PhDFully Funded Closed 119 days ago

AITHYRA-CeMM Joint International PhD Scholarship

Last verified 21 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

Austria has opened applications for the CeMM PhD Programme 2026, providing 15 to 20 fully funded doctoral positions for global students interested in molecular medicine and life sciences research. Hosted by CeMM, this prestigious four-year programme is a highly competitive and ge

Provider: CeMM (Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences) and AITHYRA (Research Institute for Biomedical Artificial Intelligence)
Host country: Austria
Deadline: January 30, 2026
Region: Europe

Official source

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

AITHYRA-CeMM Joint International PhD Scholarship is open to African students applying to study in Austria at the PhD level, with fully funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: PhD · applicants for Austria
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: PhD
Deadline: January 30, 2026

Key eligibility criteria

Applicants must hold (or be completing by September 2026) a degree in Medicine, Biology, Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or closely related fields. International applicants from all countries are eligible. Candidates must be exceptionally motivated early-career researchers with strong academic records, excellent English proficiency (spoken and written), and demonstrate commitment to interdisciplinary teamwork and research integrity. A minimum qualification of a four-year Bachelor’s degree with honors (or equivalent) is required.

What the fully funded award covers

Research/thesis support

About the AITHYRA-CeMM Joint International PhD Scholarship (2026)

## Overview The AITHYRA-CeMM Joint International PhD Scholarship in Austria offers an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring scientists worldwide to embark on a fully funded four-year doctoral journey. This program, a collaborative effort between CeMM (Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences) and AITHYRA, the new Research Institute for Biomedical Artificial Intelligence, aims to recruit 15-20 highly motivated PhD candidates. Starting in September 2026, the program is designed to cultivate future leaders in molecular medicine, biomedical science, and artificial intelligence, fostering cutting-edge research within an interdisciplinary environment. This is an exceptional chance for African scholars to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in biomedical research while gaining world-class experience in a vibrant European academic setting. ## Benefits The AITHYRA-CeMM Joint International PhD Scholarship offers a comprehensive and attractive package, ensuring that recipients can focus entirely on their research without financial concerns. * **Full Salary:** A competitive gross salary of €2,779.60 per month, paid 14 times annually, for the entire four-year duration of the PhD program. * **Comprehensive Insurance:** Full coverage for health, accident, and retirement insurance. * **Research Funding:** All research costs and university fees are fully covered. * **Travel Support:** Funding for work-related travel, including participation in international conferences, collaborative projects, and specialized training. * **State-of-the-Art Resources:** Access to cutting-edge technologies, advanced facilities, and a collaborative research environment. * **Welfare and Amenities:** Subsidized cafeteria services, comprehensive healthcare provisions, and diverse social and cultural activities. * **Mentorship and Training:** Direct mentorship from leading scientists and a robust interdisciplinary training program designed to develop well-rounded researchers. ## Eligibility To be considered for this prestigious PhD program, applicants must meet the following criteria: * **Academic Background:** Hold, or be on track to complete by September 2026, a degree in one of the following fields: Medicine, Biology, Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or other closely related disciplines. * **Nationality:** Open to international applicants from all countries worldwide, including African nations. * **Research Acumen:** Demonstrate strong academic records, exceptional motivation, and clear potential for impactful research. * **Language Proficiency:** Possess excellent written and spoken English skills. * **Teamwork:** Exhibit a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and uphold research integrity. * **Minimum Qualification:** A four-year Bachelor’s degree with honors or an equivalent qualification is the minimum academic requirement. ## Required documents Applicants are required to prepare a comprehensive set of documents for their application. Carefully compile the following: * **Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume:** A detailed overview of your academic and professional history. * **Motivation Statement:** A compelling statement outlining your research interests, career aspirations, and reasons for applying to this specific program. * **Degree Certificates/Transcripts:** Official copies of your academic records and degree certificates. * **Proof of English Proficiency:** Certification of your English language skills (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL scores), unless your previous education was entirely conducted in English. * **References/Recommendations:** Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can attest to your qualifications and potential. ## Application steps The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure a successful submission: 1. **Access the Portal:** Visit the official application portal at [apply.cemm.at](http://apply.cemm.at/). 2. **Prepare Documents:** Gather all required documents as listed above, ensuring they are complete and accurately reflect your qualifications. 3. **Submit Online:** Complete the online application form and upload all necessary documents before the stated deadline. 4. **Information Sessions:** Consider attending the virtual information sessions held on January 14, 2026, at 10:00 and 17:00 CET for valuable insights into the program and application process. 5. **Interview:** Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, which is a crucial step in the selection process. ## Key dates * **Application Deadline:** January 30, 2026 * **Information Sessions (Virtual):** January 14, 2026 (10:00 CET and 17:00 CET) * **Program Start Date:** September 2026 ## Selection criteria The selection process for the AITHYRA-CeMM Joint International PhD Scholarship is highly competitive, emphasizing academic excellence, research potential, and alignment with the program's interdisciplinary nature. Key selection criteria include: * **Academic Excellence:** Demonstrated strong academic performance and a robust academic record in relevant fields. * **Research Potential:** Evidence of research aptitude, critical thinking, and the potential to contribute significantly to scientific discovery. * **Motivation:** A clear and compelling articulation of interest in molecular medicine, biomedical science, and artificial intelligence, as well as a passion for innovative research. * **English Proficiency:** Strong command of the English language, both written and spoken, to facilitate effective communication in an international research environment. * **Interdisciplinary Teamwork:** Willingness and ability to work effectively in a collaborative and interdisciplinary setting. ## Tips * **Tailor Your Application:** Customize your CV and motivation statement to specifically address the research areas and objectives of the AITHYRA-CeMM program. Highlight any experiences related to molecular medicine, bioinformatics, AI, or related fields. * **Strong References:** Choose referees who know your academic and research capabilities well and can provide strong, specific recommendations. * **Attend Information Sessions:** If possible, participate in the virtual information sessions. This can provide valuable insights and demonstrate your proactive engagement. * **Proofread Meticulously:** Ensure all your application documents are free of any grammatical errors or typos. A professional and polished application makes a strong first impression. * **Early Submission:** While the deadline is clear, submitting your application well in advance provides ample time to resolve any technical issues and ensures your application is thoroughly reviewed. ## Official source For the most accurate and detailed information regarding the AITHYRA-CeMM Joint International PhD Scholarship, please refer to the official program website: * [AITHYRA–CeMM Joint PhD Call 2026](https://cemm.at/phd-program)

What the Fully Funded AITHYRA-CeMM Joint International PhD Scholarship covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Research/thesis support

AITHYRA-CeMM Joint International PhD Scholarship eligibility for Austria applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Applicants must hold (or be completing by September 2026) a degree in Medicine, Biology, Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or closely related fields. International applicants from all countries are eligible. Candidates must be exceptionally motivated early-career researchers with strong academic records, excellent English proficiency (spoken and written), and demonstrate commitment to interdisciplinary teamwork and research integrity. A minimum qualification of a four-year Bachelor’s degree with honors (or equivalent) is required.

Documents required for the AITHYRA-CeMM Joint International PhD Scholarship application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the AITHYRA-CeMM Joint International PhD Scholarship 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.afterschoolafrica.com%2F107652%2Fcemm-phd-programme%2F&title=Open%20now%3A%20AITHYRA-CeMM%20Joint%20International%20PhD%20Scholarship%20in%20Austria%202026%20%28Full%20salary%20for%204%20years%3A%20%E2%82%AC2%2C779.60%2Fmonth%29 and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Applicants must hold (or be completing by September 2026) a degree in Medicine, Biology, Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or closely related fields. International applicants…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, exchange emails, and either obtain a conditional offer or confirmation that they will host your project. Many CeMM (Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences) and AITHYRA (Research Institute for Biomedical Artificial Intelligence) awards require this before the funding application opens.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a focused 1,000–2,000-word research proposal and a separate personal statement. Tailor every paragraph to the sponsor's stated priorities — generic recycled essays are the most common reason strong applicants are rejected.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.afterschoolafrica.com%2F107652%2Fcemm-phd-programme%2F&title=Open%20now%3A%20AITHYRA-CeMM%20Joint%20International%20PhD%20Scholarship%20in%20Austria%202026%20%28Full%20salary%20for%204%20years%3A%20%E2%82%AC2%2C779.60%2Fmonth%29, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Aim to have the full draft complete by 1 Dec 2025. Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by January 30, 2026 (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours before the 30 Jan 2026 deadline. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, CeMM (Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences) and AITHYRA (Research Institute for Biomedical Artificial Intelligence) will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

AITHYRA-CeMM Joint International PhD Scholarship deadline & application timeline

Working backwards from the sponsor's stated deadline (January 30, 2026). Dates assume a smooth, single-attempt timeline — start earlier where you can.

12 months out
4 Feb 2025
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
3 Aug 2025
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
1 Nov 2025
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
31 Dec 2025
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
30 Jan 2026
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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Editorial verification note

Imported from afterschoolafrica.com editorial listing.

Last checked 5/21/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the AITHYRA-CeMM Joint International PhD Scholarship?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the PhD level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by CeMM (Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences) and AITHYRA (Research Institute for Biomedical Artificial Intelligence), and be able to relocate to Austria for the duration of the programme.

Is the AITHYRA-CeMM Joint International PhD Scholarship fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is January 30, 2026. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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