About the Program
The Department of Historical Studies at Central European University (CEU), Vienna is offering five fully funded PhD positions in Late Antique, Medieval and Early Modern Studies, beginning in September 2026. This prestigious doctoral programme covers a broad historical period from 300 to 1700 C.E., offering interdisciplinary training across fields such as Art History, Intellectual History, Literary Studies, and the History of Science. Students benefit from expert supervision, international faculty, and opportunities to conduct research across Central and Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the wider Eurasian region. Each funded place includes a tuition waiver and a four-year living stipend, with support to apply for additional fellowships. Current students have secured fully funded research stays in Rome, Prague, Bochum, Uppsala, and Munich, demonstrating the programme’s strong international networks and academic excellence.
Program Details
- Position: Fully Funded PhD Studentship
- Institution: Central European University (CEU)
- Department/Faculty: Department of Historical Studies
- Supervisor: Assigned based on research proposal (applicants should contact potential supervisors)
- Location: Vienna, Austria
- Start Date: September 2026
- Duration: 4 years
- Funding: Tuition waiver + living stipend (4 years)
- Working Hours: Full time
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree (or equivalent)
Research Focus / Area
Main subject areas include:
- Late Antique Studies
- Medieval Studies
- Early Modern Studies
- Intellectual History
- Art History
- Literary Studies
- History of Science
- Eurasian and Mediterranean World History
- Comparative and Interdisciplinary Historical Research
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in History or a relevant humanities discipline
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Ability or willingness to learn necessary source languages
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research experience in historical fields
- Strong academic writing skills
- Background in archival research or digital humanities
- Ability to work with primary historical sources
Key Features of the Programme
- Interdisciplinary, internationally oriented doctoral training
- Specialist supervision from globally recognised scholars
- Courses in archival work, digital humanities, and source languages
- Membership benefits through the EurAsian Transformations Austrian Cluster of Excellence
- Opportunities for international research mobility and funded study periods abroad
- Training in publishing, conference participation, grant writing, and academic professional skills
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted through the CEU online application system.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research Proposal (1000–1500 words)
- Writing Sample (10–25 pages in English)
- Two Letters of Recommendation
Important Dates:
- Applications Open: Now
- Application Deadline: 4 February 2026 at 23:45
- Interviews: Contacted individually (if applicable)
Where to Apply
- University Website: Central European University – Department of Historical Studies
- Official Notification: CEU website
- Application Portal: CEU Online Application System
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