that?
You can apply for a minimum of one up to a maximum of three of the proposed projects. Please choose all project(s) you want to apply for in one application and do not submit more than one application for the positions financed via the VSM.
Where do I have to submit my application?
Please submit your application via the application portal
Where do I create the account needed for my application?
In order to access the application portal, you need to create a u:account (please find further information on that here).
Which documents do I have to submit?
The application documents should contain:
- letter of intent that also explains the choice of project(s)
- scientific CV with publication list if relevant
- higher education certificates, diplomas, and transcripts of records
- Two letters of recommendation have to be sent directly by the recommenders to office@vsmath.at before the application deadline.
Please submit all documents in one single PDF file. Please also make sure to additionally also send your Bachelor's degree certificate and transcript of record also if you already completed your Master's degree.
When trying to create a u:account/logging into the application system, some text in German appears. How should I proceed?
This text refers to the data protection guidelines and whether you accept the data protection regulations of the University of Vienna. Please accept them and click onto the blue button in order to proceed. You will then be forwarded to the application system.
I have further questions on the application process which have not been answered in this FAQ section - whom should I contact?
If you have questions on the application process in general or administrative topics, please send an email to office@vsmath.at or Andreas.Cap@univie.ac.at, if they are more mathematics-related.
When is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applications is February 28, 2026 at 23.59 CET. Only applications submitted via the application system by that time will be accepted.
What about reference letters? How many have to be sent and where do they have to be sent to? What is the deadline for sending the reference letters?
Two letters of recommendation have to be sent directly by the recommenders to office@vsmath.at before the application deadline, i.e. no later than February 28, 2026 at 23.59 CET. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the referees and ask them to send the recommendation letters, they will not be contacted by us.
I haven't finished my Master's study yet and therefore can't provide a Master certificate yet. How do I proceed?
In that case, please submit all other documents, including a degree certificate and transcript of records for your Bachelor's study. In that case, please also indicate either in the motivation letter or in the CV, when (i.e. during which month) you are planning to finish your Master's study.
What does the application & selection process look like? When will I be contacted and what will be the next steps?
The deadline for applications is February 28. After that, several steps will take place and the final decision on how to fill the positions will be taken at the end of April at the latest. Therefore, you will hear from us at the end of April at the latest. Please be patient, as it will not be possible for us to announce any results before that.