Selection Procedure for PhD Students

Currently, there is a three-step selection procedure. Students are required to enroll according to the criteria of the respective disciplinary PhD studies program of the University of Graz. The application includes a CV, a letter of motivation with two academic references, and a four to five page outline of the planned thesis. An admission board, composed of all faculty members, associated faculty members, a representative of the University Working Group on Equality, a PhD student representative, and a representative of the University Doctoral Academy will assess the applications: First, it identifies among the applicants eligible PhD students who fulfil the admission criteria. This process will be conducted in consultation with the admission offices and the relevant faculties. Second, the board will select a shortlist based on the qualifications of the applicants, the quality of the proposal, the thematic appropriateness for the doctoral program (i.e. an interdisciplinary focus on Europeanization in SEE), a balance between the different disciplines and faculty members represented, and identification of a potential mentor. Supervisors do not have to be faculty members of the doctoral program. Third, the selected PhD students will be interviewed. The interviews will consider the qualification of the applicant, the project proposed, and the ability to work in an international, interdisciplinary environment. Finally, the selection based on interviews will also ensure that accepted applicants can be provided with appropriate supervision by faculty members and that all faculty members partake in consultations. The PhD students are assessed according to a clearly identified list of criteria and points given by the members of the selection committee. The students are selected at the same time and form a coherent cohort. In the case that a student drops out, the program offers the corresponding place to a new student, depending on the progression of the program (replacement in the first two years).