Computer Science
Get Your PhD in Austria!
Computer Science
Get Your PhD in Austria!
In Austria, eight universities throughout the country offer the opportunity to pursue PhD programs in computer science. Austria offers excellent opportunities for PhD studies in Computer Science, being one of the top countries in the world in terms of research and development spending (per capita and as percentage of GDP). Computer science is very well established at the universities in Austria – and can already look back on a long tradition.
The first studies in computer science at Austrian universities started as early as 1969 – so research in computer science in Austria already has a tradition of 50 years.
Much acclaimed research at all universities in Austria helps to keep the standard high.
Computer Science in Austria

Did you know that…
- … the world’s first full transistor computer was built in Austria? In 1958 Heinz Zemanek presented “Mailüfterl”.
- … ASCON, the worldwide standard for Lightweight Automated Encryption was developed in Austria at the TU Graz?
- … the Medusa Performance Capture System, the Oscar-winning software for animated facial expressions used in “Avengers – Infinity War” or “Pirates of the Caribbean”, for example, comes from Austria?
- …Kurt Gödel studied in Vienna from 1924?
Universities with PhD Programs in Computer Science
Austria’s universities offer a variety of PhD programs in Computer Science. PhD studies are available in Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Klagenfurt and Innsbruck. The individual universities cover a wide range of research fields in Computer Science.
To get a more detailed overview of research fields, dates and admission requirements, select one of the PhD programs on our overview page.
How to PhD in Austria
Most Computer Science PhD programs require a completed Master’s degree. Many Phd programs use English as their primary language, and most PhD programs can also be completed in English. Detailed admission requirements can be found on the websites of the individual PhD programs.
Many PhD programs in Computer Science in Austria are associated with paid positions. PhD candidates work on projects of their research group and are involved in work and teaching. Current announcements for paid PhD positions are posted on the websites of the universities.
At many universities, first year students are involved in interdisciplinary rotation programs. Only in the second year do they decide on a concrete work topic. Students have access to first-class equipment at the universities. Paid PhD positions in Austria are also associated with excellent social and health insurance coverage.
Get your Computer Science PhD
in the world's most livable city
Vienna is regularly awarded as the most livable city in the world. A great mixture of big-city flair and greenery, public transport, excellent health care, the best educational opportunities and uniquely beautiful historical architecture are just some of the reasons why the quality of life in Vienna is so high.
In and around Vienna there are three universities offering PhD programs in Computer Science.
The Vienna University of Technology (TU Vienna) has the largest faculty for Computer Science in the country, offering four different PhD programs.
The University of Vienna offers a PhD program that can be individually designed.
And a little outside of Vienna you can complete the PhD Program at IST Austria.


But it does not always have to be Vienna.
Graz is the second largest city in Austria and also has a large computer science faculty at its Technical University (TU Graz).
Innsbruck is located in the middle of the mountains of Tyrol – here you live in the middle of a unique landscape.
Salzburg is Mozart’s home town and is situated between the mountains and the Salzkammergut – one of the most beautiful areas of Austria.
The University of Linz has a very modern campus and ideal train connections to Austrian cities.
Klagenfurt is the southernmost capital of Austria – the campus is located only a few meters from the famous Lake Wörthersee.