Vienna Graduate School of Finance (VGSF) PhD program

Top 5 reasons why you should choose VGSF

#1 STANDARD PHD FORMAT

Structured PhD program 

Our program matches the US and international standard format: the first two years involve coursework to equip you with the tools necessary to conduct innovative research in finance and perform independent work on research projects.

This format provides you with solid foundations in the theory and empirical methods that are applied in finance to conduct your research. 

#2 MENTORSHIP

Strong supervision and mentorship 

You will receive continuous and extensive support by the faculty. VGSF has an open-door approach that intends to encourage dialogue and help you in choosing your supervisor(s).

Most students choose their supervisor(s) in their second year, after they explored different research areas and are fully acquainted with the faculty. 

#3 EXPERTISE

Research excellence 

The VGSF faculty members are leading experts in their fields and collaborate regularly with renowned experts and academics who are often invited to VGSF as guest lecturers or for seminars.

VGSF faculty members collaborate with students to achieve state-of-the-art research. VGSF wants you to focus on your research, for this reason only little teaching is required. 

#4 CAREER NETWORK

Top international placements 

We have built a worldwide network with our graduates who hold positions in top academic and industry institutions like Chicago Booth, Bocconi University, and many more. Our students secured top-level jobs in excellent institutions after graduation and VGSF regularly invites them for seminars so that they can pass on their valuable experience and knowledge to the current students.

#5 FUNDING

Fully-funded 

You do not need to find additional funding to subsidize you PhD, as you will be employed by one of the universities. We offer you competitive funding, which includes a monthly salary and subsidies to attend conferences. Your salary includes health insurance and you receive a net salary, entailing that you would not need to file your taxes. 

Bonus: reason #6 

Vienna – state of the art living

Don’t forget, you would be living in Vienna, which has been ranked the most liveable city by numerous quality of life surveys in the past years!

Vienna has a lot to offer and will accommodate everyone’s taste: visit the many cafés, museums, theaters and events or stroll through the vineyards in and around the city. Vienna provides a safe and stable environment, great public utilities and transportation facilities, as well as plenty of recreational facilities.

Admission procedure: 

• Step I: Selection 

  • Complete applications which meet all admission requirements will be evaluated by the admission committee. Based on this evaluation the best applicants will be selected and will be invited to a VGSF Welcome Day in Vienna to get to know the graduate school. 

• Step II: Admission Offer 

  • Based on all available evidence the admission committee will determine a final ranking of applications. Top candidates will be given an admission offer, in form of a written notice of the applicant’s acceptance. To claim his/her place in the program, the applicant must confirm the admission offer in writing within ten days of receipt. 

• Step III: Admission Confirmation 

  • If the applicant accepts the admission offer she/he will receive the admission confirmation. The admission confirmation has to be presented at the time of enrollment together with the required original documents.