Excellent Brains Austria 2025 – 20 Fully Funded PhD Fellowships in Neuroscience
Are you a highly motivated graduate looking to launch a research career in neuroscience? Here’s your chance! The Excellent Brains PhD Program in Austria is now offering 20 fully funded PhD fellowships in neuroscience for the 2025 academic year. This competitive opportunity is open to international students and provides a comprehensive four-year doctoral training in cutting-edge neuroscience research.
Supported by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), this program is based at five of Austria’s most prestigious research institutions. Selected fellows will gain access to advanced research infrastructure, benefit from professional development training, and receive generous financial support throughout their doctoral studies.
Short Detail of Excellent Brains Austria Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Host Country | Austria |
| Host Institutions | Austria Universities |
| Program Level | Fellowship, PhD |
| Field of Study | Neuroscience |
| Eligible Applicants | International Students |
| Application Deadline | July 10, 2025 |
Host Institutions in Austria
These fellowships are hosted at five top-tier Austrian universities and research centers:
Medical University of Vienna (MUV)
Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI)
University of Vienna (UNIVIE)
Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)
Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA)
Each fellow will have the chance to work with leading neuroscience laboratories and mentors at these globally recognized institutions.
Program Overview
The fellowship program places strong emphasis on interdisciplinary training and collaborative research. Key features include:
Focus on GABAergic cells, which are vital in understanding neurological conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, and epilepsy
Exposure to both clinical and basic neurobiology
Training in data science, bioinformatics, and molecular neuroscience
Inter-institutional lab rotations, seminars, and journal clubs
Personalized mentorship from world-class scientists
Fields of Study
The Excellent Brains Austria PhD Fellowships are offered in the following discipline:
Neuroscience
Students with diverse academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply, particularly those interested in exploring the neurobiological basis of health and disease.
Fellowship Benefits
Below is a summary of the major benefits associated with the Excellent Brains Austria PhD program:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding | Fully funded for four years |
| Tuition Fees | Covered by the program |
| Research Environment | International and interdisciplinary |
| Facilities | Access to state-of-the-art neuroscience laboratories |
| Training | Professional development, soft skills, and technical workshops |
| Relocation Support | Guidance and support for international students |
| Networking | Collaboration with top researchers across five institutions |
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Hold or expect to obtain a Master’s degree (or equivalent) by October 31, 2025
Degree must be in neuroscience, biology, bioinformatics, genetics, physiology, psychology, medicine, or closely related fields
Applicants from fields like computer science, AI, physics, or mathematics with an interest in neuroscience are also encouraged
Demonstrate prior research experience in a relevant discipline
Submit two academic references, including one from your Master’s thesis supervisor
Be fluent in English (no official language certificate is required)
Non-European candidates must provide GPA scores
Candidates with a four-year Bachelor’s degree (First Class Honours and 240 ECTS) and substantial research experience are also eligible
How to Apply for Excellent Brains Austria PhD Fellowship
The application process is straightforward but competitive. Follow these steps carefully:
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Choose Your Mentors: Review the list of Key Researchers (KRs) and select up to three researchers you’d like to work with.
Prepare Your Documents: Include the following in one PDF:
CV
Academic transcripts and diploma(s)
Official English translations (if documents are in another language)
Submit Online Application: Use the program’s online portal to complete your application.
Academic References: Ensure that both of your referees submit their letters before the deadline.
Additional Support: For questions, applicants may contact Dr. Katalin Szigeti via email at margit.katalin.szigeti@univie.ac.at.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | July 10, 2025 |
| Program Start | Fall 2025 |
| Current Date | June 25, 2025 |
| Days Left to Apply | 15 Days |
Who Should Apply?
This program is designed for ambitious international students seeking to advance their careers in neuroscience research. Whether you come from life sciences, data science, or computational fields, if you’re passionate about exploring the brain and contributing to world-class research, this opportunity is tailored for you.
Why Study in Austria?
Austria is known for its high-quality education, vibrant research culture, and welcoming environment for international scholars. As a PhD fellow under this program, you’ll benefit from:
A collaborative European academic network
Affordable living costs and student-friendly cities like Vienna and Innsbruck
A safe, multicultural environment with excellent work-life balance
Conclusion
The Excellent Brains Austria 2025 PhD Fellowships present an exceptional opportunity for bright minds across the globe to join an elite neuroscience community. With full funding, expert mentorship, and exposure to top research environments, this fellowship is a launchpad for a successful scientific career.
