Graduate Program FAQ
Eligibility
My background is in ________. Can I apply?
Yes, in our Graduate Program, we welcome students from any academic background. We work with a range of universities to find a graduate curriculum that fits with each student’s experience and interests. Please note that we expect students to have foundational quantitative skills (for example, probability theory, regression analysis, descriptive statistics) and comfort with a programming language (e.g. Python, R, Julia, C++, Mathematica, Matlab), database query language (e.g. SQL), and/or statistical software (e.g. SPSS, SAS, Stata).
I won’t have my Masters degree when the application is due. Can I apply?
I don’t plan to complete a Master’s degree. Can I apply?
This is not encouraged unless you have both (1) a 4-year / 240 ECTS Bachelor’s degree, and (2) significant research experience during or after your degree. These expectations are intended to meet the admissions requirements of our university partners and to ensure students are well-prepared for the demands of independent research that are required for the PhD. Students who have not completed a Master’s degree will often be required to complete additional coursework when enrolling in their university, which can lead to substantial delays in progress toward the PhD.
I already have a PhD. Can I apply?
The program is intended for students who are looking to begin studies towards their first doctoral degree.
Students who are earning (or have earned) a PhD in an area aligned with the approaches of complex systems research, e.g. physics, applied math, network science, etc. could consider pursuing their interests in complexity science through a Visiting Researcher position or participation in an advanced training program such as the Winter School.
I'm not sure if I have the quantitative background needed for the program.
We welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds. A good way of estimating success in the selection is to look through the list of papers we have asked candidates to present in the past (“Selection” > “What papers…”). We do not expect candidates to find these easy, but with careful reading, googling, and perhaps working through some equations or code, candidates should be able to explain the methods used in these papers and discuss the results and conclusions – including offering critiques and alternative approaches.
Am I eligible if I don't know how to code?
Although LLMs are capable of taking over many coding tasks, it is essential that students know how to design, read, validate, and trouble-shoot code. Even students who may plan to pursue a predominantly theory-based PhD will likely find it necessary to code numerical simulations.
Application
Can I use AI in my application?
We encourage the use of AI-based tools to improve the readability of your text. This includes help with grammar, spelling, and the clarity of your text. Applicants are responsible the validity of the information presented in their application materials. False (fabricated, hallucinated, etc.) information in an application is grounds for immediate disqualification from the selection. We reserve the right to verify all information included in the application and may request additional documentation from the candidate to do so.
Should I contact faculty members before I apply? Do I need to find an advisor before I apply?
This is neither necessary nor encouraged. While it is expected that applicants will learn about the research happening at the Complexity Science Hub in the process of preparing their application, and thereby will identify some potential thesis advisors or collaborators from among the Digital Innovation School faculty, the final round of interviews will include time for students and faculty members to discuss project ideas and mentorship possibilities. In the application stage, we are looking for applicants who are interested in diverse theories, approaches, and methods by which to address the questions and problems that are important to them and thus may have connections to several researchers in the faculty. A candidate will not have an advantage in the selection process by having an existing connection to a Digital Innovation School faculty member.
How detailed does the description of a research project need to be?
Your answer should describe the question or problem that you are interested in with sufficient specificity that the Admissions Committee gains an understanding of a discrete, tractable step you might take toward addressing this question or problem, including some possible methodologies you might use. The answer should include references to ongoing Complexity Science Hub projects that provide a framework or context for your interests; and/or publications (from CSH or elsewhere) that illustrate the type of research approach that appeals to you and presents a possible means by which to address the question or problem of interest; and/or examples of your past research or academic experiences that have influenced your interests and goals for your PhD.
Are citations part of the page limit?
When responding to the required questions, if you cite references, the list of citations can be placed on a separate page that will not count toward the page limit.
How do I schedule the preliminary interview (application STEP 4)?
Applications are first checked for eligibility and completeness. Candidates whose applications pass this check will receive an email with instructions for scheduling the preliminary interview. There are fixed slots available for the preliminary interview that are allocated on a “first-come, first-served” basis, so candidates who complete their applications sooner will have a greater choice of dates and times.
Can I submit more than two letters of recommendation?
Can my recommenders send their letters before I have submitted my application?
May I upload/send the recommendation letters myself?
No. The two letters of recommendation must be sent directly from the recommender or someone entrusted as their delegate, e.g. an assistant. We do not accept letters that are either uploaded or mailed by the applicant. Plan ahead and request the letters of recommendation as soon as possible to allow the recommenders ample time to prepare and send their letters. We may verify the letters at any point in the review process.
Is the deadline for recommendation letters the same as the deadline for applications?
Recommendation letters must be received by 01 November. If two letters are not received by that time, the application will be considered incomplete and the applicant disqualified.
Do I have to apply to a university, too?
No, once students are offered a position in the Digital Innovation School, we will help them enroll in the appropriate university. Students are assured admission to a university when they join the Graduate Program in Complexity Science.
Will there be another call for applications?
Yes, we anticipate one call every year through 2030.
When will applications be due for the next selection? Will you offer rolling admissions?
For students who want to join the program in 2025 or later, applications will be due in the preceding October (e.g. to start in 2027, you will apply in October 2026). We do not offer rolling admissions.
Selection
What does the selection involve?
The Digital Innovation School uses a three-stage review process. Following an eligibility check and preliminary interview, in stage 1, the application materials will be reviewed by the Selection Committee to assess the alignment of the applicant’s background and interests with the research at the Complexity Science Hub, and the applicant’s potential for independent and rigorous scholarship in the area of complexity science. In stage 2, short-listed applicants will be invited to interview with a panel of Complexity Science Hub researchers according to a prescribed format wherein the candidate will present a research paper (chosen by the Committee) and respond to questions to understand their critical thinking and scientific understanding. In stage 3, finalist candidates will present themselves and their research ideas to a broad group of Digital Innovation School members in order to learn more about their interests and goals for the PhD. Applicants who are invited to participate in stage 2 and stage 3 will be provided detailed instructions on the process and the expectations.
How does the preliminary interview fit into the selection?
The recording and transcript from the preliminary interview become part of the application materials reviewed by the Selection Committee. The interview supplements the information available in the application documents.
What papers have candidates been asked to present?
2026
- Clauset, A., Moore, C., & Newman, M. E. (2008). Hierarchical structure and the prediction of missing links in networks. Nature, 453(7191), 98-101.
- Couzin, I. D., Ioannou, C. C., Demirel, G., Gross, T., Torney, C. J., Hartnett, A., … & Leonard, N. E. (2011). Uninformed individuals promote democratic consensus in animal groups. Science, 334(6062), 1578-1580.
2025
- Albert, R., Jeong, H., & Barabási, A. L. (2000). Error and attack tolerance of complex networks. Nature, 406(6794), 378-382.
2024
- Watts, D. J., & Strogatz, S. H. (1998). Collective dynamics of ‘small-world’ networks. Nature, 393(6684), 440-442.
What dates do I need to be available?
The paper presentations (stage 2) will take place on zoom on the following days (afternoons Vienna local time):
- 7, 11, 12, 14 January 2027
The research presentations (stage 3) will take place on the CSH campus over the following days:
- 15-16 February 2027
What if I cannot travel to Vienna for the stage 3 interview?
If applicants are unable to travel to Vienna due to visa issues, personal obligations or other issues, we can arrange alternatives for the research presentation and discussions with faculty and current students.
Please keep in mind that the DIS program covers the cost of travel and accommodations in Vienna and provides most meals during the visit.
When will I find out if I am accepted?
We hope to have all offers made by mid-March. Applicants should learn before the end of January if they are being invited to interview.
When should I start?
We encourage accepted students to start the program between August and October following the selection, and ideally in September*. Both earlier and later start-dates are possible when justified.
If students will need a residency permit for Austria, they should allow at least three months between acceptance and their planned start date. If students intend to begin university coursework in their first semester, they should discuss this with the DIS Office when determining the appropriate start date.
* Students joining CEU for their degree are required to start on 01 September.
Can I defer?
We will consider requests for deferral on a case-by-case basis.
Choosing an Advisor / Choosing a University
What degree will I recieve?
Students will earn either a PhD or a Doctorate (typically doctor rerum naturalium), depending on their university and program. Students with a strong preference can make this known once offered admission to the program.
How will I find an advisor?
Applicants should spend some time reviewing DIS faculty and their research interests, recent projects and publications, and areas of expertise in the process of applying. During the interview process, applicants and prospective advisors will have a chance to learn more about each other both during applicants’ presentations and in individual meetings to be arranged for the finalist candidates. The university co-advisor, if different from the primary advisor, will be determined once the student has identified their primary advisor.
Does the Complexity Science Hub grant degrees?
No, the Complexity Science Hub is a non-profit research institute and is not accredited as a degree-granting university. We partner with 8 universities in and around Vienna that together comprise the Digital Innovation School and those universities bestow the PhD or Doctor degree. Students in the Graduate Program in Complexity Science complete coursework and thesis-related requirements of their degrees according to the guidelines set by both the Digital Innovation School and their university.
How will I find a university?
During the interview process, applicants will receive information about university programs that align with their backgrounds and interests. Applicants are welcome to specify a preference for a particular program but should note that it is not always possible to match each student to their preference based on limits to available resources and capacity. A formal offer to join the Graduate Program in Complexity Science will include the proposed university affiliation.
Do I need to apply to a university too?
No. We will help students in the program with all aspects of university enrollment.
Which universities participate in the Graduate Program in Complexity Science?
Students in the program will be hosted by, and earn their doctoral degree from, one of the following universities:
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU)
- Central European University (CEU)*
- Interdisciplinary Transformation University Austria (IT:U)
- Medical University of Vienna (MedUni Wien)
- Technical University of Graz (TU Graz)
- Technical University of Vienna (TU Wien)
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni)
- University of Continuing Education Krems (UWK)
- Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU)
* Enrollment in CEU PhD programs is only possible in particular cases. Applicants interested in CEU programs are encouraged to indicate this in their vision letter.
Progress Toward the Degree
What courses will I take?
That depends on the program of study you will pursue. The Digital Innovation School is unique in offering students a range of disciplinary specializations to accompany their training in complexity science. All students will complete courses in data structures and management, analytics and statistics, mathematical and/or computational modeling, open science / responsible research practices, and data ethics – along with graduate seminars and peer discussions. All students will complete a series of complexity science-focused modules and “master classes” within the Digital Innovation School. Students will complement this core with university courses that are specific to their interests and field of study. Students can expect to take approximately 8–14 classes, depending on the various ECTS points, program specifications, and learning goals.
What is required to graduate?
Students must complete all of their university requirements, including the necessary coursework, exams, progress reporting, and research products, including but not limited to a written dissertation describing the thesis research and defense of the thesis to a committee of experts. Permission to write and defend the thesis is given by the Thesis Advisory Committee and must include the explicit approval of the advisor. The Digital Innovation School expects students will have three first-author manuscripts that will make up their thesis.
Three first-author publications seems like a lot. Is this possible?
Yes, the publication expectations are achievable. Publications in the applicable areas of complexity, network, and data science and adjacent fields tend to be more bounded than publications in some areas of e.g. social sciences and economics and thus can be completed in a shorter time. Keep in mind that exceptions can be made in exceptional circumstances. The publication expectation is meant to put students in a strong position for future opportunities.
Why three publications?
Publications reflect a series of projects that together make up the doctoral thesis. In general, the projects – and papers – can be thought of as follows: paper/project 1 is a relatively straight-forward extension of previous work in a direct and tractable way; paper/project 2 evolves from project 1 as an interesting “future direction”; and paper/project 3 is the opportunity to pursue a new direction. The projects are not necessarily sequential but they should build from each other and always benefit from your advisor’s guidance and expertise.
The program is for three years. What happens if I need more time?
Because of the time needed for internships, the Graduate Program in Complexity Science is prepared to support students who need more than three years to complete their doctoral studies. As long as students have demonstrated satisfactory progress towards the degree – as determined by the completion of university and Digital Innovation School requirements, annual Thesis Advisory Committee meetings, and regular discussions with their advisor – an extension can be granted. All contract extensions depend on the availability of funds.
Other considerations
Will I get paid?
Yes, students in the Digital Innovation School receive a fixed gross salary of EUR 39648 per year, paid in 14 parts. Based on this salary, the net income (what you receive in your bank account after taxes and withholdings) for a single person is approximately EUR 2072 per pay period. Students receive this salary in exchange for 30 hours per week of work on your thesis research. The remaining 10 hours per week is unpaid time to be spent on coursework and other degree requirements.
Will I earn enough to cover my living costs?
Yes, if you do not expect to have an extravagent lifestyle and if you do not need to support dependants (spouse, partner, parents, children) solely with your income, the doctoral student salary is quire reasonable. If you do have dependents, it is still possible but may require more careful planning.
Can I apply for fellowships to support my research?
Yes, there are several national and international fellowships that are appropriate to students in the Digital Innovation School. We suggest interested students apply once they have begun their thesis research at the Complexity Science Hub, around the time they submit their thesis proposal / exposé, during their first year of studies. The DIS team will support students who wish to submit applications.
Can I work part-time during the PhD?
Generally part-time work is not possible while one is enrolled in the Graduate Program in Complexity Systems, as the DIS salary is in exchange for 30 hours per week of work on the thesis research – and the remaining 10 hours per week is needed for coursework and other degree requirements. If there is a part-time position that is definitely less than 10 hours per week and it would not interfere with the thesis research and other obligations, an exception can be considered. But please note that such exceptions are not regularly granted.
Can I complete this program remotely?
No, the program requires residency in Austria and regular presence at the Complexity Science Hub and the affiliated university. Students are eligible for research visits or internships at other sites, but such absences are only permissible within the context of Digital Innovation School research and training activities.
Do I need to speak German?
No, the working language of the Complexity Science Hub is English and graduate-level coursework at our partner universities is conducted in English. Vienna is an international city and English is widely spoken. Nonetheless, German courses are available at the Complexity Science Hub for students who would like to learn or improve.